It is 1924…opening night at the Lerner Theatre in downtown Elkhart.
The lights dim, as the brand new comedy film by Buster Keaton–The Navigator–flashes silently on the big screen, followed by the melodic sounds of a Kimball organ. Together they wash over the audience, fully immersing them into what they expected to be an experience for a lifetime.
Fast forward an entire century later…this exact same movie and organ will enjoy a repeat performance at the historic theatre, providing audiences with that same experience from that opening night–exactly 100 years ago to the day, this coming Sunday, Nov. 24, celebrating the rich history of the Lerner and all the films it has shown.
The Lerner Theatre, built in 1924 after being commissioned by an Elkhart businessman, Harry E. Lerner. He commissioned a Chicago architect, K.V. Vitchum, for the design. And, it had its grand opening on Nov. 24, 1924, filling its 2,000 seats. Starting out as a vaudeville theater, it ended up becoming a place for motion pictures, big band concerts, and a variety of other performances. Even school performances have been held at the Lerner Theatre throughout the years. Junior Jaden Mikel Detwiler is among those to take the stage. “It was just a great opportunity to learn and experience a big stage like that, knowing how many legendary names have been on the same stage.” Typically, audiences can purchase tickets from the Lerner Theatre website or directly from the theater itself.
The Lerner Theatre name itself has a very rich history as its ownership changed. Being recognized as the popular spot, it was purchased by the Warner Brothers in the 1930s, who operated it under the name of the Warner Theater. After going bankrupt later in the same decade, the Indiana-Illinois Theater took it over and renamed it to the Elco–a name that it retained for many decades. Afterward, the theater changed hands several times until the 1990s, when Premier Arts, a nonprofit organization, purchased the Elco, intending to return it to its original purpose as a state-of-the-art performing arts venue.
Eventually, the city of Elkhart itself became involved, securing funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. Thus, in 1996, restoration began, eventually returning it to its original 1920s design. This renovation continued on into the 21st century, until finally its name came full circle back to the Lerner Theatre. Film teacher at Elkhart High School, Mrs. Kathleen Coates has her own connection to the facility. “During the renovation of the Lerner Theatre,” she states, “if you were a donor, you could have your name written on a seat.” Continuing, she adds, “My husband and I paid for our mother’s names to be on a seat during the renovation, and it means a lot to know it’ll hopefully be there forever.”
Coates is anxious to attend the 100th anniversary celebration on Sunday. Not only is The Navigator an iconic film, but the Kimball pipe organ is one of only three Kimball organs currently installed in its original location. It will be played by organist Clark Wilson for this rare event.
Throughout its 100-year existence, the Lerner Theatre remains a culturally significant landmark in the city of Elkhart–one that the city hopes will continue to thrive for the next one hundred years.
