Rio
/ Vigilante Theatre
335 N. Main • Opened Dec. 25, 1934
1890
Building remodeled by Helena Architect Sigvald Berg
Still
Standing in 2011
Rio
Theatre, May 1937
COLLECTION
OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM
MULVANEY •
CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW
Rio
Theater Grand Opening, Christmas Day 1934
| Among many
other projects, Helena architect Sigvald Berg (1894-1985) also
designed his home at 711
Monroe Avenue. In 1957 he designed a new wing for St. Peter's
Hospital (on Logan), and in in 1960, the remodeling of Globe
Clothing. |
May,
1937
COLLECTION
OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM
MULVANEY •
CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW
Two Views
of the Rio Theater Marquee, September 1936
COLLECTION
OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM
MULVANEY •
CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW
COLLECTION
OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM
MULVANEY •
CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW
Promotional
Float, 1937
COLLECTION
OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM
MULVANEY •
CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW
| Both movie
theaters and vaudeville/roadshow houses would put together such
floats (often featuring pretty girls) and drive them around town
to promote their offerings. |
The
Rio Becomes the Vigilante, 1952
| The Rio operated
until about 1946. In 1952, the facility reopened as the Vigilante
Theatre. The Vigilante ran movies as well as providing a venue for
religious revivials and other events. The theatre closed for good
about 1959. Untouched by 1970s "Urban Renewal", the building
has housed numerous businesses over the years. |
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back to THEATERS
|
