| Additional Information: | Description:
The Juliar theatre is in the Art Moderne style, although traces of Art Deco design are also present. Typical of Art modern design, continuous curved glass blocks round the corners of a recessed entryway. The roof is flat, with coping at the roof line. More closely related to Art Deco, but in keeping with the Ar Moderne style, is the decorative geometric motif subtly present in the cement blocks of the facade. The smooth wall surface of the unadorned cement base in a conrasting color helps to emphasize the horizontallity of the structure, as does the large marquee which projects toward the street.
Rising one story in height, this building is constructed using a rectangular shaped plan configuration, a stone foundation, a concrete and brick exterior, a stone trim and a flat roof. Before it was demolished in 1995, the structure was considered to be in fair condition.
Architectural/Engineering Significance:
Although not a particularly dramatic example, the Juliar is a rare example of Art Moderne design in the city of Baraboo. Also, while early theatres in Baraboo were in and above stores and shops converted to the new use with little special accommodation for motion pictures, the Juliar was built after the movie industry became a major cultural institution, and reflects a style of architecture developed specifically for the movie theatre. The theatre is therefore considered a contributing element in the proposed Downtown Baraboo Historic District.
Historical Background:
The Juliar was built in 1938 by Henry Ringling, and was used solely as a movie theatre until it closed in 1957. The interior was gutted and the building was used as a warehouse by Isenberg hardware. The building was subsequently acquired by the owners of the Al Ringling Theatre, and is used for storage.
Historical Significance:
The Juliar is associated with the Ringling family of Baraboo, and with the Juliar family of Milwaukee. The Theatre was built by Henry Ringling in memory of his mother, Salome Juliar Ringling, of Milwuakee. Salome married August Ringling. Her sons Al, Alf, Charles, Otto and John founded the Ringling Brothers Circus, which Henry joined in 1911 following the death of Otto Ringling.
The theatre contributes to the downtown district as a result of its connection to the development of entertainment facilities in Baraboo. The theatre is the only movie house in Baraboo constructed solely to show motion pictures. |
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