Arcada Theatre exterior in 1949.
Courtesy of the Arcada Theatre
This week's #TBT Gallery features the historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles.
Designed and funded by Lester Norris, the Spanish influenced theater opened on Labor Day, Sept. 6, 1926. The premiere showcased a film called “The Last Frontier” and Vaudeville acts of Fibber McGee and Molly Lor.
Many Vaudeville acts would follow over the years, gaining the theater a reputation as “one of the outstanding Vaudeville houses in the Fox River Valley,” according to the theater's current website, oshows.com.
Other famous performers would visit the theater over the years, including the John Philip Sousa Band, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Jeanette McDonald, Maria Von Trapp and more.
In 2005, Ron Onesti purchased the historic gem, refurbished and upgraded it and helped make it a major draw once again to the city of St. Charles, showcasing performers of all backgrounds from today's era.
For more information about the theater and upcoming shows, go to oshows.com.
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Construction phases of the Arcada Theatre, which opened in 1926.
Courtesy of the Arcada Theatre
Pre-opening stage at the Arcada Theatre, 1926.
Courtesy of the Arcada Theatre
Early image of the interior of the Arcada Theatre.
Courtesy of the Arcada Theatre
Newspaper stories and ads dated September 4, 1926 announcing the grand opening of Arcada Theatre on September 6.
Courtesy of the Arcada Theatre
The main lobby of the Arcada Theatre in the 1930s.
Courtesy of the Arcada Theatre
The main lobby of the Arcada Theatre in the 1980s.
Courtesy of the Arcada Theatre
The Playmakers Chorus rented the Arcada Theatre for their productions in the 1970s.
Courtesy of the Arcada Theatre
1926 Marr & Colton organ purchased for the theater in 1926 and estimated to cost over $25,000 at the time.
Courtesy of the Arcada Theatre
Lieutenant Commander John Philip Sousa and his band performed at the Arcada Theatre in 1930.
Courtesy of the Arcada Theatre
Exterior of Arcada Theatre, date unknown.
Courtesy of the Arcada Theatre
Richard Nixon supporters have a sign posted on the Arcada Theater marquee, in St. Charles, showing their support for Nixon over John F. Kennedy Jr. while the then Senator visited the area.
Courtesy of the Arcada Theatre
The crowd sways to and fro with arms around each other as Beatles cover band, American English, performs at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles. It was the first concert since the theater has come under the new ownership of Ron Onesti.
Laura Stoecker/Daily Herald File Photo 2005