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All Kinds In Chicago

Source: Variety, 27 February 1909, pg. 13.

The epidemic of combination moving picture and vaudeville theatres in Chicago is now more prevalent than ever. Not only are pictures displayed, but from one to five vaudeville acts are given, and they represent nearly every nationality in the world.

On the West Side (in the vicinity of Halsted and Taylor Streets, running as far down as 14th Street) are nickel theatres where Yiddish, Greek and Italian are spoken by the owners as well as the performers. Large signs characteristic of the performances inside are displayed in front. Most of these places are stores. Shows are given continuously, and the crowds around the box office indicate that business is at top notch.

On Milwaukee Avenue (the State Street of the Northwest Side) there are at least three of these store theatres in each block, and stock lithographs with printing in different languages, principally Polish, Yiddish and Bohemian, are plastered in the narrow lobbies to attract attention.




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Page authored: 18 February 2000 -
Copyright 2000 by Scott A. Newman
Source: Variety, 27 Feb 1909, 13.