Nomination for Palace Theater

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

Form No. 10-300 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE RECEIVEDDEC 3 0 1975 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES INVENTORY -- NOMINATION FORM MAR 2 6 1976 SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- COMPLETE APPLICABLE SECTIONS HISTORIC Wu AND/OR COMMON STREET & NUMBER 272 West Center Street _NOT FOR PUBLICATION CITY, TOWN CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT - VICINITY OF STATE ( PRESENT USE X_BUILDING(S) X PRIVATE X WORK IN PROGRESS -PRIVATE RESIDENCE - PUBLIC ACQUISITION X ENTERTAINMENT - IN PROCESS X-YES: RESTRICTED BEING CONSIDERED - YES: UNRESTRICTED OWNER OF PROPERTY STREET & NUMBER LOCATION OF LEGAL DESCRIPTION COURTHOUSE REGISTRY OF DEEDS, ETC.

REPRESENTATION IN EXISTING SURVEYS DEPOSITORY FOR SURVEY RECORDS 039 CODE 101 COUNTY DATE Marion TITLE ACCESSIBLE INDUSTRIAL RELIGIOUS LOCATION CATEGORY PARK CLASSIFICATION MILITARY SITE AGRICULTURE OWNERSHIP DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC STATUS Ohio DATE ENTERED DATA SHEET NAME Palace Cultural Arts Association Marion County Courthouse Palace Theater _COMMERCIAL FOR NPS USE ONLY _EDUCATIONAL -SCIENTIFIC Main G Center Streets - UNOCCUPIED -STRUCTURE (Rev. Box 462 - GOVERNMENT -OBJECT - MUSEUM -OTHER: -BOTH 7th - Clarence J Brown DESCRIPTION DETERIORATED X GOOD -MOVED DATE. DESCRIBE THE PRESENT AND ORIGINAL (IF KNOWN) PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Description of the property

Over the marquee a large, rectangular sign declaring "PALACE" in bold letters hangs the auditorium and stage facilities, are of varying heights. ornamented lobby which as as its focal point a winding stairway leading to the the balcony, which is cantilevered construction, one obtains a broad sweeping view arches; lifesize classical statues in decorative niches; and the soft light of a - harvest moon casting shadows over the somber-colored walls are clearly in view. Overhead, myriads of stars twinkle in an azure blue sky while soft fleecy clouds CONDITION UNEXPOSED EXCELLENT XALTERED CHECK ONE restored to its former glory. voussoirs.A diamond pattern of brick corbeling covers the area above the windows.

The Palace Theater is an irregularly massed brick building.The first story houses Opportunities for carrying out the Spanish effect in the mezzanine floor are greater best describe the details of this interior.The box office is approached directly drift gently across the sky. theater itself is thought to be quite fireproof. from a false flemish-like gable which is elaborately decorated with medallions, The statuary was obtained from the Caproni Studios in Boston which furnished life- level has a band of round-arched,1/l pane windows connected by brick banding and Emergency exits from the theater are built within the walls of the building and the and each detail and scroll was of interest.It is hoped that the theater can be XORIGINAL SITE -UNALTERED _RUINS -FAIR The relatively plain exterior belies the elaborate interior. Spanish Rococco might than in the foyer.

Here and there patches of red brick appear where plaster has fallen. Niches in the wall are cleverly adapted to hold drinking fountains. From the major entrance with its overhanging marquee and several storefronts.The second from West Center Street.Inside several double swinging doors is the richly size sculpture to art schools.There was a sense of elegance.No two sections repeated to the orchestra seats. Each end seat is fitted with a light to illuminate the floor. mezzanine.The doors separating the foyer and the lobby are heavy walnut and are AREAS OF

Statement of significance

The Palace Theater which opened in Marion, Ohio, on August 30, 1928, is one of the last of the movie houses built during the golden age of the silent cinema. John Eberson, its architect, was one of the two foremost theater designers of the twenties, the other his own office. Working with pioneers in the movie industry, he designed theaters, told him never to forget to feed the pigeons. That evening, Bank Kennedy, at the console of the golden voiced Page organ, played an original composition, "Everybody's such as Ted Lewis, Ben Bernie, Joe Penner, Buddy Rogers and many of the musical reviews - wind a set of dishes or perhaps a few hundred dollars. Later in the 1940's the big band sound reverberated throughout the Palace as Goodman, the Dorseys, Ellington, and the other proponents of "swing" entertained Marion audiences.

In the past two decades the Palace has been a center for the showing of films. When 1928 1500-1599 1800-1899 1700-1799 ECONOMICS RELIGION EDUCATION COMMERCE BUILDER/ARCHITECT EXPLORATION/SETTLEMENT PHILOSOPHY SCULPTURE PERIOD INDUSTRY ARCHITECTURE MILITARY XTHEATER PREHISTORIC LITERATURE John Eberson SIGNIFICANCE TRANSPORTATION ARCHEOLOGY-PREHISTORIC _COMMUNICATIONS _POLITICS/GOVERNMENT opened with silent pictures and the sound system was not installed until its second Theater was designed by Eberson as a Spanish patio where friendly stars twinkled, Other outstanding theaters designed by Eberson were the Valencia and Paradise in New auditorium was one of the first air conditioned buildings in the city of Marion.

During -CONSERVATION year of operation.The magnificent Page organ operated from a pit elevator and the _SOCIAL/HUMANITARIAN X1900- postless balcony.Mr.Eberson's chief achievement was the creation of the "atmospheric" The Palace in Marion was built at a cost of approximately one-half million dollars and -1600-1699 -1400-1499 -ENGINEERING In the 1930's the Palace featured most of the big names in show business with entertainers this restoration and are known as the Palace Guard. Welcome To the Palace." -LAW theater, which featured magnificent outdoor gardens under starlit skies. The Palace York, the Capitol and the Avalon in Chicago, the Tampa in Florida, the Grand Riviera in Détroit, the Paramount in Nashville and the nearby Loew's Theater in Akron, Ohio. restored, the Palace will be the reincarnation of the artistic triumphs of yesteryear and a living legacy.

A group of interested persons has banded together to achieve being Thomas Lamb. Born in Austria, Eberson migrated to St. Louis and in 1903, opened INVENTION of the day.During the Depression Bank Nights were everyone's recreation when one could the grand opening Mr.Eberson presented a sack of bird seed to the theater manager and wisps of clouds drifted over the domed ceiling and stuffed pigeons perched on the 9

The rest of the file

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

MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES Hall, Bramhall House, N.Y., N.Y., 1961. Historical Society Annual, 1975. 10 GEOGRAPHICAL DATA ACREAGE OF NOMINATED PROPERTY _ UTM REFERENCES VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION LIST ALL STATES AND COUNTIES FOR PROPERTIES OVERLAPPING STATE OR COUNTY BOUNDARIES 11 FORM PREPARED BY NAME / TITLE STREET & NUMBER 89 2 CITY OR TOWN 12 STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER CERTIFICATION NATIONAL - LOCAL - As the designated State Historic Preservation Officer for the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665). I herebynominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated according to the criteria and procedures set forth by the National Park Service.

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER SIGNATURE FOR NPS USE ONLY DATE 3-19-76 Marion COUNTY ORGANIZATION DATE August 1975 CODE TELEPHONE Marion County Courthouse, Room 1 NORTHING The Marion County Historical Society STATE Theodore B. Myers, Board Member ATTEST: ZONE EASTING Ohio 43302 Less than one GPO 892.459 The Marion Star: Thompson Newspapers, Inc., 150 Court St., Marion, Ohio, 1928. THE EVALUATED SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS PROPERTY WITHIN THE STATE IS: 1 HEREBY CERTIFY ZONE The Best Remaining Seats:The Story of the Golden Age of the Movie Palace.Ben M. STAGE MEN OFF. STORE LOBSY MAIN FLOOR PLAN DOCK DEC 3 0 1975 NATIONAL REGISTER RECEIVED LITTLE TIEATRE MEN REHEARSAL SECOND FLOOR PLAN GREEN RM.

ORGAN USHERS CRAWL SPACE BELOW AUDITORIUM ELECT DRESS STOR BASEMENT FLOOR PLAN BOILER OLD BOILER RM DEC 3 0 RECEIVED REGISTER Photos Inventory - REVIEW UNIT CHIEF Send-back - Entered MAR & 6 1976 OTHER HAER KEEPER ARCHEOLOGIST Re-submit TECHNICAL CONTROL Review Maps HISTORIAN Property Federal Register Entry 2-27-76 State Marion ACCEPT BRANCH CHIEF National Register Write-up -5-76 4B YEARS OLD. INT: 2106- 74 ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIAN Working Number /2. 30. 3-4-76 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service WAso No.7 Murtagh Ole Photos - ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIAN REVIEW UNIT CHIEF BRANCH CHIEF MAR 3 0 1978 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service WASO No.

7 Inventory OTHER KEEPER Entered ARCHEOLOGIST HAER CONTROL Send-back Re-submit Maps Property Marion Review TECHNICAL Federal Register Entry Working Number National Register Write-up State his 12.20.27.2129 2-8.78 INT:2 Accept ARCHTeLTuAALHISTORIAN Palace Theater PROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER 3/2676 Form No. 10-301a (Rev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES DEC 3 0 1975 PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM MAR 2 6 1976 DATE ENTERED TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- ENCLOSE WITH PHOTOGRAPH AND/OR COMMON CITY. TOWN -VICINITY OF STATE Ohio COUNTY Marion NEGATIVE FILED AT Hughes Photography Inc., Marion DESCRIBE VIEW. DIRECTION, ETC.

IF DISTRICT, GIVE BUILDING NAME & STREET GPO 892-454 Marion HISTORIC IDENTIFICATION LOCATION RECIEVED PHOTO CREDIT Palace Theater PHOTO REFERENCE June 1975 SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS NAME NATIONAL PARK SERVICE John Ralls DATE OF PHOTO FOR NPS USE ONLY Ohio PROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER 6/76 Form No. 10-301a (Rev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DEC 3 0 1975 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM MAR 2 6 1976 TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- ENCLOSE WITH PHOTOGRAPH AND/OR COMMON CITY. TOWN VICINITY OF COUNTY Marion NEGATIVE FILED AT DESCRIBE VIEW. DIRECTION. ETC. IF DISTRICT, GIVE BUILDING NAME & STREET GPO 892-454 1975 Marion LOCATION HISTORIC IDENTIFICATION PHOTO CREDIT RECIEVED Stairs to balcony on right PHOTO REFERENCE Hughes Photography Inc., Marion PHOTO NO.

DATE ENTERED Palace Theater SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS NAME Lobby showing doors to foyer G auditorium, STATE Ohio FOR NPS USE ONLY DATE OF PHOTO John Rall PROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER 3/26/76 Form No. 10-301a (Rev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR DEC 3 0 1975 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM MAR 2 6 1976 TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- ENCLOSE WITH PHOTOGRAPH AND/OR COMMON CITY. TOWN -VICINITY OF NEGATIVE FILED AT Hughes Photography Inc., Marion DESCRIBE VIEW. DIRECTION, ETC. IF DISTRICT, GIVE BUILDING NAME & STREET Auditorium, main floor, showing stage. GPO 892.454 1975 Marion COUNTY LOCATION IDENTIFICATION HISTORIC STATE Ohio PHOTO CREDIT RECIEVED Palace Theater PHOTO REFERENCE NAME NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS John Ralls DATE ENTERED PHOTO NO.

DATE OF PHOTO FOR NPS USE ONLY PROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER Form No. 10-301a (Rev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES DEC 3 0 1975 PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- ENCLOSE WITH PHOTOGRAPH AND/OR COMMON CITY. TOWN VICINITY OF COUNTY Marion DATE OF PHOTO MAR & 6 1975 NEGATIVE FILED AT DESCRIBE VIEW. DIRECTION, ETC. IF DISTRICT, GIVE BUILDING NAME & STREET LOCATION Marion HISTORIC RECIEVED IDENTIFICATION Palace Theater Hughes Photography Inc., Marion PHOTO REFERENCE PHOTO NO. PHOTO CREDIT SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS NAME Auditorium, view from stage. DATE ENTERED STATE Ohio FOR NPS USE ONLY GPO 892-454 MAR 2 6 1975 I-71 & 17th Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43211 272 W. Center St.

Photograph # 5 o17 Marion County Palace Theater Ohio Historic Preservation Office Ohio Historical Center Rear view of theater looking toward SW. Campbell St. in foreground. Marion, Ohio PROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER Form No. 10-301a (Rev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FOR NPS USE ONLY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DEC 3 0 1975 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM MAR 2 6 1976 DATE ENTERED TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- ENCLOSE WITH PHOTOGRAPH AND/OR COMMON CITY, TOWN -VICINITY OF COUNTY Marion T. B. Myers DATE OF PHOTO NEGATIVE FILED AT OSU, Marion Campus DESCRIBE VIEW. DIRECTION, ETC. IF DISTRICT, GIVE BUILDING NAME & STREET GPO 892-454 1975 Marion IDENTIFICATION HISTORIC LOCATION RECIEVED PHOTO CREDIT PHOTO REFERENCE Palace Theater SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS STATE Ohio Rear view of theater looking toward SW. PHOTO NO.

NAME 1-71 & 17th Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43211 272 W. Center St. Photograph # 6 of7 Marion County ground. Ohio Historic Preservation Office Ohio Historical Center Palace Theater West side of building, parking lot in fore- Marion, Ohio PRO.RTY OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER Form No. 10-301a (Rev. 10-74) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DEO 3 0 1975 NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES PROPERTY PHOTOGRAPH FORM MAR 2 6 1975 TYPE ALL ENTRIES -- ENCLOSE WITH PHOTOGRAPH AND/OR COMMON CITY. TOWN - VICINITY OF T.B. Myers NEGATIVE FILED AT OSU, Marion Campus DESCRIBE VIEW, DIRECTION, ETC. IF DISTRICT, GIVE BUILDING NAME & STREET West side of building, parking lot in foreground 1975 Marion COUNTY IDENTIFICATION LOCATION HISTORIC RECIEVED PHOTO CREDIT PHOTO REFERENCE Palace Theater SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN HOW TO COMPLETE NATIONAL REGISTER FORMS DATE ENTERED PHOTO NO.

NAME STATE Ohio DATE OF PHOTO GPO 892-454 FOR NPS USE ONLY 1-71 & 17th Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43211 272 W. Center St. Marion, Ohio in foreground; looking toward downtown area. Photograph 7 cf ? Palace Theater Marion County Ohio Historic Preservation Office South-west corner of building; W. Center St. Ohio Historical Center PROPERTY OF THE NATIONAL REGISTER MAR 2 6 1976 De. Thomas H. Smith Columbus, Ohio 43211 Location STATE Marion 3/29/76 Name Marion County Date Entered ENTRIES IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER Regional Director, Midwest Region Palace Theater Lytle Park Historic District MOTT:djb Also Notified Interstate 7l at 17th Avenue Hamilton County Director, The Ohio Historical Society Hon. Willis D. Gradison, Jr. Bon. Clarence J. Brown INT: 2950-75 State Historic Preservation Officer Hon. John H. Glenn,Jr. OMB Approval No.

29 R0218 2 APPLI- BER TYPE - PREAPPLICATION 19 78 10 1976 11 22 (Mark ap 4. LEGAL APPLICANT/RECIPIENT 5. FEDERAL EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO. a. Applicant Name : State of Ohio b. Organization Unit : Ohio Historical Society c. Street/P.O. Box : 1982 Velma Avenue d. City : Columbus b. TITLE f. State h. Contact Person (Name Thomas H. Smith, SHPO, 614-466-8727 & telephone No.) 7. TITLE AND DESCRIPTION OF APPLICANT'S PROJECT 8. TYPE OF APPLICANT/RECIPIENT I- Higher Educational Institution F Indian Tribe (c. 1500 seats) 1928 "movie palace" of the "atmospheric" type, with stars and moving clouds Enter appropriate letter A on ceiling, Spanish courtyard motif on interior. 9. TYPE OF ASSISTANCE OTHER Enter appro 10. AREA OF PROJECT IMPACT (Names of cities, counties, 12. TYPE OF APPLICATION States, etc.) Marion, Ohio $ 5,000 14. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS OF: 17.

PROJECT PROJECT START $ 10,000 FEDERAL AGENCY P 21. REMARKS ADDED b. SIGNATURE 24. AGENCY NAME 26. ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT 29. ADDRESS Wash., D.C. 31. ACTION TAKEN 33. ACTION DATE- AMEND MENT - &. DEFERRED 202 - 343-4941 D -. WITHDRAWN Name and telephone no.1 It has been or is being made. Same as 02-006-041 IDENTIFICATION 31-4389673W DATE PROJECT ENDING D.C.20240 APPLICATION ACTION FOR day RECEIVED CONTACT E-Augmentation Grants Administration DATA D-County CATION SENTATIVE Year CERTIFIES HCRS BENEFITING GRAM FUNDING Federal STATE 39-8A50 CERTIFYING Catalog) TOTAL PROPOSED FUNDING ASSIGNED C-Revision LOCAL District FIER Historic Preservation attached E-City A-Basic Grant C-Substate Ohio A-New STARTING D-Decrease Duration ance is approved. H-Community Action Agency continue in that use. Year month F-School District 27.ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE REPRE.

SHPO and C-Loan D-insurance FEDERAL ASSISTANCE REPORT OF FEDERAL ACTION CANT'S ESTIMATED DATE TO Ohio State Clearinghouse Palace Theater Development (preservation/rehabili- E-Cancellation C-Increase Duration BE SUBMITTED TO FEDERAL AGENCY A-95 OFFICIAL B-Decrease Dollars Present use is as city cultural arts center;to A-Increase Dollars C.DATE SIGNED NOTIFICATION OF INTENT (OPt) Response C.STATE K-Other (Specify): .To the best of my knowledge and belief, priate letter(s) - Yes ENo 8. NUMBER 8. ZIP Code: 43211 ESTIMATED NUM- 19. EXISTING FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 20. FEDERAL AGENCY TO RECEIVE REQUEST (Name, City, State, ZIP oode) a. If required by OMB Circular A-95 this application was submitted, pursuant to in- true and correct, the document has been with the attached assurances if the assist- Thomas H. Smith, Director Dept. of Interior 28. FEDERAL APPLICATION 30. FEDERAL GRANT b.

REJECTED STANDARD FORM 424 PAGE 1 (10-75) SECTION 424-101 Modest-scale D-Continuation ADDITIONAL B-Renewal Leave Nore propriate AWARDED IDENTI- .TYPED NAME AND TITLE Blank RETURNED FOR duly authorized by the governing body of the applicant and the applicant will comply Year month day A-State .Count:Franklin 15.TYPE OF CHANGE 1cor 12e) B-Intersgate Yeer NATIONAL REGISTER DATA SHEET 2 OTHER NAMES: 3date of entry: county cod city / town Marion Midnest 12)SOURCE of NOMINATION 1 CONDITION O deteriorated O-NOT INTACT - O Dunexposed - Unknown Ounexcavated 2O NOT APPLICABLE -7 - No Access " AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE : - LANDSCAPE ARCH.- 15 -POLITICS/ GOVT.^ 21 -RECREATION -28 OCLAIMS: explain CARCHEOLOGY - prehistoric-2 "first'O - ENTERTAINMENT-26 - LAW - 16 C RELIGION- 22 D SETTLEMENT-29 - COMMUNICATIONS-7 CEXPLORATION -12 - LITERATURE - 17 - SCIENCE- 23 'oldest' O - CONSERVATION - 8 C MILITARY - 18 X ARCHITECTURE-4 - ECONOMICS- 9 - INDUSTRY - 13 - MUSIC - 19 * SOCIAL / CULTURAL - 30 'only' D - EDUCATION-10 - INVENTION - 14 - PHILOSOPHY - 20 - TRANSPORTATION -25 2 functions 2dates of initial construction: 26 architectural style(s): John Eberson ( interior decorator: Gartisan: -bullder/contractor: BUILT; DESIGNED BY IIF ADDITIONAL SPACE NEEDED, NUMBER& PUT ON REVERSE ASSOCIATION ENGINEERING-11 FEDERAL STATE PERSONAL: CURRENTLY: INSTITUTIONAL: HEALTH-27 major alterations: AGRICULTURE-3 COMMERCE-6 historic events: ART-5 SUBSTANTIALLY INTACT-1 Xgood vicinity of ADMINISTRATOR: URBAN PLANWING-31 Dexcellent ARCHEOLOGY-historic-1 landscape architect/ garden designer: Xoriginal site Dfair Dmoved Oruins Mfeatures: GNPS REGION: UNKNOWN-6 Oreconstrueted Ounknown )ADAPTIVE USE IS PROPERTY A HISTORIC DISTRICT?

Dyes SOCIAL/HUMANITARIAN-24 OTHER(SPECIFY) WHEN HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT: 1 @architeot 3 ) artist: reviewers initials GEOFF_date 4 -18 -78 ETHNIC GROUP EVENTS: CONGRESS.DISTRICT master builder: Zaltered UNKNOWN-5