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In 1873, the
Joliet Opera House was built on the northwest corner of
Chicago
and Clinton Streets at a cost of $60,000. Opening on February 2,
1874, the establishment hosted a variety of functions from burlesque
shows to religious revivals. In the summer of 1890, plans were
unveiled for a $15,000 expansion project; however, the Opera House was
destroyed by fire on March, 1891. Wasting no time, the Opera
House was rebuilt the next year on the same location and continued to
serve the community for many years.
 In
1876 a railroad tycoon by the name of Jacob A. Henry built a 16,800
square foot mansion from limestone from his own quarry. The
40-room home was lavishly finished with walnut and oak fixtures on the
inside including solid walnut staircase with 119 hand-carved octagonal
spindles. The home, which is a museum today, is said to be the
largest and best example of Renaissance Revival architecture
still in existence in
Illinois.
In the late 1800's, the abundance of soft
coal in the area made
Joliet a perfect location for an emerging steel industry and soon
Joliet was established as a steel town, the success of which
brought with it a flood of new residents.
Joliet’s Union Station, built in 1912 once catered to the
glamorous rail travelers of the early 1900's. Complete with a
Grand Ballroom, crystal chandeliers and 45 foot ceilings, the union
station is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
On May 24, 1926, the
Rialto Theater opened,
unveiling a stunning reflection of Greek, Roman and Byzantine
architecture. Theatre-goers
that night paid 50 cents to see the silent movie "Mademoiselle Modiste."
Serving the public for years, the theater
underwent a complete restoration in 1980 and continues to offer a wide
selection of performances today.
The Louis
Joliet Hotel, built in 1927 was
the finest hotel in
Joliet for its legendary elegance
and luxury. The eight story hotel featured 225 rooms above a
two-story central lobby and lounge complete with a large fireplace with a
hand-carved mantel of Bedford stone. The hotel operated until 1964, and
the building was designated a national landmark in 1989. It has recently
been converted into 56 apartments linked to the revitalization of
Joliet’s City Center.
On
December 26, 1956, Peter and Helen Cinquegrani opened the first McDonald's
Restaurant in the
Joliet
area on west Jefferson Street. Enjoying tremendous success the
flickering red and white neon arches drew many a Route 66 traveler in for
a 15 cent hamburger or French Fries for just ten cents.
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