Latest Updates from Lincoln Square Theater

Stay informed about upcoming events, renovations, and community initiatives. Check back regularly for the latest news and announcements.

Feature-Ready References & External Links

  • Construction photo (1916) – Facebook group archive
  • Early press coverage & ads – Decatur Library’s Local History Digital Display
  • Architectural & program history – CinemaTreasures entry
  • Blackstone performance story – CinemaTreasures recount
  • 100th Anniversary feature – CinemaTreasures blog/post
  • 2025 Open House event – Decatur Tribune article
  • Jesse James Dupree radio interview – DecaturRadio.com
  • Dupree shout-out video – Friends of Lincoln Facebook

Preservation & Modern Milestones

  • $1.75 M grant awarded in 2004 for restoration work
  • Closed 2017, later taken over by Friends of the Lincoln Square Theater (FotLSQ), reopening as concert venue in 2022
  • Renamed and repositioned as a community arts center by FotLSQ, promoting local economic revitalization

Recent News & Events

  • Open House Event (May 13, 2025): Decatur Tribune coverage highlighting both history and future plans
  • 100th Birthday (Oct 2016): Coverage celebrating opening anniversary, mentioning early stars like Louis Armstrong and Bob Hope

Architectural & Performance Highlights

  • Built in 1916 by architects Aschauer & Waggoner in Art Nouveau/Beaux‑Arts style; originally seated nearly 1,400; equipped with a Barton three-manual organ
  • Opening night: Oct 27, 1916—featured George M. Cohan’s Hit‑the‑Trail‑Holliday
  • Transitioned from live performances to “talkies” by mid‑1929, ending its silent/vaudeville era
  • Harry Blackstone performed in Sept 1942; famously evacuated schoolchildren during a drugstore fire, keeping them calm as a “magical” intervention
  • Notable acts: Ethel Barrymore, Bob Hope, magically rumored Houdini
  • 1960 fire damaged the lobby; rebuilt more plainly afterward

Radio Features & Tours

  • Jesse James Dupree interview (Nov 21, 2023): Live radio segment on DecaturRadio.com promoting Jackyl’s Lincoln Square pre‑Thanksgiving show
  • Facebook video (Oct 28, 2022): “Jesse James Dupree in da house!!!” glimpse behind the scenes at the venue
  • Other notable radio features include News Radio 101 ticket promotions (specific dates unspecified).Other notable radio features include News Radio 101 ticket promotions (specific dates unspecified).

Early Historic Mentions & Press (1916–1920)

Construction (March 1916)

Rare photo of the theater under construction, showing scaffolding across the auditorium

Find out more

Advertisements (June–Nov 1916)

Ads include a new billiards parlor (June), Edison phonograph + contralto singer (Nov), and listings for silent film programs

Find out more

“Handsome Curtain of Old Rose Velvet” (May 7, 1916)

Commemorates its elegant interior during an early opening preview

Find out more

Temporary Closure (Aug 8, 1920), and “Meet the New Lincoln Master” (Apr 14) articles

Signifying management changes and operational pauses

Find out more

Stay in the Spotlight!

 Want front-row access to the latest shows, exclusive events, and behind-the-scenes stories? Subscribe to our newsletter and let the magic of the stage come straight to your inbox.

What you'll get: – Upcoming event announcements – Special offers & early bird tickets – Artist spotlights & insider updates

Join our audience today!

  • We respect your inbox. No spam. Just pure theatrical delight.

Follow us on Facebook

Fans of LST

Video thumb
Video thumb

BOX OFFICE

(217) 454-4583

copyright © 2025 | Lincoln Square Theater | All Rights Reserve | Website designed by WMP Multi-Media Network