In a recent column I mentioned Spokane's rich vaudeville history, which spurred readers to ask: Where was the old Pantages Theatre?

The Pantages was on the east side of Howard, south of Main. It was built in 1917 and became Spokane's stop on the national Pantages circuit. It changed its name to the Orpheum in 1930 (which is why the sign says Orpheum on the accompanying photo)and converted entirely to movies in 1932. It was torn down in in 1958. The site now consists of the Parkade Plaza and Rite Aid Drug Store.

It was a beautiful building, with six fluted Corinthian pilasters across the front and many other examples of classical ornamentation.
However, it was surpassed by Spokane's true theatrical gem, the Auditorium, on the northwest corner of Main and Post.

This magnificent building was a Spokane landmark from 1890 to 1934, with its massive corner tower projecting more than seven stories above the street.

The stage was deliberately built extra-large -- in fact, it was the largest in the world when it was built. The architect, Herman Preusse, deliberately made it one foot deeper than the Chicago theater that held the record, according to "Spokane Building Blocks," by Robert Hyslop.

The 1,750-seat theater had three balconies and a number of what we would today call "luxury boxes." Hyslop calls them "half-round palaces."
Sarah Bernhardt sang there; so did Al Jolson. And the 14-year-old Bing Crosby worked there as, in his own words, a "flunky in the prop department."

Yet as early as 1924 it was being used mostly as a movie house. This premier Spokane landmark was torn down in 1934. The site became a Pay Less drug store for a while and is now River Park Square.

As Hyslop says, sic transit gloria mundi.

What I would give to have seen that beautiful structure during its day. I never saw it, but I kinda miss it.

My grandfather played the violin there from 1927 to 1929. I guess this would have been for silent films?

My great-great grandfather, John Quinn, was ( according city records/family lore) main floor manager of the auditorium. Does anyone have info?

Lisa, you said your grandfather played there in the twenties; I was wondering if you had any more information about this location. I am writing my master's thesis on the history of music in Spokane. Any information would be helpful. Thank you.

Lisa, you said your grandfather played there in the twenties; I was wondering if you had any more information about this location. I am writing my master's thesis on the history of music in Spokane. Any information would be helpful. Thank you.