The Ross Theater is pictured here in 1993, shortly before the building was razed. It opened with Hollywood-style fanfare on Christmas Day in 1949, adjacent to the newly developed Ross Center at Washington Avenue and Boeke Road. Throughout its history, the original marquee, illuminated by a thousand light bulbs and neon tubing, remained intact. Patrons were pampered by the interior’s elegant marble foyer, plush carpeting, colorful tapestry walls, and even free bottle warmers in the crying room when the Ross first opened. The theater was transformed into a bargain-priced movie house in its latter years, finally closing in 1991 when it was deemed “functionally obsolescent.â€
FOOTNOTES: We want to thank Patricia Sides, Archivist of Willard Library for contributing this picture that shall increase people’s awareness and appreciation of Evansville’s rich history. If you have any historical pictures of Vanderburgh County or Evansville please contact please contact Patricia Sides, Archivist Willard Library at 812) 425-4309, ext. 114 or e-mail her at www.willard.lib.in.us.
