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Discover Mid-America — August 2004

Celebrating the Diana Theatre

Sometimes, something happens to give you a wake-up call about what’s right under your nose.

I recently received a newsletter from an organization dedicated to remembering and honoring our fathers who immigrated from a village in northern Greece called Siatista. One of the articles was about my family’s continuing business, which was celebrating its 75th anniversary.

When my father immigrated to this country, silent movies were all the rage. Through hard work and diligence he managed to purchase two silent movie houses in northern Indiana. When he received word that a new theater in Tipton, IN was having financial difficulties, he visited Tipton and purchased it, selling his two existing businesses.

That year, 1926, saw the beginning of our family business in the motion picture theater industry. It was also the heyday of silent pictures. Rudolph Valentino was the star of the day followed by Al Jolson.

Our first theater had a piano player (Bea Hobbs) and a drummer. Whenever possible, there were also trumpet and saxophone players. Can you imagine the noise? Also, there were three posts in the theater and it was considered bad luck to have those seats behind them left empty.

A contest was held to name the theater and the prize was a $10 gold piece. The “Diana Theatre” came into being.

The silent movies were run on variable speed projectors. Whenever a line was forming outside the theater for the next showing, my father would speed up the film and go outside with a megaphone and announce, “The next feature will start in ten minutes!” Adult ticket prices were 25 cents and children 10 cents.

My father was an avid hunter and fisherman, and a strict “old world” disciplinarian. Such a temperament carried over to his audiences. He would not tolerate disruptions or foolishness of any kind while the movie was in progress. He did not hesitate to remove a kid who was misbehaving. My older brother continues this practice to this day! When someone comes back to remind my brother of his eviction, my brother asks him or her if they had it coming? The answer is always “yes.”

On Aug. 19, 1947, the Diana Theater burned to the ground, leaving three partially destroyed walls standing. It was rebuilt and reopened on April 26, 1948. The front had wonderful cream-colored glass placards with a red canopy announcing each feature. This “retro” structure has been recycled and still stands today.

The ‘40s and ‘50s were the heyday of family oriented movies and the star system was well established. What would we do with a John Wayne or a Cary Grant today? Then, they were often the main attraction whereas today our television sets sell us our movies.

I think it is wonderful that movies are still important in our everyday lives. The State of Indiana has recognized our family business with a plaque and a reception. Several publications have recognized our longevity as well as our dedication to serving the public.

Happy Anniversary, 75 years in business is the greatest achievement...in any business. Though I now live in and enjoy Colorado, I can’t ignore the personal reminiscences of the Diana Theatre.

Syrma Sotiriou is the proprietor of The Treasured Scarab in Denver, and a regular contributor to Discover Mid-America. Contact her at (303) 777-6884.

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