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Early pioneers would have to gather in their homes or
churches for social events. The large German
migration of the 1850s brought the formation of public
halls, the earliest being Haskell's Hall, Germania Hall,
Austin's Hall, Rouse's Opera Hall and Parmely's Hall.
Lectures, debates, grand balls, theatre troupes, and
small musical concerts entertained Peorians.
Showboats brought to the riverfront musicians,
minstrels, and gymnasts.
During the 1890s, an established circuit of variety acts
traveled here from across the nation. To "Play in
Peoria" was one step away from "The Big Time!"
Such vaudeville palaces as the Grand Opera House,
Majestic, Lyceum, and Orpheum Theatres embraced the
grandeur of a lost Golden Age.
In the 1920's vaudeville was gone and replaced with
movies shown at such theaters as the Madison, Rialto,
Palace, and Apollo. After World War II, Peorians
also enjoyed entertainment at the Shrine Mosque, the
Scottish Rite Cathedral and Exposition Gardens.
The Civic Center complex in 1982 completed the end of a
long struggle for a central cultural and sporting
complex. |
