The Lincoln Theatre is a cultural resource for the greater Skagit County area. We serve as a venue for quality cinema, educational programs, live performing artists, and exhibitions of fine art. We also, on occasion, sponsor or co-sponsor events that we believe to be of interest to our community. In all cases, the Lincoln strives to ensure that your theatre experience is enjoyable and entertaining.

Cinematographers, educators, performing artists, fine artists and others present their programs free of censorship or interference from the Lincoln Theatre. We are not arbiters of taste. Neither do we purport to define the values of our community or its individual citizens. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors, artists, and speakers and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, or members of the Lincoln Theatre Center Foundation.

We welcome your comments and suggestions. We invite you to join the Lincoln community. Get membership details here.

History

The Lincoln Theatre, a restored 1926 historic vaudeville & silent movie house in downtown Mount Vernon, presents a year-round schedule of concerts, current and classic films, and community events. The theatre works with local school districts, hosting school performances and workshops by performing artists on tour, as well as annual concerts by secondary school bands. The theatre hosts concerts by the local youth symphony, presents community-sponsored children’s theatre productions, as well as serving as a venue for fund-raising events by local service organizations. The Lincoln Theatre Center Foundation, founded in 1987, is a registered nonprofit organization supported by over 600 members from Skagit and adjoining counties.

IN 1926:

* Cost of Building: $100,000
* Cost of Organ: $22,500
* Cost of Furnishings & Equipment: $32,500
* Weekly Payroll: $160

A 1926 Showplace

When the Lincoln Theatre was built, it was hailed for its originality and beauty. The Argus reported on May 13, 1926: "Nothing like it has ever been constructed before...the theatrical world is sitting back astounded." The Lincoln is what's called a period theater, which were in vogue around the time it was built. Some theaters built in the twenties had an Egyptian motif; one Seattle theater had a Chinese motif, but the Lincoln was a little different for the Northwest; it had a Spanish motif. Manager Edwin Halberg ignored the pleas of his friends that he follow the crowd and make it Egyptian. He foresaw a time when movie fans would tire of such a motif. He personally designed the luxurious carpet, the decorative effect on the walls, the hangings and draperies, and the lighting effects. The primary colors were blue, yellow, and red. The foyer was lit with quaint, wrought-iron lanterns with Spanish design patterns. The walls have what's known as a travertine finish.

 

Above: Projection booth photo courtesy of Damien Vines 2012.

We currently are raising funds through our 'Digital Futures Initiative' for the transition to digital projection as mandated by the motion picture industry.  It will allow the Lincoln to show first run, art and independent films as it has for decades. We will keep our 35mm projectors and continue to screen archived film prints whenever possible.

View more photographs of our projection booth and equipment room on the Film-Tech website here.  There you will see many photographs, primarily of our projection room, taken in 2003 including the famous booth toilet. Continue at the bottom of the page for photos of the dungeon.

 

Below: The Lincoln's beautiful auditorium courtesy of Damien Vines 2012

 

Below: Brett Milton of Meyer Sign Company putting on the final touches to the replicated original blade sign that was destroyed in th 1980's in May of 2011.