Theatorium

Originally constructed sometime before 1886, the Derrick Building was the home of a local newspaper. The building was a three story brick structure with a central stair. By 1891 the paper had moved into a larger building to the north, and this became commercial space. Between 1901 and 1906, the building was nearly doubled in size by a wooden addition in the rear.

The 1913 map shows a two story concrete block addition behind this, creating a stage. The northern storefront was used as the entrance. This theater was likely out of business by 1914-15, as it does not appear in the AMPD, although it is possible that it was renamed either Plaza Theatre or Hippodrome Theatre. In any case, it was definitely closed by 1926.

The 1950 map shows the stage removed, and the building remodeled with a stone front and the rear addition in brick. Sadly, this entire block was replaced by a very grim one-story strip mall of offices, perhaps sometime around 1960. The theater site today appears to be a ragged and depressing little plaza between two of the buildings.

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