The Calhoun theater, notable among neighborhood theaters of Minneapolis as the largest and best equipped reopened January 29th after being closed for a fortnight for enlargement. The enlarged house seats 1480 and is with a single exception the largest motion picture house in the city, the exception being the New Garrick, one of the downtown houses.
The Calhoun interior is in mosaic brick work with art glass inserts, Prosper Schwic, manager, declaring that more art glass has been used in the building then in any other building West of Chicago. A foyer thirty feet in depth extends the whole front of the theater in and is fitted up for the use of patrons in Oriental rugs and specially designed reed furniture. The stage is adorned with pergolas at each side which are to be decorated each week in a matter fitting the plays being presented.
Unusual stage effects are obtainable in the new theater by reason of the unusual free depth in front of the stage which will permit a simulation of rain storms lightning effects or whatever best suits the plays. the house has been fitted with the most extensive type of theater chairs. The Calhoun was opened eight months ago with a seating capacity not much more than half its present capacity.
Mr. Schwic became its first manager and has made special effort to make his house popular in his neighborhood. He has put on several special Saturday afternoons children’s programs and expects to continue these the auditorium will also be used occasionally for neighborhood meetings on days when matinees are not given.
–Moving Picture World, 1916
The Calhoun Theater opened in 1915. The auditorium was enlarged six months later. the Theater closed in 1921. The building was used as a ballroom for a while and eventually became a Nash Dealership. I will always remember the building as Lakeland Dental Academy all painted green. These days the old place has a second third or maybe fourth life as Stella’s Fish Cafe.
