Valentine Theatre
Listed
on the National Register of Historic Places, the theatre was built by
George Ketcham and named for his father, Valentine. Designed by architect
E. O. Fallis in the "Chicago School" style, it debuted as a
performing arts theatre on Christmas Day, in 1895. Since that time, it
has undergone several transformations. In 1914, projection facilities
were added so that silent movies could be shown along with stage shows.
In 1942, a major rehab covered up or destroyed most of the original architecture
and demolished the stage and the orchestra pit, turning the Valentine
into one of the country's first Lowe's movie houses. Closed since 1976,
a $28.5 million renovation in the 1990's finally brought the theatre full-circle.
Once again, it stands as a premiere facility for the performing arts,
boasting an exciting blend of old and new.