This article originally appeared in The Evening Messenger of Valparaiso, Indiana, on November 25, 1921.
The event the theatre goers of Valparaiso and Porter County have been waiting for, the opening of the new Shauer Premier Theatre, took place Wednesday night and Thursday, and was a huge success from every point of view.
The doors of the new play house were thrown open on time Wednesday evening for the first time, and a large line stood in the street to purchase tickets for the show, and to get a glimpse of the new interior of the new theatre.
The beauties of the place began to be seen in the nicely apportioned lobby, but as one went inside, the soft lights brought out the handsomely blended colors of the decorations to perfection. The theatre was a place of beauty, and on every side one could hear expressions of appreciation and surprise.
Prior to the beginning of the dedicatory exercises, the orchestra played a national air, while the large audience rose, and a pretty American flag was unfurled.
The setting of the pipe organ had not been completed and it could not be used, which was the only hitch in the program, but in its place the management had a high class orchestra, which rendered good music.
The dedicatory service was opening by Atty. T. P. Galvin, who in a few brief remarks introduced Mayor-Elect E. W. Agar, who officially opened, and dedicated the Premier Theatre in his dedicatory remarks. Mr. Agar dwelt on the part a theatre showing only the best, played in the development, education, and moral uplift of a community, and among other things be stated that he was dedicating this play house to the people of this community and that they had it in their hands, to make it a real good to the entire community.
The show given proved to the throngs, who crowded in for both shows, that the Premier management has secured for this theatre only the best that could be had. The pictures were screened in a clear, non flickering manner, that brought forth delight, and the surprise of the evening came when the curtain rose, displaying a beautifully apportioned stage, with fine settings, when the Premier Specialty, of vaudeville, was put on.
One feature of the show, was a news reel, showing the burial of America’s unknown dead in Washington on Armistice Day. President Harding was shown placing a wreath on the casket, and leading the procession. That Valparaiso is like the rest of the country, was brought out, when the film showed ex-president Wilson in his carriage, taking part in the exercises. When Mr. Wilson came into view, the audience burst forth with loud applause, the only applause that was made during the showing of this picture.
At the dedicatory services, Mr. Shauer and sons, had as their invited guests, the clergy of the city, the press of Valparaiso, all city and county officials.
The Messenger will not attempt to go into detail in describing this theatre, as that would be useless, since nearly everyone has seen it for themselves, but we join the public in extending hearty congratulations to the Shauers, for the construction of such a beautiful theatre, and to wish them success in their progressive undertaking.