Forgotten Movie Theaters of Chippewa Falls - The Empire

As I mentioned last time, the local paper seems to have had a preference for The Empire theater.  In that 1912 article about local picture houses they give it the coveted top billing:

Like its contemporaries it presented a mix of live and film entertainment.  I found this interesting because it was one of two establishments - Gem being the other - that are identified specifically as "Moving Picture" theaters.

C'mon, admit it...are you not just a little curious about the third feature, listed as "Chicken. Comic."?

The moving picture industry got a little complicated during World War I.  A war time tax of 10% was placed on all movie and play tickets.  Interestingly this was not repealed until 1953.  And within the little world of local cinema there were other changes.  In June of 1917 it was announced that Mr. Waterbury, owner of the Rex Theater, now also owned both the Lyric and the Palace, leaving the New Empire as the only independent theater in town.  Later ads actually suggest that the Empire may also have fallen, as all four theaters are shown in one ad block.  I have been able to trace the Empire theater into the early 1920's before losing the trail.

Here is the 1910 Sanborn map of the Empire Theater.  

And the same spot today, with the location pretty much aligned from the map above.  An empty lot and the front steps of the local Chamber of Commerce.  Of course your eye is drawn to the sign saying LOCAL CHARM, but I'd also suggest you memorize that AMERICAN LEGION building out back.  We'll see it another day....