City - Chicago, IL - Relax in cool comfort 1940 Postcard
Colorized photo from 1940, July Original title: Movie Theatre Photographer: John Vachon Location: 57 W. Monroe Street, Chicago, IL Sometimes it doesn't even matter what's playing, all what is important is that its cool inside, when its so hot out. Imagine back in the day when air conditioning was an advertisement point. Whatever brings in the customers. This was the Monroe Theater, it was on Chicago's Loop, built in 1923, and given an art deco makeover a little before this photo was taken. Before this place, in 1920 it was known as Barbee's Loop theater, or just Barbee's Theater, named after William S Barbee. He wanted to build a stage inside, but the city wouldn't let him because there weren't enough emergency exits, so he sold the building and that's what this is. This theater lasted for a while during the 1940's, they showed western and sci-fi movies, along with newsreel. By the 1950's, they started showing B-grade sci-fi and horror films. By the 1960's, adult films were added, and by 1970 or so, it closed, then was demolished.
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