The Case:
Is it possible that a theater in the small town of Baraboo, Wisconsin, could have been the country's first great movie palace?
The exquisite theater, was built by circus impresario and local resident, Al Ringling, as a thank-you to the town that had always supported him. It was designed in 1915 by Chicago architects C.W. and George Rapp, and is a masterpiece in the style of the great French opera houses.
But at the time Baraboo had a population of less than a thousand.
Why was such an ornate theater erected in such an obscure location, and how has it stayed relevant throughout the years?
The History Detectives enlist the help of the Theatre Historical Society of America to solve the mystery of this grand edifice.
Season 1, Episode 2
Detective:
Elyse Luray
Detective:
Gwen Wright
Location:Baraboo, Wisconsin
Related Content
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Explore
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Galvez Papers
What stories do these faded legal pages reveal about a revolutionary war hero’s role in an unexpected love affair?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Lou Gehrig Autograph
Did Lou Gehrig autograph this ticket on the day he announced his retirement?
-
Related Investigation
Yakima Canutt's Saddle
What leading role did this saddle play in the birth of the Hollywood cowboy?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Dueling Pistols
Were these pistols used in the last great duel on U.S. soil?
-
Also in Season 1
Independence Trumpet
Is a Pennsylvania man's trumpet somehow tied to the Revolutionary War?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Mail Order Brides
Are these images evidence of mail order brides in 1890s Chicago?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.