
Joy Theatre
9225 S. Commercial Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60617
9225 S. Commercial Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60617
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The architect was Franz Roy, whose office was nearby at 9046 S. Commercial Avenue. He designed a number of area buildings.
Opened in 1908 as Pete’s Theatre it was closed in 1910. It re-opened in 1915 as the South Chicago Theatre and this lasted until 1917. In 1923 it re-opened again, this time known as the International Theatre and it was re-named Joy Theatre in 1936. It finally closed in 1947.
Peter Lopina was my grandfather’s brother. He was known by locals as “two-for-nickel” Pete because he would allow two children to shuffle into the theatre for a single nickel. The first kid would pay his five cents and Pete would hurry the second kid through by patting him on the back. I have some great photos of him in front of the theatre that I can scan and post if anyone is interested.