Overview

The 1,200-seat theatre was built by C. Fred Kuehner and H.E. Gilbert. It opened in early March 1930 and was built at a cost of $275,000. The opening feature was Sunny Side Up (1929)  starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell.

At its opening it was noted that the theatre was designed by United Studios, Inc. This strongly suggests the theatre’s architect was Larry P. Larsen however confirmation of this is still to be found.

The theatre was originally equipped with a Wurlitzer organ, a 2-manual instrument located at the house left side of the orchestra pit. Laverne Peterson, formerly of the Lindo Theatre in Freeport, was engaged as the Patio’s organist at the time of its opening. The organ may have been opus 2090, a 2-manual, 6-rank, Style 165 organ whose location is currently unknown and presumed lost.

The theatre closed on 31st January 1970. The Stephenson County Farm Bureau is located on the site today.

Many thanks to Graeme McBain for researching and finding this long-gone Atmospheric theatre.