Empty Lot/Unique Theater

The building that use to stand here was built in 1910 by W.J. Paulman to house the Unique Theater. Two men, named Mahan and Angell, leased the building and installed fixtures. About a week before the opening, some of the machinery was set up in a room in the International Hotel and a picture shown on a large canvas hung on the side of the International State Bank. A large crowd gathered in the street to watch the show. The Unique was so successful that in 1911 250 opera chairs were installed and an electric-lighted marquee was added. They showed the Dempsey-Tunney fight continuously from 2:00PM to 11:00PM on their Tuesday special. The theater changed owners several times and finally went out of business. Many other tenants have occupied the building such as McBride's Grocery and Bakery, Swedson's Confectionery, the Union Pool Hall, Pearson & Perle Bakery, S & S Auto Parts, Pelto Paint and Wallpaper Store, and the Alano Club.