First Talking Picture
Opening day of the Coronado Theatre. It was owned by Willard N. Van Matre, Jr. of Rockford and designed by architect Frederick J. Klein in the “atmospheric” style that was popular for movie palaces in the 1920s. The cost was $1.5 million.
The exquisite plaster work was created especially for the Coronado. Even the “backs” of the Spanish and Moorish “villages” are complete. Both of the stunning chandeliers were specially designed for the Coronado. The magical ceiling features “stars” and moving “clouds”.
The name “Coronado” and the slogan “Rockford’s Wonder Theatre” were chosen through a contest sponsored by the Rockford Register-Gazette.
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