Semester Assignments

The Masonic Temple:

Early Influence in Film

Circa 1823-1923 

Postcard of the Masonic Temple, found by Sharon Wight

Project Overview 

These papers explore the in-depth history of early movie-going in Fort Wayne through a single theater.  During Fall 2010, IPFW graduate students enrolled in COM 584 Historical/Critical Research Methods taught by Professor Steven Alan Carr are collaborating to find basic information related to Fort Wayne's forgotten movie theaters, including locating any original images of them, their original whereabouts and what currently occupies its space.  Each individually-authored student paper explores some facet of a theater's history based on this information.

Why the Temple

The Temple provided Fort Wayne with what is probably the first experience of theatre in the city. Also, the Temple became the first theatre in 1897 to show the newest invention from Thomas Edison the 'Cinematographe' with moving pictures [sc: Cinematographe was the invention of Louis and Auguste Lumiere, not Edison]. With all of the latest and greatest technology that current movie theatres in Fort Wayne have now it is a nice escape to think that theatre going in Fort Wayne was quite different over a century ago.  

Our papers explore the connection between the Masonic Temple and the Fort Wayne movie going experience.  Patrons made a significant contribution to the success of the mass entertainment in the area and the old Masonic Temple; without movie going in the Fort Wayne area and more importantly patrons going to see live shows and cinema at the theater the Masonic Temple.  The theatre would have failed in the construction and in what is now the The Masonic Temple.  To enjoy this experience as patrons of this majestic theatre; as members of the late nineenth and early twentieth century would have experience it; we invite you to please read on...

Our Papers

• Social Function of the Organization                   
• The First 'Movie' Theatre                   
• "The Message"--Burnt Champagne Cork and Water                  
• Cultural and Power Perspective 
• Economic and Technological Aspects

Primary Research and Evidence

1902 Fire Insurance Map | 1908 Fire Insurance Map

Motion_Picture_Handbook  | Opening and Operating a Motion Picture Theater

Fort Wayne 1915 Directory (Complete)| History of Wayne Lodge 25

History Pin

 Pictures 

Smith, J. M. (2001). Postcard history series: Allen county in vintage postcards. Acadia Publishing: Chicago. (As cited by Thomas Landis)	Allen Country Public Library; Fire Fighter Photo Collection. (10 February 1923). Fire Destroys the Old Masonic Temple. (As cited by Thomas Landis) (click to go to source)
Fort Wayne advertisements of the Billy Van: click here  Billy B. Van as sited by Hattie Moore    Billy B. Van (August 3, 1878 – November 16, 1950) was a prominent entertainer in the early decades of the 1900s. He was a star, progressively, in minstrel shows, vaudeville, burlesque, the New York Stage, and silent films.  He was born as William Webster Van de Grift, in Pottstown, PA, under his birth name he worked as a dairy farmer, agriculturist, and manufactured soap.  His entertainment career spans 48 years (1879-1927).   The story is told that Van got his start after his family moved to Philadelphia. In 1879 J.C. Stewart, a well known manager, advertised for a child to play in H.M.S. Pinafore. Van auditioned successfully, but Stewart felt that the name was too long, so he changed it to Master Willie Van. Van later changed his acting name to William Van, then Billy Van, and finally to Billy B. Van, because there was another Billy Van.  Billy Van is significant to Fort Wayne, in that he performed at the Masonic Temple Opera House and is chronicled in the local paper for his expertise of understanding the then current minstrel show experience and how is will change as a form of mass entertainment for audience members. To find out more about Billy B. Van: click here Source of Billy Van’s Bio was retrieved from:  http://www.biographicon.com/view/qjvvv
(As used by Hattie Moore)	Page from 1915 Fort Wayne directory, listing the location of the Masonic Temple and Temple Theatre  (As cited by Sharon Wight on Historypin.com)
Found on the ACPL Community Album on September 27, 2010. According to ACPL Community site, "MASONIC TEMPLE & THEATRE: PHOTO OF ORIGINAL ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING DONATED APRIL 1971. ANGULAR VIEW SHOWING FRONT AND SIDE, WITH MILITIA DRILLING IN FRONT & NEIGHBORING CHURCH. T. J. TOLAN & SONS, ARCHITECTS. LOCATED AT CLINTON & WAYNE STREETS. " (As cited by Sharon Wight on Historypin.com)