Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1924-Mar 1925)

18 BETTER THEATRES SECTION OE January 31, 1925 Exterior and auditorium view of Harry Lerner’s new theatre at Elkhart, Ind. Vitzhum and Burns, Chicago, architects. Elaborate New Lerner Theatre at Elkhart, Indiana ODERX theatres, comfortable and finely appointed, are rising up in smaller cities throughout the country on an unprecedented scale. The latest, and probably the finest example of this is the new Lerner theatre at Elkhart, Indiana. The statement that a theatre "compares with the finest in this section of the country” is a broad generalization and one that we fear has frequently been idl>’ used. In the case of the Lerner theatre, however, it can emphatically be stated that here is a playhouse which stands as a leader in conception and execution with any theatre in cities of contemporary size. The new Lerner, for that matter, might easily be transferred to Chicago’s Rialto or Broadway and be hailed as shining example of present day elaborate motion picture theatre construction. * * Jj: Obser\ation of theatre construction tendencies in smaller cities shows that* the trend is to build for the future with theatres of larger size and more elaborate embellishments than in the past. If we may venture to establish economic reason for this procedure the Lerner project furnishes a working criterion. In this instance a theatre considerably less costly and elaborate would have appeared to have met all requirements of the town. Yet Elkhart is so situated that it can reasonably expect, by providing a theatre and entertainment of the most modern type, to draw clinetele from surrounding towns. Automobiles and good roads make this possible. So in building a theatre which is ultramodern and ornate beyond expectations for the city, it is a safe guess that Harry Lerner believes that theatre-goers in the surrounding country will be attracted to his new house in sufficient numbers to warrant the additional outlay above that which would have been generally accepted as sufficient. providing a maximum of comfort. The building proper has a Main street frontage of 105 feet and a depth of 165 feet. The Main street facade of beautifully designed polychromed terra cotta, rises to a height of 68 feet. With four massive columns and a great illuminated canopy over the sidewalk it makes a most impressing appearance. Among the new departures of the Lerner is a fully equipped nursery in the basement where mothers may turn their children over to a competent nurse while they enjoy the show. Miss Sarah Sheder is in charge of the nursery and she has been provided with a ^■eritable toyland. Probably the finest impression of the modern scale on which the Lerner is constructed is gained on entering the men’s and women’s retiring rooms. These are artistically furnished with costly furniture of harmonious design. One walks over soft, expensive carpets and there is a spacious reception room for men and women. The Adam design has been carried out throughout the theatre. In the auditroium ceiling is a great dome. A simple but beautiful color scheme of gilt, soft shades of blue and cream with great damask panels, luxurious carpets and costly draperies are all accentuated in their beauty under the myriads of lights in intricate fixtures and in cove placement. sK * * The Lerner stage measures 85 by 28 feet, with an opening of 44 feet into the auditorium. The Peter Clark mechanical system of counterweights is used, capable of handling the heaviest and most elalwarate scenery. There are 12 dressing rooms all equipped with hot and cold running water and providing all other conveniences of the modern theatre building for performers. Heating and ventilation of the theatre (Continued on page 24) One of the luxuriously furnished rest rooms in Harry Lerner’s new playhouse at Eldhart, Ind. The new Lerner theatre, which was opened on Thanksgiving Day, represents an investment of $750,000. The theatre itself cost over $500,000. The seating capac The beautiful lobby of the new Lerner theatre, Elkhart, Ind., which is flanked with Travertine marble. ity is 2,200. On the lower floor are 1,300 seats, while the balcony and loge contains 900. Like everything else in the Lerner the seats are of the most modern type.