Liberty Theatre

3705 W. Fullerton Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60647

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Essaness Theaters Corp.

Architects: Jacob S. Aroner

Functions: Banquet Hall

Previous Names: Garden Theatre

Nearby Theaters

Fullerton Avenue in 1937

The Liberty Theatre was opened in 1911. Western stars Hoppy, Roy and Gene, among others, swung in the saddle here. It briefly became the Garden Theatre before closing in 1951.

The Liberty Theatre is now home to a banquet hall.

Contributed by Ray Martinez

Recent comments (view all 10 comments)

rso1000
rso1000 on February 11, 2004 at 2:41 am

I was informed by a now deceased theatre buff, that the now level floor still has seats under it. Supposedly there is a location somewhere in the back rear of the theatre that is used for storage and you can actually still see the seats. Can anyone confirm this??

Broan
Broan on December 3, 2006 at 9:26 pm

Here are photos of this theater.

Broan
Broan on October 22, 2007 at 2:35 am

Architect was Jacob S. Aroner. Built 1911

matthew1964
matthew1964 on July 31, 2012 at 6:36 pm

WOW,, i lived in this neighborhood for years walk by it everyday on my way home from school,(kelvyn park) ,, never know it was a theater ,,now looking at the photo ,,it really does look like a theater building,,,thanks for the insight ,,matt

Broan
Broan on November 30, 2014 at 3:10 pm

I don’t think this was ever named Garden Theater. It closed as the Liberty sometime in 1951 and became the Marcin Ballroom some time that same year, owned by Democratic Committeeman & later City Clerk John C. Marcin. It turned to the Garden Walk restaurant in the late 1960s.

Broan
Broan on November 30, 2014 at 3:10 pm

Earlier this year, it was renamed the Diamond Garden, and the exterior has been remodeled slightly.

Broan
Broan on February 21, 2015 at 11:17 am

Built by John S. Ahamnos, who also built the New Apollo at Pulaski & North

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on March 31, 2015 at 12:02 am

Photo added.

When the former Liberty Theatre (now Diamond Banquet Hall) at Fullerton and Lawndale was renovated last year, an old sign was briefly revealed—but only a day or two.

Disappointing it was covered up, would have been a nice historic touch for the new business. I believe it’s still under the new tile cladding. Photo and copy credit John Morris.

liberty99
liberty99 on July 19, 2018 at 1:49 pm

My grandfather, Adam Staskus, either owned or managed the Liberty in the 1920’s. The theater was in the heart of a Lithuanian community. Anyone know about people associated with the Liberty back in the day?

Bert

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