Rialto Theatre - Norway MI

Address: 615 Main Street
City: Norway
State: MI
Zip: 49870
County: Dickinson
Open: 1924
Capacity:
Owner History:
Theater Type: Small Town Movie Palace
Number of visits to this page: 9103
Disclaimer:

Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance, features, addresses, phone numbers, or contact names of the attraction. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. We ask you consult the propietor for current information.

General Information:

Norway’s movie house was found in the 600 block of Main, the present location of the Norway Senior Citizens’ Center.

In 1924 in the era of silent films Tedeodore Sophie came to Norway from Oak Park, Illinois, and together with Theophil Vandenbergh of Norway purchased the existing Palace Theater from the Bergeron family. Renovation began immediately and the name was changed to the Rialto Theater.

A $15,000 Wurlitzer organ was purchased and an entertainer from Chicago was hired to play the instrument. Employees at the time were: Louis Van Wolvelaere, projectionist; Nellie Powers, cashier; John Eklund and Art Salina were the ushers. [BILL VANWOLVELAERE]

In 1929 the theater was destroyed by fire but was apparently rebuilt and used for a time thereafter.

Click the following links for locations of interest nearby:
Norway Speedway  |  Viking Motel  |  Wertins  |  
Info Updates:
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 Photos:3
Rialto Theatre - Old Photo
Old Photo
Rialto Theatre - Old Photo
Old Photo
Rialto Theatre - Mid 2000S View Of Site Now
Mid 2000S View Of Site Now
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