Venetian Theatre

The Majestic Theatre opened January 15, 1912 at 305 South Main Street in a converted retail location by Ollie E. Rogers. Three reels of film - or 30 minutes - with Gus Ludwig, baritone was on the bill. This indicated that the Majestic Theatre had a single projector and live filler between films. Basil “Ben” and Angelo M. Pechorelli took on the venue on September 21, 1912 as the Venetian Theatre.

Ezra Rhodes of the Orpheum Theatre and Family Theatre locally and the LaSalle Theatre and Castle Theatre in South Bend bought out the Venetian Theatre lessen the picture show theatere competition. Rhodes ripped out the seats following the last presentation at the Venetian Theatre on June 18, 1919. The space was converted for use by Paul D. Farley’s Delicatessen & Bakery (which haad a 25-year run there) and by S.S. Kresge’s for a dime store.

Angelo moved to Goshen taking over the Royal Theatre there likely indicating a form of non-compete arrangement in Elkhart.

The building housing the theatre appears to have been demolished in August of 1954 after a salvage sale.

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