Theaters
The Theaters & Taverns of the Past
During the 1920s and 1930s the citizens of the Washington Park neighborhood enjoyed many recreational activities, among which were going to the movies and taverns.
There were many theaters from which the residents of Washington Park could choose right in their neighborhood in the 1920s. W. Lisbon Avenue and W. North Avenue were the streets to be on for any movie-goer; the streets were home to many theaters, including the Parkway Theatre, Regent Theatre, Washington Theatre, and Queen Theatre. Washington Park residents could see the latest silent movie playing at one of these theaters. On really hot summer days, movie-goers could cool off at the Venetian Theatre a few blocks north on W. Center Street. The Venetian featured elaborate decorations as well as air conditioning. The 1930s brought "talkies," or the speaking movies that we know today. Some of the theaters could not afford to upgrade their equipment to accommodate the new talking movies and were forced to close, as was the case with the Regent. The theaters that stayed open with the new equipment saw a rise in attendance, as citizens wanted to experience these new talking movies. The taverns of the 1920s did not see as much promise as the theaters did, as Prohibition forced many of them to close. Milwaukee as a whole struggled during this time because the citizens loved going to their favorite tavern or bar after a long day at work. Patrons of the taverns were able to mingle between a variety of social classes, something that was not done in one's own neighborhood. Speakeasies popped up all over town as a result of Prohibition, and some individuals could still enjoy their drink of choice at the risk of being caught and thrown in jail. Anyone hoping to find a speakeasy that wasn't shut down by the government would probably have to travel outside of their neighborhood. Prohibition ended in the 1930s, and the citizens rejoiced. Bars and taverns reopened, and the alcohol began flowing. Milwaukee was prosperous again, and the newly reopened taverns provided an escape from the dreary reality of the Great Depression. |
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The Parkway Theatre
Opened in 1921, the Parkway Theatre was once a hot spot for the people of Washington Park. By 1970, the theater was struggling to stay afloat and was purchased by two men from Racine. Immediately following the change in ownership, the Parkway began showing adult features and became the most popular of several X-rated theaters in the city. The theater was eventually shut down in 1986 as a result of many protests, but it still lives on in the memories of Washington Park residents who remember the old Parkway.
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