Early 20th Century Downtown Fixture: The Movie Theater

2006-05-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

"Movie palaces perfectly demonstrate the anxieties, exhilirations, and pitfalls of the culture of consumerism which has become synonymous with the 'American Way.'" -- American Studies at the University of Virginia

From the 1910's on, "the show" became the jewel in the American downtown's crown. For Downtown Downers Grove, that jewel is known as the Tivoli Theater

As you can see from their website, the Tivoli sparked a rennaissance of historic downtown theaters throughout the Chicago suburbs, thanks to the efforts the husband and wife team of Willis and Shirley Johnson.

Yet even among these other movie palaces, the Tivoli is special. For one, it houses an organ, as many pre-talkie theaters did. Audiences enjoy a pre-show organ concert prior to all week-end and some week day showings. Additionally, the stage allows live performances to be held on occasion at the Tivoli, including the Nutcracker Ballet as performed by Midwest Ballet Theatre.

Also, all shows are bargain-priced at $3 or less. On Wednesdays during the summer, $1 children's matinees featuring child-friendly movies play to the delight of families, and the After Hours Film society meets on the second and fourth Monday of every month to enjoy an art or foreign film, followed by a discussion.

They also put real butter on their popcorn, with free refills on both that and your soda -- no matter the size.

The Willises also make sure they contribute to community events, serving as performance space during festivals and tying into downtown promotional efforts. The Tivoli is a tremendous asset, and I'm especially glad it's located in my home town of Downers Grove.

Community Centers: More Than a Place to Pay Your Parking Ticket

2006-05-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

Home theater systems, restaurant-quality appliances and online shopping sounded like a good idea at the time, but people need to interact with other people. It's time to recognize the importance of that long standing human tradition of a central marketplace, where people meet and gather.

Those areas where people congregate for both commerce and entertainment are often fascinating reflections of the people who live in the towns that house them. Whether you live in a recently developed bedroom community with a cluster of government buildings somewhere in town, a traditional small town with a traditional "downtown" area, or a large city which could have dozens of neighborhood gathering spots, I'm guessing you can pinpoint at least one area of your town that qualifies as a "community center." I hope you take a look at that center and either appreciate its greatness, or decide to make it the great place you and your neighbors deserve.

The Downtown Diva

Early 20th Century Downtown Fixture: The Movie Theater

Community Centers: More Than a Place to Pay Your Parking Ticket