Kiwanis Talk: What Funded the 1931 Goetz Theater?

I’m very happy to have been asked back by Monroe Kiwanis to give another lunch talk on Monroe in Early Film. On July 1st I’ll discuss what I’ve found out about the funding for our fabulous Hollywood Spanish Revival-style theater on the South East side of our historic Square.

Teaser: It has nothing to do with projector patents.

The ninety-year custodians of the Goetz Theater, the Goetz family, were pioneers in the early film industry and, at their peak in the 1920s, controlled a network of theaters throughout South West Wisconsin. Disaster in Milwaukee brought this network down in 1927— yet a handful of new businesses, and some old political connections, resulted in the remarkable theater we enjoy today.

Kiwanis lunches are a members’ event, but members can bring guests. My talk will start at 12:30pm and be done by one, including a few minutes’ Q&A. Hope to see you at the Youth Cabin!

The title image is an example of Southern California’s tile producing heritage.

The tiled facade of the 1931 Goetz Theater in Monroe, WI.