I was able to drop by and see the Hollywood Theater this afternoon while driving on the streets of Leavenworth, KS. I did not expect to see the theater today, but discovered it as I was driving through Delaware Street. I recognized the theater instantly as I approached after reading about this theater online. The theater now is home to the local community theater and occasionally holds concerts of traveling performers.
The Hollywood Theater or also known as the Leavenworth Performing Arts Theater was designed and built by Robert O. Boller in 1938. Robert Boller was a designer of many theaters throughout the U.S. including The Lensic Theater, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Once the theater had a vertical marque with the name of the theater on it, but the theater still retains a majestic presence in the main shopping district of the town.
The theater remained a movie theater until the 1970’s when it closed and was donated to the city. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990 (#90001575) for its significance in Architecture as it displays the Art Deco style of the 1930’s.
As I stood across the street, it was easy to imagine the line to the ticket boot buying tickets to the movies before going inside. From information on different websites, the inside houses a second floor lobby and balcony in which to view the show. It was built during a time when it truly was the only show in town. It is always good to see these old theaters still in use.