Main Street Matters, November 2014 Page: 7
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Components of a Theater Marquee - State Theater, Austin,Texas
Source: Flickr, Jims_Photos.information. Only large theaters
in big cities could afford to custom
order electrical signs made out of
channeled bulb letters. Changeable
letter boards were introduced in
1916. This signage method was so
practical that it survived changing
times and is still used by many
theaters today.
By the 1930s, marquees were
transformed into what some have
called "electric tiaras." Many theaters
introduced a vertical blade sign that
announced the theater beneath.
During the day, its height drew
attention; at night the structure
was enhanced with neon stripes
and glowing balls of moving
lights known as "flashers," and
"chasers." The automobile gave rise
to changes in the shape and size of
the marquee as well to make the
sign more readable from the street.
What started as a small rectangle
letter board transformed into a largemarquee and the materials used to
make them.
Blade-projecting vertical sign
typically made of metal shell
coated in colored porcelain enamel
or other durable coating.
Chaser or Flasher Lights
lighting along the profile of the
blade typically made of neon tubes
or colorful light bulbs
Lettering-neon tubes or colorfultrapezoid that
projected from the
facade.
Electric and
neon signs were
used ontinuously
through the 1940s
d ~and 50s only
growing in size.
g In many theaters,
the marquee
became the facade,
extending the full
width and height
of the structure.
Marquees
Today
Most theater
marquees that
still exist today
in Texas Main
Street cities are
the "electric tiaras" of the mid-
20th century. These marquees are
important landmarks and should
be restored and maintained just
like the buildings they are attached
to. However, the restoration
process can be daunting due to
the size and unusual materials
used to construct the signs. The
diagram above explains the major
components of a typical theaterother good projects, and talk to the
Main Street design staff first to fully
prepare yourself.
_P--
:1s `rw ,iExample Channel Letter Sign - The
Kessler Theater, Dallas, Texas
Source: Flickr.Texas Main Street Program TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION 7
light bulbs were often used to form
the blade's letters. Channel letters
could also be used. The base of the
letter's shape is made of sheet metal
that is covered with plastic on one
side. Lights could be on the interior
or exterior of the plastic.
Marquee backlit plastic sheets
with metal grid to hold letters.
Lettering was also made of
plastic and could be flat or three
dimensional
Restoration
Reviving a historic theater marquee
requires a specialized craftsman,
time, and money. The National Park
Service Preservation Brief Number
25 provides general guidance on the
restoration process. The League of
Historic American Theatres' Rescue
and Rehab Manual also gives advice
on how to carry out and fund this
type of project. See The Preservation
ofHistoric Signs.
Several sign companies throughout
the state specialize in historic theater
marquees and/or neon signs. Before
hiring a sign professional, several
steps should be taken:
1. Do your research. Review the
sources above, find examples ofwww.thc.state.tx.us
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Texas Historical Commission. Main Street Matters, November 2014, periodical, November 2014; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1551313/m1/7/?q=waco+tornado: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.