Nomination for Ohio Theatre

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

Form 10-300 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (Rev. 6-72) NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM ENTRY DATE NAME MAR 22 1973 AND/ OR HISTORIC: Chalmers P.

Wylie L049 - Building - Structure X Preservation work - Transportation - Comments - Other (Specify) OWNER OF PROPERTY OWNER'S NAME: LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION COURTHOUSE, REGISTRY OF DEEDS, ETC: REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS TITLE OF SURVEY: DATE OF SURVEY: - Federal 039 LOCATION CLASSIFICATION Commercial STATE Government Military CATEGORY ACCESSIBLE Site Restricted Religious Columbus District Entertainment Educational County NATIONAL Both Agricultural Private Unoccupied STATUS Franklin Yes: REGISTER CODE OWNERSHIP Museum Scientific COMMON: Park Private Residence Ohio Franklin County Courthouse Public Public Acquisition: Being Considered Columbus Association for the Performing Arts Ohio Theatre 380 South High Street Industrial TO THE PUBLIC STREET AND NUMBER: DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS: Local 41 East State Street CITY OR TOWN: (Check One) Object In Process FOR NPS USE ONLY in progresr RECEIVED - Deteriorated IN S - Unexposed - Unaltered DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (if known) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Description of the property

A massive building, the theater is about two hundred feet square, and and marquee) level, while the end bays are pilastered. Above the second the lobby and on the first level upstairs are lounges for men and women. "Mighty Morton" theatre pipe organ, which is one of the finest in the and the main stage curtain is also original 1972, clearly describes the theater on opening night: "Elaborate gold leaf-covered carvings soared above the proscenium, and a majestically into view from the orchestra pit, this novelty brought forth of ceremonies for the day, appeared in front of the curtain and presented CONDITION DESCRIPTION NATIONAL REGISTER the interior is extremely ornate front of the theater.Upon entering the foyer, one is overwhelmed by feet sank into luxurious carpeting.

Wide stairways lead to the upper levels on the east and west sides.Below stories to the ceiling, and is graced by a huge, crystal chandelier remains and the present owner is actively restoring the remainder to its and gesso decorations.A significant feature of the theater is the bronze railings of the mezzanine to catch the splendor below.

The following account, quoted from The Country Music Star News, December, on the east and west walls; high overhead a blazing chandelier with clusters "As forty handsome ushers, resplendent in brand new uniforms, directed the A long row of brass doors are provided for ingress and egress at the of electric candelabra and tiny flying horses was noted before the lights The north side of the theater shows the only embellishments on the bay facade.This section is columned above the first Built of brick with stone-faced facade in 1928, the Ohio Theatre is one of (Check One) -Good - Fair X Original Site original appearance. Again, in the main part of the theater, the walls parted to show a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer newsreel. Then George Lyons, master intricate, hand-painted designs.

Fortunately, much of this decoration Excellent Moved dimmed.The rich sound of the orchestra was heard.As they rose nation.The original swagged brocade curtains remain at the doorways the most magnificent structures of its type extant in the United States. stage are windows across the facade with pilasters between. Fair and ceilings around the seating area are embellished with elaborate gilt the intricate gesso wall decorations.The lobby reaches nearly three Form 10-300a UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (July 1969) NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY - NOMINATION FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY ENTRY NUMBER 7. Description (con't) lift (a screw jack)\the organ elevator, and ran the gamut of lighting shown at the Ohio came on. A silent movie, starring Greta Garbo as "The GP O 921.724 effects.

COUNTY STATE DATE Franklin NATIONAL REGISTER (Continuation Sheet) Ohio Ohio Theatre (Number all entries) a vaudeville type revue.After the dancing girls, the first movie ever He explained the orchestra as it arose from the pit.His performance was followed by a stage show.. Divine Woman'." "Henry B.Murtaugh was on the bench of the Robert Morton theatre organ a display of the magic the theater offered. MAR 22 1973

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

SIGNIFICANCE PERIOD (Check One or More as Appropriate) - 16th Century X 20th Century - Prehistoric - Transportation Blessed with a gorgeous interior and perfect acoustics, the Ohio In 1969 the Loew's theater chain sold the Ohio Theatre to a holding ful, and the theater was purchased for $1.8 million by the Columbus erected elsewhere.

Even now, the work that has been completed makes the Ohio Theatre the central location, the lavish interior spaces and near-perfect acoustics, make this theater a building of immense significance and MAR 22 1973 Conservation Architecture Commerce Engineering Military losophy Theater Aboriginal Literature Religion/Phi Communications Science Agriculture NATIONAL REGISTER itarian Education Pre-Columbian The Association has been the most beneficial owner of the building, Music drive for donations was begun.Fortunately, the fund drive was success- Invention Political Association for the Performing Arts.The state office building was Sculpture Landscape one of the finest early twentieth century theaters in existence. Social/Human- Lamb who was the designer of several other theaters in the United working meticulously to restore the Ohio to its original condition.

artisans who created the theater's interior embellishments. Urban Planning The Ohio Theatre was designed by Scottish-born architect, Thomas White Industry States.It is estimated that it would cost nearly $l6 million to The Robert Morton theatre pipe organ, called the 'Mighty Morton", a source of pride for the citizens of Columbus. RECEIVED undertaking would be impossible because of the lack of skilled of Ohio for the site for anew state office building.A public Other (Specify) AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE (Check One or More as Appropriate) SPECIFIC DATE(S) (If Applicable and Known) built 1928 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Art Theatre did not always have as bright a future as it does today. duplicate this structure today.It is quite possible that such an MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES Arter, Bill, Columbus Vignettes IV. Columbus, Ohio; Nida-Eckstein Printing, Ohio: December, 1972, p. 11.

GEOGRAPHICAL DATA LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE COORDINA TES DEFINING A RECTANGLE LOCATING THE PROPERTY DEFINING THE CENTER POINT OF A PHOPERTY OF LESS THAN TEN ÁCRES 3/4 acre MAR 22 1973 FORM PREPARED BY January, STATE LIAISON OFFICER CERTIFICATION As the designated State Liaison Officer for the Na- I hereby certify that this property is included in the tional Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665), I hereby nominate this property for inclusion The National Register in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated according to the c-iteria and procedures set level of significance of this nomination is: GPO 931-894 039 Seconds Degrees LATITUDE DATE ORGANIZATION STATE LONGITUDE COUNTY Minutes Columbus REGISTER Title ATTEST: CORNER Degrees Minutes Seconds CODE NATIONAL REGISTER VERIFICATION Ohio NATIONAL Larry Alan Beers NAME AND TITLE: STREET AND NUMBER: 1932 Forest Village Lane CITY OR TOWN: "Ohio Theatre - Pride of Columbus", Country Music Star News, Columbus N 39 W 82 APPROXIMA TE ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY: forth by the National Park Service.

The recommended Local Name Director, Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Form No. 10-301a NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ENTRY NUMBER NAME AND/OR HISTORIC: LOCA TION STREET AND NUMBER: 39 East State Street CITY OR TOWN: DATE OF PHOTO: NEGATIVE FILED AT: DESCRIBE VIEW, DIRECTION, ETC. View of side and rear of balcony, looking west. INT: 154-72 049 1928 039 Franklin Columbus IDENTIFICATION DATE COUNTY Ohio Title: Loew's Archives STATE (Type all entries - attach to or enclose with photograph) COMMON: Columbus Association of Performing Arts CODE PHOTO REFERENCE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM photos are presently being prepared Ohio Theatre (7/72) NPS Number PHOTO CREDIT: Loc FOR NPS USE ONLY MAR 221973 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Form No.

10-301a NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FOR NPS USE ONLY APR Ohio Theat re MAR 2E 1973 AND/OR HISTORIC: LOCA TION CITY OR TOWN: DATE OF PHOTO: NEGATIVE FILED AT: Columbus Association of Performing Arts DESCRIBE VIEW, DIRECTION, ETC. INT: 154-72 049 039 photos are presently being prepared. 1928 Franklin IDENTIFICATION View from rear balcony toward stage, looking south. Columbus NPS Number Ohio NATIONAL STATE COUNTY DATE CODE REGISTER NAME PHOTO REFERENCE Loew's Archives COMMON: NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES (Type all entries - attach to or enclose with photograph) PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM PHOTO CREDIT: ENTRY NUMBER (7/72) 39 East State Street STREET AND NUMBER: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Form No. 10-301a NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FOR NPS USE ONLY NAME LOCA TION CITY OR TOWN: Jan. 6,1973 DATE OF PHOTO: NEGATIVE FILED AT: DESCRIBE VIEW, DIRECTION, ETC.

INT: 154-72 049 039 NPS Number IDENTIFICATION Title: DATE COUNTY Franklin Columbus STATE REGISTER Ohio CODE PHOTO REFERENCE COMMON: (Type all entries -attach to or enclose with photograph) Loc. 39 East State Street The Ohio Historical Society,Columbus, Ohio NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM This view shows the north side of the theater. Ohio Theatre Larry Alan Beers ENTRY NUMBER AND/OR HISTORIC: (7/72) STREET AND NUMBER: PHOTO CREDIT: NPS Number - UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Form No. 10-301a NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FOR NPS USE ONLY APR AND/OR HISTORIC: MAR 22 1973 LOCA TION STREET AND NUMBER: 39 East State Street CITY OR TOWN: DATE OF PHOTO: NEGATIVE FILED AT: DESCRIBE VIEW, DIRECTION, ETC.

INT: 154-72 049 1928 039 Ohio Columbus COUNTY Franklin DATE STATE NAME NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION Columbus Association of Performing Arts Loew's Archives photos are presently being prepared. CODE View of lobby - mezzanine level, looking east. REGISTER PHOTO REFERENCE Ohio Theatre COMMON: NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES (Type all entries-attach to or enclose with photograph) PHOTO CREDIT: (7/72) PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM ENTRY NUMBER Loc. Virtually unchanged from this 1928 photo. Interior Title: Form No. 10-301 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Rev. 7-72 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PROPERTY MAP FORM FOR NPS USE ONLY ENTRY NUMBER Ohio Theatre AND/OR HISTORIC: STREET AND NUM BER: MAR 22 1973 CITY OR TOWN: U.S.G.S. (7.5) Southeast Columbus Quadrangle TO BE INCLUDED ON ALL MAPS 1. Property broundaries where required. 2. North arrow. 3. Latitude and longitude reference.

INT: 155-72 039 1964 REQUIREMENTS Franklin LOCATION COUNTY 1:24000 CODE NAME DATE NATIONAL REGISTER STATE Columbus Ohio SCALE: COMMON: MAP REFERENCE SOURCE: NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES 39 East State Street (Type all entries-attach to or enclose with map) 049 APR 111 UNITED STATES SOUTHEAST COLUMBUS QUADRANGLE SOUTHEAST COLUMBUS, OHIO DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Ohio Theatre OHIO-FRANKLIN CO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 7.5 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC APR 1 1 1973 Garfleld Memorial Mr. Daniel R. Porter, Director Hon. John P. Selberling, Jr. Eon. Donald D. Clancy Location STATE /11/73 PHR Name Cleveland Date Entered Franklin County Also Notified Akron Richland County NRowland:mm Malabar Farm ENTRIES IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER Lucas vicinity Cuyahoga County Stark County Summit County Hon. Robert Taft, Jx. State Historic Preservation Officer Non. John M.

Ashbrook Cincinnati Sacred Heart Acadomy Hon. William B. Saxbe Maumee The Ohio Hietoricel Society Maumee Sidecut Hamilton County Lucas County Ohio Theatre Massillon Worth (Gorhan A.) House Hower Mansion Columbus Fon. Thomas L. Ashley Apostolio Bethlehem Tenple Church DEC 13 1973 Mr. Leo B. Pride nomination form for the property, which may be of assistance to Chief, Branch of Registration Mr. Daniel R. Porter, Director, The Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43211 w/cy inc Director, Northeast Region w/cy inc L PR - w/cy inc 12-7-73 H34-PR Sincerely yours, National Register International Theatre Directory BASIC FILE RETAINED IN PR Enclosures Charles A. Herrington you in preparing your article.

We are pleased to advise you that the Ohio Theatre was nominated 5014 Melrose Avenue by the Ohio State Historic Preservation Officer and entered in the We appreciate your interest in historic preservation. which describes the National Register program and a copy of the Ohio Theatre to the National Register of Historic Places. Los Angeles 38, California Dear Mr. Pride: CShull:lmw Thank you for your recent letter concerning the nomination of the OHIO THEATRE Resource Name Date form completed) _ 3. NHL 1 - 7. NPS - 8. DOE - 9. RESTRICTED 2 (Cause for removal) 7. (Current source of partial documentation) WASO 21 JAN 1986 (County) 73001437 DEMOLISHED UNDOCUMENTED (State) (Date Found/Replaced) EXPLANATION: STATUS: Locator Card FRANKLIN OWNER OBJECTION (Date Removed) (Location of oversize file) NATIONAL PARK SERVICE National Register of Historic Places (Reference Number(s]) (TR or MRA Name) 1.

MISSING 2. REMOVED/ 4. TR 5. MRA 6. OVER- (NHL Name, if different than NRHP Name) (Where found, or source of replacement) COMMENTS: SIZED (Date Designated) (Target Date)