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1905 as the Crescent 10

The Dewey Theatre (or Dewey Opera House) was originally opened as a playhouse showing theatrical performances. It was at 320 - 12th Street, near the Dietz Opera House. It opened in 1882 as the Oakland Theatre. About 1892, it changed names to The Auditorium. 8 In 1898, it re-opened as the Dewey, with a production of Over The Sea. 7 In late 1905 it became the Crescent Theatre 9 before switching to a roller skating rink in 1906. 5

In 1901, productions included Hamlet and The Brownies in Fairyland. 3

In 1902–03, Landers Stevens was the proprietor and manager of the theater, as well as an actor. The 1903 directory lists:

Landers Stevens
Men of the Pacific Coast 1902–03

  • Landers Stevens - manager
  • Edward Chapman - manager and lessee
  • Lillian Atwood - actress
  • Mabel Bailey - actress
  • J. Irving Blunkall - actor
  • Walter Burns - officer
  • Frank Casey - assistant treasurer
  • Alice Condon - actress
  • George Gants - property man
  • W. O. Howe - actor
  • Edward Lawrence - actor
  • George Long - employee
  • J. F. McDonald - actor
  • Charles Sewell - door-keeper
  • John J. Shaw - actor
  • Maurice Stewart - actor
  • Emmett Tewell - employee
  • H. Waller - actor
  • George E. Williams - musical director
  • William M. Woerner - stage carpenter

There was a fire in the attached saloon in 1904, but it was caught before it spread to the main building. 4

It failed in 1903 2 and in 1905 re-opened as a Vaudeville house. The theatre was run by the Empire Theatrical Syndicate and managed by Mr. Edward Ackerman. When it reopened on June 13th, the lease was for 4 weeks. If the business did well, he would re-up the lease. The first night was a success and the lobby was "handsomely decorated with floral horseshoes contributed by well-wishers." 1

In 1906 it was converted into a roller skating rink. 5 It was occasionally used for large meetings after that.

On Monday, May 1, 1911, the Dewey and the nearby Dietz Opera House were destroyed by fire. Immediate plans for new buildings were made. 6

Links and References

  1. "DEWEY THEATER REOPENED AS VAUDEVILLE HOUSE." San Francisco Chronicle: June 13, 1905.
  2. Dewey Theater Finally Gives Up the Struggle San Francisco Call March 9, 1903
  3. Hamlet and Brownies at Dewey San Francisco Call October 20, 1901
  4. Flames Threaten Theater San Francisco Call July 6, 1904
  5. Rink to be Opened San Francisco Call March 10, 1906
  6. Class A Buildings for Dewey Theater Site San Francisco Call May 3, 1911
  7. Dewey Theatre Makes a Most Successful Start Oakland Tribune July 25, 1898
  8. 1892-1893 Directory
  9. ad Oakland Tribune February 15, 1905
  10. Popular Playhouse of Oakland Oakland Tribune December 23, 1905
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