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Overview

The Varsity Theatre #1 accommodated live stage productions and films from 1912 until its closure in 1927.

Building History

The Varsity Theatre #1 opened on 03/11/1912 at 7 pm, and remained in business until at least 1914 at 263 University Avenue in Downtown Palo Alto, CA. (See Varsity Theatre advertisement, Daily Palo Alto Times, 03/07/1912, p. 5.)

An article in the Daily Palo Alto Times of 03/09/1912 said of the new theatre: “The new Varsity Theatre on University Avenue, one door east of Marshall Black’s office, will have a grand opening Monday night at 7 o’clock. The finishing touches are now being given to the interior of the theater, which is the finest of its kind on the peninsula. The building will accommodate 525 persons. The two boxes in the back hold fifteen chairs. The Greek style of decoration has been adapted for the walls which are in rose, cream and gold. The hangings are to harmonize with the general color scheme, and the seats and carpets are in green. There are two large ventilators in the ceiling. The indirect system of lighting is in use. The building and operator’s room are absolutely fireproof. There are four large incline exits, two in the front and two in the back. Ladies’ retiring rooms are provided. A hot-air furnace under the stage will hear the building in cold weather. The stage is 21x24 feet, and is large enough to accommodate any play. Two singer’s balconies are off on the side to be used for illustrated pictures. A large advertising curtain has just been hung. There is a fine large orchestra pit. Four comfortable dressing rooms have been building in the back. Ira G. Betts and his brother-in-law F.A. Le Seur, a recent arrival from Michigan, are the proprietors of the new playhouse. They will provide the daylight motion pictures regularly, except on the nights of special attractions. Next Thursday night, March 14th, a first-class company will present ‘The Squaw Man.’ Other musical and dramatic attractions will be booked frequently.” (See “Varsity Theatre Opens Monday,” Daily Palo Alto Times, vol. 39, no. 57, 03/09/1912, p. 1.)

The Varsity Theatre #1 continued showing films into 1927. A later Varsity Theatre #2 opened at 456 University Avenue in Palo Alto in 1927.

Building Notes

In 1910, there was also a "Varsity Theatre" operating in Berkeley, CA.

In 1912 and 1913, admission prices for regular seats were 10 cents, while loges cost 20 cents. (See, for example, Varsity Theatre advertisement, Daily Palo Alto Times, 04/26/1912, p. 5.) On opening night, 03/11/1912, prices were 25 cents for general admission and 35 cents for loge seating. (See Varsity Theatre advertisement, Daily Palo Alto Times, 03/07/1912, p. 5.)

Offices also existed in the Varsity Theatre Building #1. The Stratton and Siegfried real estate business operated there on 03/23/1927. (See Classified ads, Daily Palo Alto Times, 03/23/1927, p. 8.)

Demolition

The Varsity Theatre #1 was razed.

PCAD id: 25744