The Garden Theater on West 7th Street, St. Paul: A Historical Deep Dive into its Early Days (1915-1940s)

"Silverware Night" at the Garden Theater.

I. Introduction: A Landmark Reimagined

The structure now recognized as the North Garden Theater, situated on West 7th Street in St. Paul, Minnesota, serves as a dynamic events venue, symbolizing a successful revitalization undertaken in the mid-2010s. This contemporary identity, however, is deeply rooted in its past as the original Garden Theater, a 500-seat movie theater that commenced operations in the early 20th century. This report undertakes a comprehensive historical examination of the "early days" of the Garden Theater, covering its establishment in 1915 or 1916 through the 1930s and early 1940s. This period was pivotal, as the theater functioned as a significant neighborhood entertainment hub, and understanding this foundational era is essential for appreciating its enduring legacy and its place within the broader social and cultural fabric of West 7th Street and St. Paul.

The building's journey to its current state is a remarkable narrative of decline and rebirth. After operating as a movie theater until the early 1960s, it underwent a brief period as a warehouse for the Twin Cities Coffin Company. Subsequently, it experienced a prolonged and unfortunate deterioration, leading to years of neglect that nearly resulted in its demolition by the City of St. Paul.1 At the close of 2015, local actors and entrepreneurs Ryan and Tina North acquired the building, presenting a plan to preserve and revitalize the historic movie theater. Their efforts have transformed the space into a live performance and events venue, capable of seating up to 150 guests for various occasions, including weddings, receptions, parties, fundraisers, and other artistic and corporate events.2

The current owners have meticulously undertaken a historical renovation, consciously retaining elements that speak to the building's past. These include century-old brick pilasters, cast iron trusses, and the original 20-foot tall wood ceilings.2 This deliberate fusion of historical preservation with necessary modern upgrades, such as new plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC, allows the venue to offer a contemporary ambiance while "retaining hints of its golden age".1 The North Garden Theater's own historical accounts explicitly confirm its origin: it was "once the Garden Theater - a 500 seat movie theater built in 1915" that "operated as a movie theater until the early 1960s".1 Another source corroborates this time frame, stating it was "built in 1916".5

The decision by the current owners to invest in the building's revival, rather than allowing its demolition, provides a compelling framework for examining its early history. Had the structure been lost, a significant piece of St. Paul's cultural heritage would have vanished. The commitment to preserving and highlighting the original architectural features means that the physical structure itself serves as a tangible artifact of its formative years. This creates a powerful narrative arc: from a thriving early 20th-century entertainment venue, through a period of decline and near-oblivion, to a deliberate act of historical preservation and adaptive reuse. This narrative underscores that the "early days" are not merely a past event but a foundational story that lends profound meaning to the building's present existence and continued contribution to the community.

II. The Genesis of the Garden Theater (1915-1920s)

The Garden Theater emerged during a period of profound transformation in the entertainment industry, as motion pictures rapidly ascended in popularity and began to reshape urban cultural landscapes. Its establishment on West 7th Street reflects both the burgeoning demand for cinematic experiences and the distinctive character of the neighborhood it served.

Establishment and Initial Operations

The Garden Theater was conceived as a 500-seat movie theater.1 This capacity is noteworthy, as it positioned the venue as a mid-sized neighborhood establishment, distinctly different from the grand "movie palaces" of the era. For instance, downtown St. Paul boasted much larger venues like the Palace Theatre, which seated 2,300-2,500 people, and the Capitol Theatre, also with a capacity of approximately 2,500.6 These larger palaces were often designed to evoke a sense of royalty and offered lavish amenities, catering to a broader, often more affluent audience.8 In contrast, the Garden Theater's more intimate scale suggests it catered to a local clientele, prioritizing accessibility and consistent patronage over grand spectacle.

The theater's opening year is consistently cited as 1915 by multiple sources1, with one source also indicating 1916.5 This slight variation in the opening year, while minor, points to a common challenge in historical research where precise dates can be elusive without direct primary source verification, such as original newspaper announcements or building permits. Nevertheless, the general time frame firmly places its inception within the nascent period of widespread cinema. The theater maintained its function as a movie house continuously until the early 1960s 1, indicating a significant and sustained presence in the community. Its location was on West 7th Street, a thoroughfare historically known as Fort Road.1 The specific address of the building is 929 West 7th Street.5

Information concerning the original owners or proprietors of the St. Paul Garden Theater in 1915 is not explicitly detailed in the available materials. It is important to distinguish this venue from other "Garden Theaters" mentioned in the snippets, such as those in New York (associated with Emanuel Reicher) or Iowa City (linked to T.A. "Buck" Hanlon and his wife), as these are separate entities.10 The current owners, Ryan and Tina North, acquired the building in 2015, marking its most recent chapter.1

The contrast between the Garden Theater's 500-seat capacity and the much larger downtown "movie palaces" like the Palace and Capitol is significant. This difference in scale points to a distinct market position for the Garden Theater. While the grander venues aimed to provide an aspirational, "royal" experience, neighborhood theaters, often evolving from earlier nickelodeons, typically catered to the "busy work lives and limited budgets of the lower and middle classes," offering continuous entertainment for a modest five cents.8 Given its location on West 7th Street, a neighborhood known for its immigrant and working-class population, the Garden Theater's role as an accessible, local entertainment option becomes clear. This suggests a business model rooted in high volume and strong local patronage, providing consistent, affordable entertainment. The theater likely served as a daily fixture for local families, fostering a more intimate and familiar community experience compared to the occasional, more formal visits to downtown movie palaces.

Architectural and Design Elements

The current North Garden Theater offers tangible insights into the original Garden Theater's design through its preserved interior features. These include remnants of ancient wallpaper, adorned with "costumed, dancing figures in red and green tones," discovered above what was likely the entryway or lobby.1 An "interesting chunk" of original tile floor, also found in the entryway/lobby area, further speaks to its initial aesthetic.1 Structurally, the visible "century old brick pillars that hold up the cast iron rafters and wood ceiling" provide a direct link to the building's original construction.1 The survival of these elements, despite decades of neglect and the building's brush with demolition, attests to the robust quality of its initial construction. This enduring structural integrity and the aesthetic appeal of these original features were clearly recognized by the current owners, who chose to retain and highlight them in the renovation, thereby emphasizing their historical and architectural value.2 This deliberate preservation suggests that the original builders intended the theater to be a lasting and significant asset to the community.

Earliest exterior photo of the Garden Theater

An "Earliest Photo" of the theater, believed to depict its appearance before a 1940s renovation, provides a visual record of its initial exterior. This photograph shows the words "Jack Holy and David Lee in THE SQUEALER" above the door. The facade in this early image features a relatively simple marquee with a flat roof, contrasting with the later, more elaborate designs. The building itself appears to be constructed of light-colored brick or stone, with decorative diamond patterns visible on the upper facade. While the film itself dates to 1930, the image captures the theater's pre-renovation facade, offering a glimpse into its early architectural character.

Early Programming and Audience Experience

Opening during the silent film era, the Garden Theater's early programming would have been characterized by motion pictures accompanied by live music. The transition to "talkies" after 1927 marked a significant shift, leading to a dramatic increase in movie attendance.14 The presence of "The Squealer," a 1930 crime melodrama, advertised on the theater's early marquee, confirms its adaptation to sound films by that time.

Beyond standard film showings, the Garden Theater, like many neighborhood cinemas of its time, likely employed various strategies to attract and retain audiences. One such promotional event, as evidenced by a later marquee, was "Silverware Night," advertised for "EVERY TUE & WED". These events, often involving giveaways or special themes, were common tactics to encourage repeat patronage and provide added value to the movie going experience. The marquee also indicates the showing of "SELECTED SHORT SUBJECTS," highlighting a common practice of presenting a varied program that included not just the main feature film but also cartoons, newsreels, and other short films.

The experience of silent films was far from truly silent; it was an immersive sensory event enhanced by live musical accompaniment, typically provided by a pianist or organist.15 This live musical component, often improvised to match the on-screen action and audience reactions, created a dynamic and interactive viewing experience markedly different from modern cinema.19 The Garden Theater, as a 500-seat neighborhood venue, would have fostered a communal atmosphere for its patrons. This suggests that the early Garden Theater was not merely a place to watch a film; it was a social gathering, a shared cultural ritual, and a sensory spectacle. The reliance on live music also implies that local musicians were an integral part of the theater's operational ecosystem, contributing to the local economy and cultural life. Thus, the "programming" encompassed both the film itself and the live performance that brought it to life.

The concept of the "movie house," like the Garden Theater, represented an evolution beyond the simpler "storefront theaters" and "nickelodeons," being specifically designed for motion picture exhibition.8 These early movie houses, including nickelodeons, aimed to broaden their appeal to include "women and families".8 This focus on a wider audience, combined with continuous showings and affordable admission prices (often 5-10 cents), made cinema a highly accessible form of entertainment for a diverse public.8

To provide a comparative understanding of the Garden Theater's place within the broader entertainment landscape of early 20th-century St. Paul, the following table outlines key characteristics of contemporary venues:

Table 1: Comparison of Early St. Paul Cinema and Vaudeville Venues (1910s-1920s)

Theater Name	Opening Year	Location	Initial Capacity	Primary Early Entertainment	Notable Characteristics/Circuits	Typical Admission Price (if available for the era)
Garden Theater	1915/1916 1	West 7th Street	500 seats 1	Movies (silent, then talkies)	Neighborhood focus	5-10 cents (inferred from similar venues) 8
Palace Theatre	1916 6	Downtown (17 W 7th Place)	2,300-2,500 seats 6	Vaudeville, then movies	Finkelstein & Ruben circuit; "Movie Palace"	Not specified, likely higher than neighborhood theaters 8
Princess Theater	1909 6	Downtown (7th Street)	Not specified	Vaudeville, then movies	Finkelstein & Ruben circuit	Not specified, patrons "broke down doors" 20
Capitol Theater	1920 6	Downtown (7th Street Place)	~2,500 seats 7	Movies (designed for), live entertainment	First "true movie palace" in Twin Cities; Hamm Building	50 cents (opening night) 7
Fitzgerald Theater	1910 21	Downtown (10 E Exchange St)	Not specified	Broadway musicals, vaudeville, later movies	St. Paul's oldest surviving theater	Not specified
Southern Theater	1910 15	Minneapolis (Cedar Ave)	~650 seats 17	Vaudeville, silent films, Scandinavian plays	Cultural center for Scandinavian community	10 cents (children's matinees) 17
Victoria Theater	1915 22	University Avenue	Not specified	Movies, live performances, later speakeasy	Known for nightclub history	Not specified

This comparative analysis highlights the distinct market segmentation within St. Paul's early 20th-century entertainment sector. The Garden Theater, with its 500-seat capacity, was clearly part of the burgeoning wave of dedicated cinema houses, differentiating itself from the larger, more opulent downtown "movie palaces" that often originated as vaudeville venues and gradually integrated films. This difference in scale and location allowed the Garden Theater to cater specifically to the local, perhaps more frequent, moviegoers of West 7th Street. This segmentation was crucial for the widespread adoption of cinema, making it an accessible form of entertainment across different social strata and geographic areas within the city. The sheer number of venues operating concurrently in St. Paul during this period points to a thriving cultural scene and a high demand for public entertainment.23

III. The Garden Theater within the West 7th Street Landscape

The Garden Theater was not an isolated commercial venture; it was deeply embedded within the dynamic fabric of the West 7th Street neighborhood, a district characterized by its rich history, diverse communities, and evolving commercial landscape. Understanding this local context is fundamental to comprehending the theater's early success and its integral role as a community institution.

Historical Context of West 7th Street

West 7th Street, historically known as Fort Road, traces its origins to an ancient path utilized by Native Americans and fur traders along the Mississippi River.1 The area underwent significant transformation throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Initially dominated by family farms from 1850 to 1896, the land shifted towards industrial uses, including Martin Delaney's "Union Stockyards" established in 1870 (the first in the city or state) and later Jacob Lauer's extensive limestone quarry, which operated from 1896 to 1928 before being replaced by oil tanks.25 This evolution underscores the strong industrial and commercial foundation of the district.

The West 7th neighborhood served as a traditional destination for successive waves of immigrants. Germans were among the first major groups, establishing several breweries by the 1860s, notably the Schmidt Brewery, which had been a fixture since 1855.26 They were followed by Poles and Czechs in the 1870s, and then by large populations of Irish, German, Czech, and Scandinavian immigrants in the 1880s. By the turn of the century, a significant concentration of Italian immigrants, primarily from the Molise region of southern Italy, settled in the "Little Italy" area on the Upper Levee.24 This rich and diverse demographic profile profoundly shaped the neighborhood's character and needs.

Beyond its industrial base, West 7th Street was recognized as a "busy commercial center" and even the "cradle of commerce" for Minnesota, bustling with retail establishments, breweries, and numerous saloons.27 Notably, saloons played a crucial social role, often serving as vital support networks for new arrivals, providing spaces for connection and information, including employment opportunities.27 The rapid development of transportation infrastructure further facilitated the area's growth and accessibility. Horse-drawn streetcars were introduced by 1884, electrified by 1891, and subsequently extended along the entire length of West 7th Street, making the neighborhood highly accessible from other parts of St. Paul.24

The detailed history of West 7th Street reveals it as a densely populated, industrially active, and ethnically diverse immigrant neighborhood, supported by robust commercial and transportation infrastructure. This environment naturally fostered a large, local audience base with a clear demand for accessible and affordable entertainment. The prevalence of saloons as social hubs further indicates a strong community culture of public gathering and leisure. This socio-economic and demographic makeup of West 7th Street directly contributed to the emergence and sustained success of a neighborhood theater like the Garden. It provided a convenient and culturally relevant form of entertainment for the local working-class and immigrant communities, who might not have regularly ventured downtown for more expensive options. The efficient streetcar lines further enhanced its convenience and reach within the local area. Consequently, the Garden Theater was likely more than just a commercial establishment; it was a community anchor, a place where neighbors could convene, socialize, and partake in a shared cultural phenomenon, with its programming likely reflecting the tastes and values of its local patrons.

Visual evidence from the period, such as a street scene photograph, vividly illustrates the bustling commercial environment of West 7th Street. The Garden Theater's prominent vertical "GARDEN" sign is visible, surrounded by other local businesses. These include signs for "Schmidt" and "Hamm's Beer," indicating the presence of the historic Schmidt Brewery, a significant fixture in the neighborhood since 1855. Other visible establishments like "Rybak's Market" and "Dahlberg's Bakery" further highlight the diverse retail landscape that served the local community. This visual context reinforces the idea of the Garden Theater as an integral part of a vibrant, self-sufficient neighborhood hub.

Bustling West 7th (Fort Road) Street Scene

St. Paul's Broader Entertainment Scene

The early 20th century marked a boom period for theater construction in St. Paul, with historical records indicating the presence of "at least seventeen theaters of various types" in Downtown St. Paul alone by 1916.23 This proliferation of venues created a diverse and competitive entertainment landscape.

Prominent downtown "movie palaces" included:

• Palace Theatre: Opened on November 27, 1916, at 17 West 7th Place, this Beaux-Arts style theater initially featured vaudeville acts before transitioning to movies in the 1920s. It was a substantial venue, seating 2,300 to 2,500 people, and was part of the influential Finkelstein & Ruben regional circuit, solidifying its status as one of the city's premier movie palaces.6

• Princess Theater: Opening in 1909 and closing in 1931, this theater was also part of the Finkelstein & Ruben circuit.6 It is important to note that this St. Paul venue is distinct from other Princess Theaters located in St. James, MN, or Edmonton, AB, which are mentioned in other historical contexts.29

• Capitol Theater: Constructed in 1920 as part of the Hamm Building on 7th Street (now 7th Place), this theater was heralded as the "first true movie palace in the Twin Cities," boasting approximately 2,500 seats. While equipped with a large stage for live performances, it was specifically designed for cinematic presentations, often featuring live entertainment such as organ recitals and in-house orchestras alongside films.6 Another Capitol Theater, originally known as the Venus, opened on Payne Avenue in 1915 and was later remodeled into the Capitol in 1930.33

Other significant St. Paul theaters contributing to the city's vibrant cultural scene included:

• Fitzgerald Theater: Established in 1910 as the Sam S. Shubert Theater, it holds the distinction of being St. Paul's oldest surviving theater space. It initially hosted Broadway musicals and vaudeville shows before evolving into a movie house.21

• Victoria Theater: Opening its doors in 1915 on University Avenue, this venue offered both movies and live performances, later gaining notoriety as a nightclub and speakeasy.22

The broader Twin Cities region also saw similar developments, exemplified by a "New Garden Pure Air Theatre" on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis, near 7th Street, which offered an "Exclusive Universal Program" for 10 cents in 1915.20 This illustrates the commonality of the "Garden Theater" name and the interconnected, regional nature of the entertainment industry during this period.

The early 20th century in St. Paul was characterized by a rapid proliferation of entertainment venues, ranging from the opulent downtown "movie palaces" to more modest neighborhood theaters like the Garden Theater. This indicates a highly competitive and segmented entertainment market. While the larger downtown theaters often began with vaudeville and gradually integrated films, or were purpose-built as lavish movie palaces, the Garden Theater, constructed specifically as a movie theater in 1915 or 1916, was part of the newer wave of dedicated cinematic venues. This segmentation suggests that while downtown theaters aimed to attract a broad, often more affluent audience with elaborate and aspirational experiences, neighborhood theaters like the Garden catered to local, perhaps more frequent, moviegoers. This differentiation was instrumental in the widespread adoption of cinema, making it an accessible form of entertainment across various social strata and geographic areas within the city. The sheer number of venues operating simultaneously highlights a flourishing cultural scene and a significant public demand for entertainment.

IV. Evolution and Operational Shifts (1930s-1940s)

The decades spanning the 1930s and 1940s brought profound changes to the film industry and society at large, including the widespread adoption of sound films and the immense challenges of the Great Depression and World War II. The Garden Theater's continuous operation throughout these periods underscores its adaptability and resilience as a local institution.

Adaptation to Sound Films

The Garden Theater successfully maintained its operation as a movie theater until the early 1960s.1 This longevity inherently demonstrates its successful transition from the silent film era to the age of "talkies," a technological revolution that dramatically increased movie attendance after 1927.14 Larger downtown venues, such as the Palace Theatre, also successfully navigated this transition from vaudeville to sound films.6 The presence of "The Squealer," a 1930 crime melodrama, advertised on the Garden Theater's early marquee, provides direct evidence of its programming of sound films by this time.

The advent of "talkies" in the late 1920s represented a significant disruption to the film industry. Theaters that failed to adapt quickly often faced closure, as exemplified by the pressure on some venues to modernize or cease operations.31 The Garden Theater's continuous operation as a movie theater for nearly five decades, well into the 1960s, clearly indicates that it successfully made this critical technological leap. The 1930 film "The Squealer" on its marquee serves as concrete proof of this crucial adaptation. The willingness and ability of the Garden Theater's management to invest in and implement sound film technology was a direct factor contributing to its continued viability and longevity through the mid-20th century. This adaptation allowed the theater to remain relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape, demonstrating a pragmatic and forward-thinking approach to business that prioritized meeting audience demand.

Architectural Updates

The "Earliest Photo" of the Garden Theater provides a glimpse of its original appearance before a "renovation in the 40s that added a more flashy marquee".1 A subsequent photograph, likely from the late 1930s or early 1940s, showcases this "second marquee," featuring an advertisement for "The Three Stooges" and "Flavor Fried Pop Corn." This "flashy marquee" is a prominent feature, with a vertical sign spelling out "GARDEN" and a horizontal section advertising "STOOGE COMEDY" (referring to The Three Stooges) and "Flavor Fried Pop Corn." A large "DRINK Coca-Cola" sign is also visible above the marquee, indicating popular concessions of the era. Notably, the lotus flower motif present on this later marquee was thoughtfully incorporated into the design of the present-day North Garden Theater's marquee, creating a visual link across generations.1

The modern day North Garden Theater

The transition from the original marquee to a "more flashy" one in the late 1930s or early 1940s is more than just an architectural modification; it reflects the evolving marketing strategies prevalent during the golden age of Hollywood. Flashier marquees were designed to capture attention and convey the excitement and allure of the cinematic experience, echoing the extravagant ornamentation seen in larger movie palaces.8 The specific advertisement for "The Three Stooges" on this new marquee points to programming choices that appealed to a broad, popular, and often family-friendly audience, particularly relevant during the challenging economic times of the Great Depression and the social climate of wartime. This upgrade suggests that even as a neighborhood theater, the Garden Theater understood the importance of external presentation and popular programming to attract patrons. It indicates a strategic response to the competitive entertainment market and a clear desire to maintain its appeal to the local community by showcasing widely recognized and enjoyed films. The preservation of the lotus motif in the modern marquee consciously acknowledges this specific period of the theater's history and creates a thread of continuity for contemporary visitors.

Another perspective of the theater's exterior reveals a less public, more utilitarian side of the building, with an unpaved area and an older model car parked nearby. This view offers a glimpse into the practical aspects of the theater's operations and its integration into the surrounding urban landscape, which included both commercial storefronts and more residential or service-oriented areas.

Operational Longevity

The Garden Theater's operation as a movie theater from 1915 or 1916 until the early 1960s 1 signifies its remarkable endurance through some of the most challenging periods in American history. This timeframe encompasses the entirety of the Great Depression (1929-late 1930s) and World War II (1939-1945). During the Great Depression, movies often served as an accessible and affordable escape for the general public, providing a temporary respite from daily hardships.8

The theater's sustained operation through these profound economic and social upheavals speaks volumes about its resilience. It suggests that the Garden Theater was a stable and valued institution within the West 7th Street community, consistently providing accessible entertainment during difficult times. Its continued viability implies a strong and loyal local patronage base, likely supported by a business model that could withstand economic downturns, perhaps due to its more affordable pricing and community-centric focus compared to the larger, more opulent downtown venues.

V. Conclusion: A Legacy Preserved

The early history of the Garden Theater on West 7th Street in St. Paul reveals a dynamic neighborhood cinema that played a vital role in the cultural life of its community. Established in 1915 or 1916 as a 500-seat movie house, it successfully navigated the revolutionary shift from silent films to "talkies" and underwent architectural modernizations to remain competitive and appealing. Its strategic location within the diverse, working-class West 7th Street neighborhood ensured a consistent patronage, allowing it to serve as a local fixture for nearly five decades.

Summary of Role and Significance

The Garden Theater epitomized the quintessential neighborhood movie theater, offering accessible and affordable entertainment to the diverse immigrant communities of West 7th Street from the 1910s through the early 1960s.1 Its ability to adapt to major technological advancements in the film industry, particularly the advent of sound films, and to showcase popular features like "The Squealer," was crucial to its sustained success.1 The architectural evolution of the theater, including the addition of a "flashy marquee" in the late 1930s or early 1940s, reflects its proactive efforts to remain current and attractive to its audiences.1 Furthermore, the theater's remarkable longevity, enduring through the economic hardships of the Great Depression and the societal challenges of World War II, underscores its resilience and its importance as a cherished community gathering place, offering escape and entertainment during trying times.

Highlighting Enduring Legacy

Following its closure as a movie theater in the early 1960s, and a brief period as a coffin warehouse, the building fell into a state of severe disrepair, reaching a point where the City of St. Paul nearly ordered its demolition.1 However, its modern revival commenced at the close of 2015 when local actors and entrepreneurs Ryan and Tina North acquired the property. They successfully secured a stay of demolition and embarked on an ambitious plan to preserve and revitalize the historic structure.1

The transformation of the building into the North Garden Theater, a contemporary live performance and event venue, is a testament to successful adaptive reuse.2 This revitalization consciously incorporates and celebrates elements of its past, such as the preservation of original architectural features like the century-old brick pillars and cast iron rafters, and the integration of the lotus flower motif from its 1930s/40s marquee into the new design.1 This approach not only saved a significant physical landmark but also ensured the continuity of its historical and cultural significance within the West 7th Street neighborhood. This case study demonstrates the profound economic and cultural benefits that can be realized through adaptive reuse, illustrating how historical buildings can find new life and continue to contribute to a community's identity and economy, rather than succumbing to decay or complete redevelopment. It also underscores the critical role of community advocacy and entrepreneurial vision in safeguarding local heritage.

Works cited

1. Explore the History of the North Garden Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.northgardentheater.com/history

2. Learn about the North Garden Theater, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.northgardentheater.com/aboutus

3. North Garden Theater | Best Wedding Venue in St. Paul | Book Your Event Today, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.northgardentheater.com/

4. North Garden Theater + Updated Prices - The Knot, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/north-garden-theater-saint-paul-mn-1036692

5. North Garden Theater | Venue - St Paul, MN - Wedding Spot, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.wedding-spot.com/venue/14949/north-garden-theater/

6. Palace Theatre (St. Paul) - Wikipedia, accessed June 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_Theatre_(St._Paul)

7. The Minnesota Theater and the Capitol were once the biggest, grandest movie palaces in the Twin Cities - Star Tribune, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.startribune.com/the-minnesota-theater-and-the-capitol-were-once-the-biggest-grandest-movie-palaces-in-the-twin-citie/512641492

8. Movie palace - Wikipedia, accessed June 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movie_palace

9. North Garden Theater - Museum Weddings - Saint Paul, MN - WeddingWire, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/north-garden-theater-saint-paul/7f2e95e36abf0f5b.html

10. Hey Iowa City – Let's Go To The Movies! Part II., accessed June 7, 2025, https://ouriowaheritage.com/movies-2/

11. Garden Theatre - Wikipedia, accessed June 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_Theatre

12. Englert Theatre - Wikipedia, accessed June 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Englert_Theatre

13. Meet Ryan & Tina North: Visionaries Behind North Garden Theater, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.northgardentheater.com/the-owners

14. Motion Picture Theaters in Minnesota, accessed June 7, 2025, https://mndigital.org/projects/primary-source-sets/motion-picture-theaters-minnesota

15. The Southern Theater - Wikipedia, accessed June 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Southern_Theater

16. Spotlighting Women Pioneers of Silent Film - Jazz88.FM, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.jazz88.fm/2025/05/08/spotlighting-women-pioneers-of-silent-film/

17. History - The Southern Theater, accessed June 7, 2025, https://southerntheater.org/page/history

18. Accordo with Silent Film 2025: Women in Early Cinema - Twin Cities Things To Do, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.startribune.com/things-to-do/events-calendar/show/details/accordo-with-silent-film-2025-women-in-early-cinema/15439985/2025-05-13T19

19. How my former life as an opera singer led to this weekend's screening of 'Steamboat Bill Jr.', accessed June 7, 2025, http://silentfilmlivemusic.blogspot.com/2025/03/how-my-former-life-as-opera-singer-led.html

20. MOVIE THEATERS - St Louis Park Historical Society, accessed June 7, 2025, https://slphistory.org/earlymovie/

21. The Fitzgerald Theater - First Avenue, accessed June 7, 2025, https://first-avenue.com/venue/the-fitzgerald-theater/

22. Victoria Theater | Saint Paul Historical, accessed June 7, 2025, https://saintpaulhistorical.com/items/show/171

23. Historic Context Studies: Downtown St. - StPaul.gov, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.stpaul.gov/sites/default/files/2022-08/2001%20Context%20Study%20-%20Downtown%20St.%20Paul.pdf

24. West Seventh, Saint Paul - Wikipedia, accessed June 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Seventh,_Saint_Paul

25. 974 West 7th Street - Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.stpaul.gov/sites/default/files/Media%20Root/Parks%20%26%20Recreation/Res%2016-08%20Attachment%20Fort%20Road%20Federation.pdf

26. History of The Schmidt Brewery - Visit Saint Paul, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/blog/history-of-the-schmidt-brewery/

27. west end - Historic Saint Paul, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.historicsaintpaul.org/sites/default/files/neighborhood_guides/westend_webversion.pdf

28. St Paul's Palace Theatre - Fast-and-Wide.com, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.fast-and-wide.com/faw-news/10506-saint-paul-theatre

29. St James Princess Theater | Explore Minnesota, accessed June 7, 2025, https://exploreminnesota.com/profile/st-james-princess-theater/5235

30. History - Princess Theatre, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.princesstheatre.org/history

31. Princess Theatre (Edmonton) - Wikipedia, accessed June 7, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Theatre_(Edmonton)

32. About - Princess Theatre, accessed June 7, 2025, https://theprincesstheatre.com.au/about

33. MN-StPaul-CapitolTheater-PayneAve-MORTON - Organ List, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.pipeorganlist.org/OrganList/data_mn/MN-StPaulCapitolTheaterPayneAve-MORTON-1930.html

34. History of the Capitol Theatre - Rome, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.romecapitol.com/150851-2/

35. Newspapers | Saint Paul Public Library, accessed June 7, 2025, https://sppl.org/resources/newspapers/

36. Newspapers | Saint Paul Public Library, accessed June 7, 2025, https://sppl.org/resources-types/newspapers/

37. Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.mnhs.org/newspapers/hub

38. City Directories | Saint Paul Public Library, accessed June 7, 2025, https://sppl.org/city-directories/

39. Saint Paul Collection, accessed June 7, 2025, https://sppl.org/saint-paul-collection/

40. Minnesota State Archives | Minnesota Historical Society, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.mnhs.org/preservation/state-archives

41. Minnesota History Center | Minnesota Historical Society, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.mnhs.org/historycenter