An Atmospheric Experience

Starry skies, a Moorish atmosphere, the rising organ, and the performing show. This is all part of the magic people experience at the Akron Civic Theatre. This atmospheric theater is Akron’s landmark and joy, and one of the last few atmospheric theaters in the US today. First known as the Loew’s Theatre, it opened its doors to the public in 1929. The beautiful venue, designed by John Eberson, brought the attention of actors, singers, dancers, and audiences from all over. 

In the first couple decades of the Loew’s Theatre’s existence, it was a place where patrons could go to see movies. By the 1960s, though, it was struggling financially and had to be sold to the Kelly Operating Company. During this time, the theater was almost torn down and replaced by a parking lot. Ruth Oenslager was the woman who saved it from destruction.¹She made the first effort of preservation, which began the life of what we know today as the Akron Civic Theatre.

Preserving a Local Treasure

With the theater secured from destruction, plans were made to renovate and preserve it. Eberson’s son, Drew, had estimated the renovation costs would be roughly one million dollars, for the seating, ventilation, and other features. This was a costly feat that would require substantial funding. Thankfully, with the amount of money they raised, they were able to renovate portions of the building. The Civic has forged ahead, remaining strong as a result of community support, which has come primarily through donations and volunteers.

In 2001, the Akron Civic Theatre underwent its most extensive and expensive renovation. With the total budget of the renovation costing $21.5 million, it was brought back to its original glory. The renovations don’t stop there, though. Plans for the expansion are well underway for the present and future.² The plans aspire to create an even more lively entertainment scene in downtown Akron, which will hopefully be loved for generations to come. 

The Akron Civic Theatre has a special place in the heart of the community, and that can be shown by all the effort put into conserving and preserving it over the years. People from all generations have and are still creating long-lasting, meaningful memories. The Akron Civic Theatre, in April 2019, celebrated its ninetieth anniversary.³ Below is a compiled video that features members of the community — including Al and Janet McCaulley, Harold Wright, and Christopher Ha — sharing memories, love, and thoughts of the theater, with the hope that it will continue to thrive and grow for years to come.⁴ 

Researched and written by Katelynn Olsen & Song Vo

Sources:
1. mws40. “Akron Women’s History.” Akron Womens History, September 9, 2013. https://blogs.uakron.edu/womenshistory/2013/09/09/ruth-alderfer-oenslager-1892-1992/.
2. “Restoration of Akron Civic Theatre Will Help Build a More Vibrant, Connected Downtown Akron with $5 Million Investment.” Downtown Akron Partnership. Accessed November 22, 2019. https://www.downtownakron.com/newsitem/restoration-of-akron-civic-theatre-will-help-build-a-more-vibrant-connected-downtown-akron-with-5-million-investment.
3. Price, Mark. “The Civic at 90: Here’s How Beacon Journal Touted Loew’s Theater in 1929.” Akron Beacon Journal. Akron Beacon Journal, April 13, 2019. https://www.beaconjournal.com/news/20190412/civic-at-90-heres-how-beacon-journal-touted-loews-theater-in-1929.
4. Mendiola, Christine, Sister. A History of Loew’s Theatre of Akron, Ohio: 1929-1965, 1974.