Documentation

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Town Theater (03-00536)

Also known as: Main Feature Theater

38 W Main St
Waukon IA 52172

History and Architecture

Construction date

1938

Historic function(s)

Domestic
Recreation and culture/theater/movie theater

Current function(s)

Commerce/trade/restaurant
Recreation and culture/theater/movie theater

Evaluation Under National Register Criteria

National Register status

Not listed

Narrative(s)

Interior investigation would be required to determine if the building retains sufficient integrity to be individually eligible for its historic entertainment associations. Currently, as a two-part commercial block it would contribute to a downtown historic district.Dennis Cote had this building constructed in 1938 and he and his wife, Ruth, operated the theater for many years while residing in the upstairs apartment. Dennis operated a shooting range in the basement and Ruth often sang and played piano before the movie. In 1951, Dennis' sons, Eaton and Paul, took over the operation and remained the owner/operators until 1986. In 1989, Frank and Sharon Hammel bought the building and remodeled the interior to its current appearance.