Theater 1913 - Nekoosa History - WoodCoWI

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New Converse Movie Theatre at Nekoosa
The Wood County Times
October 23, 1913, Page 1
Nekoosa, Wood Co., Wisconsin

The New Converse Theatre opened its doors to the public for the first time Saturday night. This was accomplished by Mr. CONVERSE after many long waits, numerous delays and disappointments in receiving his machinery and the general paraphernalia necessary in conducting a first-class picture theatre.

But we believe both Mr. Converse and the people of Nekoosa in general have been at least partially repaid for their patient waiting by the splendid shows they have been able to give and witness since the opening.

Mr. Converse put up a building designed especially for the motion picture show business. It is a stone, fireproof structure, easy and safe of ingress and egress. The interior is furnished with latest pattern chairs, so placed as to absolutely avoid crowding; a handsome, sweet-toned piano, presided over by a pianist who certainly understands the art of extracting the aforesaid sweet tones--Miss Hazel ARNOLD.

The films are the very best in quality and the very latest of conception and manufacture on the market that can be bought. The machine that produces them is the very latest creation and the best in quality that can be bought anywhere. One could go to Chicago, Milwaukee, New York or other metropolitan cities and find larger, more extensive and expensive show houses…but would be no better than the New Converse Theatre.

The gentlemen who did the construction work on this model theatre deserve credit…Thomas BABCOCK made the blocks, built the walls, floors and all of the stone work. Louis SIMMET did all of the carpenter work, inside and outside. The painting was all done by Carl ROHDE & Son. The electric work was done by the NATWICK Electric Co. of Grand Rapids. The seats were put in by a New London firm, assisted by H. E. HERRICK. The tin work, including the large arch at the front entrance, was done by August BRANDECKER.

In conclusion we will say, if the patronage keeps up as it has begun, Mr. Converse will not regret his venture. Two shows are are given each night, beginning at seven o'clock and running from sixty to seventy-five minutes each. This far the house has been full to its seating capacity, 330, each show, besides many have been turned away.

Many thanks to Joan M Benner for transcribing these pages.
Her professional page can be seen at: Golden Rule Genealogy.

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