Boxoffice-January.24.1953

Historic Ringling Bros. Theatres Sold
To Jacob Eskin at Baraboo, Wis.
BARABOO. WIS.—Heiu-y E. Ringling,
descendant of the famous circus family, has
disposed of his two theatres here, the Al Rangling
and the Juliar. Both theatres have been
purchased by the Baraboo Theatres. Inc., a
new corporation headed by Jacob Eskin. The
purchase price is said to have involved more
than $150,000.
A unique slant to the tran action called for
certain exceptions—circus mementos that had
been stored in the theatres, which included
an 850-pound ticket trunk that had been
used in the old days of the circus to carry
gold, cash and tickets; oldtime folding circus
chairs, press scrapbooks and a roll-top desk
that had been u. ed by one of the Ringling
brothers.
Built in 1915 by Albert Ringling, foremost
of the famous brothers, at a cost of over $100.-
000. it was dedicated November 17 in a
blaze of glory. It soon became known as
"America's prettiest playhouse." because of
its ornateness in trimming and furnishings.
Another condition of the sale is that the
new owners cannot redecorate the foyers and
general auditorium because of the beauty of
the paintings and the gold leaf used in the
decoration. The theatre was originally constructed
for legitimate stage use, but later
was converted for showing motion pictures. It
has large stage, numerous dressing rooms and
seats about 850 persons. It is used for many
community functions, including school graduations
and concerts.
Eskin. who also heads E.kin Theatre Management
Co. with theatres in other parts of
the state, including Richmond Center. Boscobel.
Elroy and Black River Falls, said commitments
made by the previous management
would be honored by the new firm, and added
that the theatres would be operated in the
future according to the same high standards
set by the Ringlings. The theatres will be
taken over by the new firm February 1.
Ringling w-a^ sole owner of the theatres,
having acquired title to the Al Ringling Theatre
by inheritance and acquisition of shares
from other members of the Ringling family.
He was Albert Ringling's nephew. Henry built
the Juliar Theatre in 1938 in memory of
Salome Juliar Ringling. mother of the Ringling
brothers. It seats 400 and has been used
solely for motion pictures. Both houses front
on the courthouse square in Baraboo.
Ringling is a Republican national committeeman,
and will continue to re ide in
Baraboo. maintaining his office, though with
no connection with the two theatres.
E.'^kin has also announced that the new firm
will undertake to make a survey to determine
if the population will support an outdoor
theatre outside of the Baraboo city limits.
Amusement Tax Revenue
Off Again in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS — Federal amusement tax
collections in Minnesota, derived mostly from
motion picture theatres, fell off substantially
in 1952 for the third successive year. Collections
of $5,753,000 for last year were $813,-
000 less than the $6,566,000 realized in 1951.
Cabaret tax collections in Minnesota for 1952
also were off from 1951, but the drop was
only from $792,000 to $789,000. The only
other of the 11 tax collection items to show a
decline was furs. The $1,022,037,443 collected
in the state from all federal tax resources set
a calendar year record. The 1951 collections
were $868,585,555.
In 1952 individual income tax returns totaling
$557,179,000 paced the individual items.
Tliey compared to $254,105,000 in 1952.
Build Cedarburg Drive-In
CEDARBURG. WIS.—The fn.st drive-in
for Ozaukee county is under way and is
scheduled for early opening.
One of the owners,
Gordon Gromme of Milwaukee, said that
the construction of the concession building
was started early in January and the projection
booth section is now being built.
The drive-in is located on Highways 57 and
141. It will be known as the Port Drive-In
and there will be room for 700 cars.
FILM' INDUSTRIES, INC.
2269 FORD PARKWAY, ST. PAUL 1. MINN.
208 SO. LA SALLE, CHICAGO 4, ILL.
Eric Brown to Build Airer
PLYMOUTH. WIS.— Eric Brown, local
theatre
owner, plans to build a drive-in on Highway
57 near here. There will be places for
400 cars, and it is hoped that the drive-in
can be opened by June 1. The drive-in will
be built on a 12-acre tract. The screen will
be 54x36 feet, mounted on a prefabricated
tower. Brown owns the Majestic and Plymouth
theatres here.
74 BOXOFHCE :: January 24, 1953