History of the Auditorium: Chapter 6

1930-1940

Auditorium Restaurant

The Auditorium Building was designed as a multipurpose structure that housed several businesses such as a pharmacy, bar, barber shop, and cafe. Amongst those businesses were restaurants that served menu items like Half Lobster Glace Thermidor, Mutton Chop, Crabmeat Ravioli, and many other delicious dishes, all of which were priced just under a dollar!

Mini Golf

On September 30 1930, plans for converting the theatre into an indoor mini golf course were announced.

“Tentative plans of the promoters contemplate two links, one of size holes in the foyer and one of 18 holes on the main floor. On the stage will be erected a stucco replica of a country clubhouse, with veranda, and background of artificial trees, privet hedge and greensward, where hot dogs, pop and lemonade may be purchase.” (1)

The President of the Auditorium Association, R. Floyd Clinch, was excited for the possibility of mini golf generating the revenue that opera could not for the Auditorium.

“Opera has never paid; the Auditorium has been operated at a loss,” said Mr. Clinch, but from what I hear of this mini golf thing, it will enable us to raise some much-needed cash.”

Despite the excitement and hopes for this venture, the project did not last long, and the Auditorium looked to other ideas to help save the building.

 

The Cascades

On May 18, 1934, the Auditorium opened a Cabaret Restaurant that transformed the main floor into a space for dining and dancing.

Fun Facts

Auditorium Theatre’s architect, Dankmar Adler, was a consultant for the acoustical design of New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Adler’s expertise was sought after the completion of the Auditorium and the immediate attention it was receiving because of the theatre’s near-perfect acoustics. To this day, Carnegie Hall is known for its acoustics, and it is thanks to the same man who designed the Auditorium Theatre. (2, 3)

Citations

“To be or not to be…” (n.d.). Talmanac: Restoring the Auditorium.

Carnegiehall.org. (n.d.). https://www.carnegiehall.org/Explore/Articles/2020/07/21/Carnegie-Hall-Legendary-Acoustics

Henahan, D. (1981, May 3). Music view; the sound of Carnegie Hall. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1981/05/03/arts/music-view-the-sound-of-carnegie-hall.html