The Campus
617/619 North Wright Street, Champaign
Opened 18 September 1911
Closed circa December 1911
Charles D. Stevens, who for many years, was Champaign’s city clerk, would be manager of a new “electric theater” at 617/619 North Wright Street, a few doors north of Green Street, according to The Champaign Daily Gazette in its 6 September 1911 edition. In keeping with its location, the new moving picture theater was named “The Campus.” 1
It was in a building owned by the Fisk estate and had been occupied by the Co-Op store. Remodeling included adding a new raised floor, upgraded ventilation, and the addition of a separate room adjoining the main room, with seating where patrons could rest or read while waiting for the next performance. 2
Fires in moving picture theatres generally occurred in the projection booth, so the booth had been built to one side rather than directly over the entrance so as to not block the main entrance in case of fire. There were two exits in the back, two in front, and one on the side. “Mr. Stevens states that more persons per capita can go through these doors than in any moving picture show in the county.” 3
“The moving picture machine is the latest and best that money can buy and is so constructed as to do away with the flickering so objectionable and hard on the eyes. This flickering has been completely abolished by the latest moving picture machines.” 4
Ad from The Champaign Daily Gazette. Monday, 20 November 1911. Page 2.
The Campus motion picture house opened to the public Monday, 18 September 1911. The Champaign Daily Gazette quoted Mr. Stevens on opening day, “We believe that our efforts will be appreciated by the public and that we will get our just share of the patronage.” 5
The Campus did not last long. There were no more ads by the end of 1911. The theater was not listed in the 1912 City Directory and Mr. Stevens’ listing showed different employment. 6
The Campus ENDNOTES
1 The Champaign Daily Gazette. Wednesday 6 September 1911. Page 4. New electric theater to open In University settlement.
2 The Champaign Daily Gazette. Wednesday 6 September 1911. Page 4. New electric theater to open In University settlement.
3 The Champaign Daily Gazette. Wednesday 6 September 1911. Page 4. New electric theater to open In University settlement.
4 The Champaign Daily Gazette. Wednesday 6 September 1911. Page 4. New electric theater to open In University settlement.
5 The Champaign Daily Gazette. Monday 18 September 1911. Page 1. New motion picture show is now ready.
6 Champaign and Urbana, Illinois, City Directory, 1912. Charles M. Samson, Publisher. Bloomington, Illinois.