Join us for the Finale @ the Historic Hoosier Theatre, December 3rd @ 4pm.
Please text Brack a picture all your keys and bring them on the 3rd.

An overhead look at the Hoosier Theatre - Vevay, Indiana
Copyright Kovener & Associates Real Estate Vevay's historic Hoosier Theatre was built in 1837 and is considered as part of the Federal architectural style. It was built atop large limestone foundation blocks, of which the original chisel marks can still be seen. It also has one of the original 3 town wells in the corner. At 380 feet deep, it not only provided water to the building, but was also used for air conditioning at one time.

Two early renovations occurred before the turn of the century. One was discovered while inspecting the brick along the south wall. It was determined by experts that brick from the 1850's were added or placed at some point as they didn't match the earlier brick seen in other sections. The other renovation occurred likely in the 1880's with the addition of the front arcade. Not the bells and whistles kind of arcade, but a column-lined walkway in front.

image from Switzerland County Historical Society facebook The Historic Hoosier Theatre was not built as a theatre at all. It was built to service the workers and other activities coming up front the river on Ferry Street. As a hub of river commerce, it was a warehouse, a grocery, a saddlery, it sold insurance, was a newspaper office and was the post office for a time. In the corresponding picture it has a sign out front saying "Tin Shop."

The Marquee at the Hoosier Theatre - Vevay, Indiana
image from Hoosier Theatre website In 1926 Minor Bakes purchased the building and finally set it on its course to becoming the most charming theatre in Southern Indiana. It was then that Minor began showing silent films, then "talkies" and a few live performances. Here you can see that the marquee is advertising "Dr. Holt The Magician" and "Jesse James, Jr." If you look close in the picture, you can also see the Old National Hotel in the background and the cars are parked at an angle like they do on Main Street. What I wouldn't give to see that marquee all lit up!!!

Hoosier Theatre in the 80's
image from Cinema Treasures It's been speculated that it sat empty starting in 1955 due to the popularity of the drive-in theatres. Nonetheless, it did sit unused from 1955 until 1987.

I remember peeking into the dusty old windows as a kid and simply just seeing more dust.

Hoosier Theatre Hosts Live Performances
image from Hoosier Theatre After a 4 year renovation, under new ownership, leadership and a group of volunteers, it opened its stage again for live performances. It would have been about that same year, 1987, that I would have also participated in a little league awards program being held there ... unless memory serves me wrong. :)

The building has not been without its controversies. It would be historically negligent not to mention them as footnotes. From 1919 until 1926 it was owned by a group that considered themselves superior and considered others less human. It's not necessary to say their name as they need no free publicity, so in the clue I've simply referred to them as the Triple K. Thankfully, Mr. Bakes began it on its true purpose. Film, Talkies and other live performances are now solidified as its legacy and we can be proud of almost all of its 185 year history.

Leatherbury Mural painted in 1997 Another more recent and certainly less dehumanizing footnote was the removal of the mural on the south wall in 2015. Painted in 1997 by Joe Leatherbury, it depicted the history of the Town of Vevay. As much as the locals wanted to keep the mural, a prior "easement" by Indiana Landmarks sealed the mural's fate and they required its removal. There is obviously more to this story as well, but I'll leave that for others to tell.

Hoosier Theatre Hosts Digital Films In 2017, a grant for $31,000 was provided by the taxpayers through Switzerland County Tourism to purchase the digital equipment necessary to begin providing films again after a 60+ year hiatus.

What I think is most notable about the Historic Hoosier Theatre is not necessarily what has already occurred. I think about its potential for what can occur. Teens today are pouring their hearts into performances that may one day bud into bigger screens. Adult men and women are dusting off their acting or singing talents for one more go at giving it their all. Teaching, comedy, small venue concerts, presentations all can have a place at the Hoosier Theatre.

I'll say it again, the Historic Hoosier Theatre in Vevay, Indiana is the most charming live performance venue in Southern Indiana.

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