Holland, Michigan Theater (Also The Old & New Knickerbocker) Abandoned / Out Of Busines Facade With Neon Sign & Marquise - 1989 (Facade & Sign Removed In 1990's) Pigmented structural glass - Vitrolite

This building was erected in the late teens or early '20's (I believe) for use as a Vaudeville theater house. In the next decade, a large Michigan theater chain, W. S. Butterfield Theaters (headquarters in Lansing) purchased this and turned it into the largest movie theater in town. They also built two other theaters in Holland. One was further west on 8th St, in the middle of town, named the "Centennial." This was torn down in the '50's and a lovely little park is in now in the location where it once stood. The old "Colonial" was turned into the "Park" Theater on River Ave - still in existence and, along with the neon sign, beautifully restored. When the Park was the Colonial, there had been a fire at one time, long ago. You can still see black soot, embedded in the brick on the south side of the building. This side is currently exposed as a very small, but very old building, next to it, was recently demolished. A developer has plans for the current vacant lot. Another slice of Holland, Michigan history GONE. Anyway, this local district part of the chain - the three Holland theaters and the Starlight Drive-In, on Blue Star Highway, south of Holland, near Saugatuck - where under the ownership of the aka Carley Amusement Co.

 

W. S. Butterfield Theater Co. built theaters in towns and cities throughout Michigan. Among the those I can remember, many of the various original facades and signs on the buildings are gone (remnants of the buildings are still in some of these towns). They also owned drive-In Theaters, including the Starlight near Saugatuck. Fortunately, some of the theaters, such as the Regent in Allegan, the Grand in Grand Haven, and the Michigan in South Haven are still as lovely as ever and have been accurately restored and look as they should. With the help of various people who have shown interest in keeping these alive, the fine old relics are still as beautiful as ever! The two most ornate of the theater palaces in Michigan are still with us in their former glory. The State in Kalamazoo, is still being used for notable entertainment venues and the Michigan in Lansing is restored and integrated into an office environment. The integrity of the interior seems to have remained intact from what I have read. These beauties were designed by the reknowned architect / designer John Eberson. The Lansing theater was built in 1920 formally called "The Strand.". He also created the State Theater in 1927 - still considered a gem in Kalamazoo.

 

Most people know that Holland's Park Theatre has since been revived by Hope college (they did a fabulous job of renovating the neon sign) where events are held upon occasion. The Starlight Drive-In had never been remodeled, much beyond a new coat of paint on the sign or the concession stand. Also, the neon was removed from the Drive-In Sign in the early 1980's when it was purchased by Goodrich Theaters out of Grand Rapids. I have pictures of both the existing park and the renovated (later removed) Starlight in my stream. Unfortunately, when I was in college, I wasn't around the area as much and didn't get a picture of the original Starlight sign. I also worked there for a short time in '79. When Goodrich bought the Starlight and removed the neon from all of the signs, I realized finally, that I should get a few shots as I feared that it would, as it did, go out of business. I should have feared before Goodrich ruined the look of the place.

 

I have a small picture of the old Centennial Theater (formerly called The Strand) in a postcard that I have in my stream. As a chain, W. S. Butterfield Theaters folded in the mid '80's. Again, among the many towns where their theaters were located, are Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo (The heavenly State Theater), Lansing (Michigan Theater), Allegan (with the still vibrant Regent Theater, thanks to local historical preservation efforts, also in my stream), Niles, Grand Haven (the beautiful Grand Theater, also restored and in my stream), South Haven (the neat old Michigan Theater, still much in use and with original facade, also in my stream), and many other downtown areas in the state.

 

Jack Loeks, a man who used to work for Butterfield, left the company to start his own company. He went on to build the first huge multiplex theater in the country, once located on the busy 28th St. in Wyoming (Grand Rapids suburb), of which he named, "Studio 28." This was next to the Beltline Drive-In Theater (also in my stream) that was demolished in 1989. His company was quite successful since he was the leader of the multiplex model that has now become the norm. This has been closed for many years. Recently, the abandoned structure was torn down; Sadly, it did become an eyesore, really. Today the site is unrecognizable.

 

When I worked at the Holland and Park Theaters, and later the Starlight Drive-In, little had been changed; this still in the mid to late '70's. Most of the old projecting equipment was still in place and was used. The projectionist's were part of a union.

 

The upstairs office in the Holland Theater was large and no one had ever gone under the stairs of the large balcony. I took a flashlight one day, I decided to go under there and search with a flashlight, just to see if it was possible to find traces of anything old. I found an old ticket stub, from the former Knickerbocker (from the original era - vaudeville plays and live stage presentations) in the insulation on the floor and was quite pleased that my effort panned out! The new manager (Rudy Ball - A Hope College student at the time) took credit for finding it and convinced a writer to feature my find in an article (no mention of me) in the local paper, The "Holland Evening Sentinel." Elsewhere in the room, in a more accessible and visible place, there was a very large bin stuffed with filed, divided rows of old illustrated or photo lobby cards from old past movies, dating back to, at least, the 1940's (perhaps earlier as I don't recall having time to look at them all) up until the early '60's. The previous managers, during that era, had kept and subsequently left these behind, for the sake of the theater's history, after each had retired.

 

The manager, Mr. Ed Hochschild, hired me as an assistant at the Holland (and later sent me to run the Park). He also had been with Butterfield for many years. He was transferred (and probably demoted) to Holland from the State Theater in Kalamazoo. Mr Hochschild was an older, genteel man. He left everything alone inside of the theater - nothing had changed, not even the carpet. However, a doorman convinced said manager to let him have the original penny scale. I don't know what happened to the original candy machine. In later years, some time after I left, the theater was sold and the original interior, including the concession counter, seats and the rest were removed. After my manager retired, he was replaced by the district supervisor (Mr. Harry Himes, another old timer but more of a curmudgeon) by an an aggressive young male student from Hope College (the jerk who took my ticket stub) as he decided that a man should be at the Holland full time - he could oversee the Park and the Starlite Drive-In. Needless to say, it was a better paying job. After he took over (like a tidal wave) he kept me at bay so I don't wonder where the old, original movie posters went. I always did think that Harry Himes made poor decisions and should have retired himself. Even in the '70's he was completely OLD school and Mr. Ball knew how to work him (or wear him down as he did with most people - loud and boisterous).

 

Technically, I was the assistant manager of the Holland when I worked with the older manager (who hired me). I laid out the weekly newspaper ads for all three of the area theaters (Holland, Park, and Starlight). He smoked Cigarillos and drove a Fiat! I have memories of the cigar smell that permeated the office and seeing his car turn into a rust bucket.

 

My main job was to manage the smaller Park Theater at the time. It had been semi-out of commission for a number of years so I was hired to clean it up and keep it open nightly but for Sundays. In later years, prior to my arrival, it been a week-end purview. The Holland had most of the first run films that were anticipated as those that would bring in the larger crowds, such as "Jaws" and the first "Star Wars." I was shocked at the "Star Wars" crowds and now wish that I had bought all of the original memorabilia or taken a sign or poster! I always was out of touch with sci-fi - dummy me. The Park did manage to snag "Annie Hall," "Taxi Driver," "Carrie," and "Blazing Saddles" to name a few. If the movie was considered a bit more controversial, for the most part, it would end up at the Park. Sometimes Butterfield miscalculated on what kind of turn-out a particular movie would bring. Anticipating smaller audience interest for certain films. "Carrie" was huge at the Park, with lines around the corner. That also brought out a number of people from churches, armed with pamphlets, who fervently attempted to appeal to people in line to not expose themselves to this evil film. It got pretty wild; when the pamphlet preachers tried to get into the lobby, I had to call the police, as they were not allowed on the property. The Park ran plenty of stinker films (Heaven's Gate for example) but had some overlooked, first run classics.

 

Incidentally, I certainly should mention that when Hope college ultimately purchased (still owns) the building in this picture, it was immediately "renovated" (entire facade removed). It is known again as the Knickerbocker Theater. Hope College has a very large theater department and plenty of money to purchase and maintain and use both theaters. It is a influential force in the city. In recent years, the town allowed the college to wipe out an entire block, behind this theater, of old and historic Victorian homes; many were large and well intact. There is a big building and parking lots where they once stood. It makes me physically ill to think about the ruination of Victorian / Edwardian era architecture that was demolished in later years, when historic preservation was a priority in many areas; particularly in nearby Grand Rapids when awareness for preservation took hold in the early 1970's - thus, we have the splendid "Heritage Hill." for generations to behold and cherish.

 

UPDATE: I have just read, on the Facebook page called "Remembering Holland, Michigan" that in it's heyday, the old Knickerbocker was quite a colorful entertainment spot. Circus animals - elephants and such, also adorned the stage. Incidentally, I did find out that an elephant had died during this period and was buried in the grounds of the Starlite Drive-In site - a fact from a friend who is a Saugatuck / Douglas historian (shout out to Ken Kutzel). Also, quite surprisingly, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt spoke here, on stage, while he was serving as the secretary of the navy. I'll try to get more details, in the future, from any sources re all of the Holland area theaters.

 

UPDATE: I only recently found this fascinating article online, which has been there for more than several years (now 2022): The Knickerbocker Theatre

 

The Knickerbocker Theatre

Location86 East Eight Street

Completed1910

Original OwnerTieman Slagh

Current OwnerHope College

Content

Founding

The Death of Slagh

Change in Ownership and Financial Struggles

Operating Under Hope College Ownership

Bibliography

 

Written by Joshua Briggs

 

First announced in autumn 1910, the Knickerbocker Theatre was called “one of the best little playhouses in the state.” Since entrepreneur Tieman Slagh first constructed the edifice on Eighth Street more than 100 years ago, this “beautiful playhouse” has exhibited all varieties of entertainment, from Navy Secretary Franklin Delano Roosevelt to a seven-ton elephant. Although the historic theatre has faced financial struggles and changes in ownership nine times, the Knickerbocker Theatre remains on Eighth Street to this day, now under the ownership of Hope College.

 

Founding

By the autumn of 1910, local Holland resident Tieman Slagh had constructed a local business district along the east end of Eighth Street, despite public skepticism against the venture. The Holland City News described the endeavor as one that “took nerve” and later extolled Slagh for constructing “four of the handsomest business blocks that ornament our public streets.” By December of 1910, Slagh completed his most risky pursuit: a refined, upper-class entertainment facility, a little theater he called “The Knickerbocker.” Chosen by means of an elaborate contest and an executive committee, the name translates to “the very best in life.”

 

The Death of Slagh

On February 25, 1911, while adorning the Knickerbocker’s sign with decorative lights for opening night, a chain on the scaffolding parted, and Slagh fell 28 feet to the cement sidewalk below. On March 2, 1911, the Holland City News reported an “almost immediate death.” Slagh’s funeral, held at Third Reformed Church in Holland, was described as “one of the largest that has been held in Holland for years.” For months after the burial ceremony, the Knickerbocker’s windows remained dark.

 

Change in Ownership and Financial Struggles

In August of 1911, more than five months after Slagh’s death, the Knickerbocker Theatre was “leased for a period of two years to Charles Agnew and John C. New of Evanston, Illinois,” according to The Holland City News.

 

The first production in the reopened theatre, Brewer’s Millions, premiered on November 3, 1911. Although the show was a success, the Knickerbocker suffered from financial troubles for nearly four years before a new owner purchased the theater in 1915. Mr. A. Berlin, a resident of Holland who originally hailed from New York state, was “prepared to experiment,” and “ready to put his best efforts into giving Holland a theatre.” However, just a year later, Berlin sold the theatre. According to the July 20, 1916 edition of the Holland City News, the Knickerbocker was sold at a public auction to Frank A. Ogden who later refitted and remodeled the facility. The business floundered and was eventually acquired by advertising magnate Jon Vanden Berg Jr., better known to the theater-going public as “Vaudie.” Vanden Berg’s expensive investments in the Knickerbocker promised an entertainment venue “second to none in Western Michigan.” Again, the venture fell short of projected goals and was repossessed in 1923.

 

Later in 1923, businessmen Horace Morton and Harry Jones purchased the Knickerbocker Theatre. They premiered a special Christmas Eve showing of The Courtship of Miles Standish. A short time later, the owners went into bankruptcy.

 

In 1947, a $29,000 renovation effort was funded, and by January 1986, the theater remained an unsuccessful venture. Goodrich Theatre Company purchased the theater in an effort to acquire a more local audience. Goodrich advertised with the slogan: “Our Progress Strides Forward.”

 

In December 1987, Hope College proposed to preserve the theatre. In January 1987, a memorandum explained that “the [Hope College] trustees authorized the purchase from Goodrich Theaters Incorporated of the Holland Theater on East Eighth Street near the Hope Campus.”

 

Operating Under Hope College Ownership

Initially, Phil Tanis managed the Knickerbocker Theatre. He assumed leadership for a short period of time and began the popular film series program still in existence. Erik Alberg succeeded Tanis. “I won’t say I pack them in here,” Alberg confessed to the Holland Sentinel. He added, “a core group of independent movie fans shows up regularly.” To this day, Hope College’s Knickerbocker Theatre continues to promote showings of film and stage productions.

 

The following is a response to a comment on Facebook re Kalamazoo's State Theater: The district manager for W.S. Butterfield (a crusty and quite elderly guy with old fashioned clothes - all black suit, coat, hat) ALWAYS waxed eloquent about the State in K-zoo, every time he dropped in. I managed the Park Theater, was asst. manager at the Holland Theater ('76/'77) and was the asst. manager at the Starlight Drive-In near Saugatuck ('79) - www.waterwinterwonderland.com/driveintheaters.aspx?id=93&.... The Holland Theater was renovated, in 1941, out of a Vaudeville and / or local events theater called the Knickerbocker, built in 1911. Decades later, in 1988, Hope College purchased the vacant theater building and reverted it back to their version of the new Knickerbocker Theater. hope.edu/directory/buildings/knickerbocker-theatre/knicke.... The three aforementioned theaters were part of the latter year "Carley Amusement Co." franchise under Butterfield - www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/hollandsentinel/name/robert-.... During that time, the Park Theater was named "The Colonial" and there was one other Carley owned theater, The Center Theater, located a few blocks west from the Holland Theater on 8th St). The Center was torn down in the early 1960's. Incidentally, Jack Loeks -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Loeks - started his career, working for Butterfield. The State in K-zoo, along with the Strand theater in Lansing - lansingcitypulse.com/stories/vaudeville-and-vivisection,1...) - in the once thriving Butterfield chain (most built in the 1920's) - were both considered THE showcase Butterfield theaters in Michigan. Smaller ones, still exist, such as the restored Regent in Allegan, the State in South Haven, the Park in Holland, and more - cinematreasures.org/chains/169/previous. Butterfield sold off the chain in the early '80's, as I remember. Still, new owners and city preservationists kept some of the theaters alive (previous link). The State in K-zoo was and still is the paragon of all of the many in Michigan . I shall ALWAYS remember when you guys took me there in the '70's and I was SO impressed and just blown away as I've always loved old and great theaters! - www.kazoostate.com/about/history/ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Theatre_(Kalamazoo,_Michigan)

Done