El Rancho Theater - 612 Lakeshore Dr

El Rancho Theater Floor Being Raised

Does that tall fellow who invariably blocks your view at the theaterz?

Are there times when milad's har provides a viewing hazard for seein ght screen?

If you have been bother in the past by such obstacles particularly at thr local El Rancho Theatre you will be intrested to know that Evert Hoesel, owner of the theatre is taking steps to correct any such situatuion.

The floor at the rear of the El Rancho is being raised in a graduated way to a height of approximately 14 to 16 inches for the benefit of patrons of the theatre. The-work 'started this week is expected to be completed soon.

1940 - 5 June - El Ranch, Remodeled Theatre Throughout, To Reopen Wedensday

a completely remodeled theater, even including the name, will be opened to the public tonight when the former Palms Theater makes its bow to the public as The El Rancho.

The management has also changed and the theatre is now owned by Culver Theatres, Inc. and is manafed by Frank Higley, who comes her here from Huntington, where he had theatre experience.

About the midle of the month he will move his family into the J. O. Ferrier hous. Besides his wife, he as a faughter Thelma, who graduated from high school this year.

The first change to greet the eye of the theatre is the entire new front, which is of knotty pine and log cabin siding in keeping with the show's noew name. A new sign with neon lightinf has been etected above an attractive marquee, which has brilliant flasher type lighting.

On the right had side of the entrance is the ticket booth, while on the opposite corner is a refreshment booth.

The lobby has also been changed with new walls, new fixtures and the doors relocated for more concenient entrance by the public. Two new restrroms have been installed.

The interior decoration crried out the motif of the theatre's name, and appropriate murals decorate the walls, while new fixtures and redecorating add to the general pleasing appearance. The seats have all been rearranged and reupolstered whie the floors have bee refinished and new carpet laid.

Other improvements include a rebuilt stage, a mdern air-conditioning system, a new screen, and projection machines that have been sent to the factory for complete over-hauling and modernizing.

The management used all local labor and material as far as possible, and stresses its determination to give this vicinity the best possible in the way of motion picture intertainment.

1940 - Aug. 21 - The El Rancho Theatre closed Monday, but may reopen later in the week with age restrictions in foroe.

1940 - Sep 25 - Change of Venue for Culver Movie Suit

A suit by Everet Hoesel against Culver Theatres, Inc. and Adolph A Henkel on a contract in which the appointment of a receiver is asked has been given a change of venue from the Marshall Curcuit court to Warsaw.

The theatre was closed a couple of weeks ago, were upon Mr. Hoesel, former owner, and now holder of a contract with the new owners, filed suit for various violations of the agreement, it is stated, though the exact terms of the suit have not been announced.


Frank Higley, manager of the El Rancho Theatre, moved with his family to Huntington Tuesday.

1943 - Nov. 3 - Fire Alarm At Show

When the smoke from a burning film seeped into the auditorium of the EL Rancho Theatre about 10:20 last Wednesdau night, a spectator became excited cried "Fire"! and tore out of the place to call the fire department.

Of course, there was nothing for the firemen to do when they arrived and there had been no danfer since the fikm is run in an enclosed housing on the projector and the boot is entirely fireproof

The audience can always be sure that they are in no danger when a film catches on fire, for it can't possibly spread to the rest of the building.

1941 - May 14 - Cases set For Trial in Circuit Court.... Matter set for June 21... W. B. Diskey, etc. vs. Culver Theateres...

194_ - 1984 - El Rancho - Evert & Sadie (Carter) Hoesel

1942 - Nov. 11 - Scrap Iron to Pay For Move Admission. - A scrap iron matinee will be held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the EL Rancho Theater. The price of admission will be about 10 pounds of scrap iron. A special feature picture is being secured that the matinee will add a good zied pile of scrap iron to the town's collection of metal.

1942 - Nov. 25 - Junk Matinee Brings IN Over 1,500 Pounds of Scrap Everet Hoesel, owner of the EL Rancho Theater, surveys the pile of junk that youngsters borought in to pay their armission to a recent matinee. Ten pounds of scrap metal qualifed a child the see the show "on the house", and around 1,500 pounds of scrap material was thus accumulated. Mr. Hosel turned this over to the local U.S.O. to sell and add the proceeds to its treasury. The matinee was such a success that Mr. Hoesel is planning to hold another next month

1944 - Jan 26 - Corn Popper Starts Fire -

An over heated corn popper started a fire in the lobby of the El Rancho theatre shortly afternoon Sunday.

Damage was limited to the popper machine and a part of the front wall. The matinee was held as usual that afternoon.

1945 - September 5 - Evert Hosel Sells Theatre to LaPorte Man

Evert Hoesel announces the sale of the El Rancho Theatre to Roger Powers of LaPorte, who will assume management SUnday, September 9. Mr. Powers will move here as soon as he can secure a place to live.

He states that the name of the theatre will remain as it is and that he will continure Mr. Hoesel's policy of secruring the finest pictures on the marker.

He plans to make several improvements in the theatre as soon as possible.

Mr. Hoesel has succesfully operated the show for over a decade, plans to ddevore his full time to the insurance business.

1946 - Aug. 28 - Fire of unknown origin damaged the El Rancho Theater Monday with an estimated damage of $20,000. Roger Powers, manager, stated that the show will be closed about three months for repairs

1946 - Sept 25 - El Rancho Theatre Being Remodelled

Work is profressing on the remodelling of the El Rancho Theatre, which was recently damaged bny fire.

The entire interior has been torn out and is being rebuilt with every saftery and fire proctection possible, as well as making the building more comfortable for the patrons and with better acoustics.

The basement is being eliminated and the new floor will rest on a solid foundation.

A new ceiling will be installed.

The management hopes to have the work completed in time to reopen the latter of October.

1945-Sep 5 - 1946- Nov. 12 - Roger POwers

1946 - Nov. 13 - El Ranch Theatre Reopens After Fire

The rebuilding of the El Rancho Theatre, badly damaged by fire Aug. 25, has been completed and the grand opening will be held Thursday evening of this week, although shows were held the first week to test out the equipment.

The interior of the theatre is virtually all new and has been rebuilt by specitifations of the state fire marshall's office.

Safety has been the main consideration with protection from fire incorporated in the structure from every possible angle.

The floor is of concrete with no masement below, while the ceiling is all new, as is the stage.

There are checks throughout so that fire cannot spread as it did last summer.

All stage fittings are new and new sound equipment has been installed.

The ceiling has been dropped four feet so that with the latest type of sound equiment patrons will enjoy the finest reprooduction the theatre has had here.

A new ventilating system has been added in a newly constructed room at the rear of the theatre and will add greatly to the public's comfort in both summer and winter.

The interior has bee redecorated and a new wainscoating added, along with new lights, new carpets, 300 new seats and refinished lobby with cement floor.

Another safety addition is the placing of two exit doors at eash side of the stage leading directly out doors without obstuction.

Louis Moreau succeeds Roger Powers as Manager of the El Rancho. He is married and has three children, and will move here from Walkerton as soon as he can find a place to live.

He is experienced in the moving picture business and plans to give the community the bert in entertainment.

1946- Nov. 12 - ? - Louis Moreau, Manager

1947 - May 14 — Evert Hoesel Leases El Ranch Theatre

Evert Hoesel has leased the El Rancho Theatre from George Graf of LaPorte, taking over management May 9.

He is no stranger to the business, having formerly operated the show for a number of years.

He is installing a cooling. system for the comfort of the show-goers this Summer.The plant will cool the air by means of coils through which cold-water passes.

1949 - Sep 28 - Add To Equipment At El Rancho Theatre

Twp new dual amplifiers were installed lat week at the ElRancho Theatre. Evert Hoesel manager, stated that were placed into operation on Sunday and that the new installations would improve the quality of sound and prevent breakdowns.

Next week new lamp houses and rectifiers will be installed at the ELranco, Mr. Hoesle announced.

1951 - Mar 28 - EL Rancho Theatre Floor Being Raised

Does that tall fellow who invariable blocs your view at the theatre bother you?

Are there time when lady's hat provides a viewing hazard for seeing the screen?

If you have been bothered in the past by such obstacles, particularly at the local El Rancho Theatre , you will be insterested to know that Evert Hosel, owner of the theatre is taking steps to correct any such situation.

The floor at the rear of the El Ranco is being raised in a graduated way to a height of approximately 14 to 16 inches of the benefit of patrons of the theatre.

The work started this week is expected to be completed soon

1951 - Dec 19 - The New picture theatre called "Culver Theater will open on Christmas Eve.

1952 - Jan 30 - El Rancho To Sponsor Special March of Dimes Show Saturday Morning

In the interests of the National Infantile Paralysis Foundation current March of Dimes campaign. Everett Hoesel, proprietor of the El Rancho Theatre, has announced that a special show will be held next Saturday morning, February 2. at 10:00 o'clock with ad mission to be a contribution to the March of Dimes.

All admission funds will be turned over to the polio cause.

The special show will feature a picture of interest particularly to all children.

"Rusty's Birth day." In addition to the dog film feature there will be plenty of short subjects. Remember, the only admission necessary is a con tribution to the March of Dimes.

1953 - Nov 25 - El Rancho Begins Installation of CinemaScope

Hoesels Spend $15,000 To Bring Town Latest In Entertainment

Mr. and Mrs. Evert B. Hoesel, who have owned and operated Culver's El Rancho Theatre for the past 18 years [1935], today made the first announcement of the most important milestone in their business careers.

Her's the big news and it is big in more ways than one:

Work will begin next week on the installation of a new wide motion picture screen and CinemaScope with stereophonic sound.

MOst of the new equipment, which has revolutionized the entire movie insudtry, is already at the theatr on Lake Shore Drive.

It includes the new and sensational Mericale Mirror Wide Screen new booth equipment, and magnetic sound heads.

The magnetic sound heads are necessarty to pick up the sound from the four sound tracks and carry it to the nine speakers thoughout the theatre.

Three of the nine speakers are behind the hugh screen and the other six speakers are being placed throughtout the auditorium.

PAtrons of the theatre will soon be able to enjoy new "depth" and "breadth" of sound and optics as well as new techniques in production, processing and projection plus an ever increasing developement in technicolor and other color processess.

Cost of the new euipment which will make the Culver movie house as up-to-date as any in the United States is approximately $15,000.

There is a possiblity that the first wide screen pictures will be shown in December. In. January "The Robe" written by the late great Hoosier-born (Columbia City) Lloyd C. Douglas, will be exhibited. "The Robe", produced by 20th Century-Fox is currently attracting thousands of theatre-goers to the State-Lake in Chicaho where Mr. and Mrs. Hoesel first saw CinemaScope a few weeks ago and then and there decided that the best was none too good for the entertainment of the people of the Culver area.

1954 - Jan. 27 - Culver's CinemaScope Makes History

El Rabcho Theatre Smallest In U.S.

To Have Latest Motion Pictures

"The Robe" Bby Columbia City-Born Lloyf C. Douglas Is Intial Offering Beginning January 29

The El Rancho Theatre in Culver has the unique distinction of being the smallest theatre in the entire United States to install Cinemascope, according to the giant Radio Corporation of America.

Work began a month ago to install, at a cost of $15,000, the new wall-to-wall screen and other equipment including 12 stereophonic sound horns placed throughout the house.

Mr. and Mrs. Evert Hoesel, owners and managers, announce the showing of "The ROde" the spectaclar echnicolor film based on Columbia City-born Lloyf C. Douglas' book of the same title starting Friday, Jan. 29, and continuing for several days.


CinemaScope which was inknown a year ago, is considered the most improtant step forward in motion pictue history since the advent of sound reproduction.

Twentieth Century_Fox president SPyros P Skouras, and research director, Earl SPonable in December 1952 saw a demonstration of potion pictures using the andamorphic lenses developed by Prof. Henry Chretien. Skouras immediately obtained rights to the process

CinemaScope calls for two lenses, one on the camera which compresses an ectremely wide field of vision onto regular 35mm film and a second on the projector, which espands the compressed image to a wife screen.

At the end of Januaru 1953 Twentiety Century-Fox studio production chied, Darryl F Zanuck, announced the decision to film "The ROde" in CinemaScope.

Meanwhilte Twentieth Century-Fox obtained exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute CinemaScope lenses on a world-wide basis, but conscious of their debt to the art of the motion picture, the executives revealed that CinemaScope would be made available immediately to all producers, the only reservation being that the productions woudl be restricted to films of the highest quality.

As a result many fine puctures will be forth coming from other major studios.

Mr. and Mrs. Hosel who are planning to bring to their screen many of these fine pictures deserve a hearty vote of thanks for making available to the Culver community the latest and bet in moving pucture entertainement

1957 - Cadets from Culver Military academy

1958 - Feb 5 - Hosel Adds to His Growing Movie CHain

Evert Hosel, whose foresight made Culver the smallest town in the entire world with CinemaScope when he placed a giant screen _ at the EL Rancho Theatre at cost of $22,000., has become the booking agent and buyer of five productions for the large Rialto Theatre at Plymouth.

Mr. Hosel, in addition to Culver's very fine El Rancho Theater now operates movie houses Winamac and Nappannee in addition to the new one in Plymouth.

Mrs. Mabel Lindsmith, owner of the Rialto in the county ceat, has leased it to WIllia, W. Doty of Winamac whi is associated with Mr. Hoesel in the theatrical enterprise

1959 - May 13 - Brilliant New Marquee At El Rancho Movie - Evert Hoesel's EL Rancho Theatre is sporting a nicely repainted marquee which has been equipped with brilliant neon trimmings in color.

1959 - Sep. 20 - Hoesel Says He Will Close Movie If FLoods Persist

Scores Marroned After Downpour

Following Satruday night's deluge Evert B. Hoesel, owner and operator of the El Rancho Theater, told the Citizen that he will close his motion picture show unless something is done immediately by town officials to alleviate the flood situation along Lake Shore Drive across from the park and the Pennsylvania station every time we have a heavy rain.

The EL Rancho was packed when the rains came and nobody could get out of the theatre after the show because - as usual - the sidewalk and street were inundated making walking and access to automobiles impossible

A repeat performance of the flooded area took place ealry Monday night when another cloud burst hit Culver

Mr. Hoesel was still burned up when we went to press today and again stated that Culver will be movie-less unless somebody gets on the ball and solves the drainage problem in his business neighorhood without further delay.

1960 - NOv. 30 - Culver Movie Theatire Will BE Closed on Wednesdays. ... effective immediately... Mr. and Mrs. Emert B.Boesel, the owners, feel that it is wisse to give up their 7-day-a-week businees grind and that they are rentitled to a day off like other folks...

Sometime during the 1970's it briefly sold again to some big chain from South Bend promising big changes - but the sale olny last for about a year and the Hoesel's were again at the helm of theater; with the help of their son John Hoesel and his wife Gwen (Graham) Hoesel John & Gwen went on to manage a theater in Plymouth.

Cadets from CUlver Military Academy.

1983 - It happens that "Pete's Dragon" (a remake) is back in theaters this week. Here's a memory from a free children's showing of the original 1977 Disney movie back in 1983, outside the movie theater (owned at the time by a South Bend company andas the Colfax-South Theatre). That's "Elliott" the dragon from the movie with an unnamed child

1983 - It happens that "Pete's Dragon" (a remake) is back in theaters this week. Here's a memory from a free children's showing of the original 1977 Disney movie back in 1983, outside the movie theater (owned at the time by a South Bend company andas the Colfax-South Theatre). That's "Elliott" the dragon from the movie with an unnamed child

It was sold and became Lakeside Cinema.

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