Thalia Hall

“During the First World War, Thalia Hall became one of many centers for patriotic meetings in support of the effort to create an independent state in the Czech homeland.”

“The Ludvik Dramatic Society continued to perform and produce new work at Thalia Hall until 1920. After Frantisek Ludvik died on October 24, 1910, his wife, Bohumila, and son, Frantisek Jr., continued the company, and in March, 1918, they celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of their arrival in the U.S. with a gala at Thalia Hall.”

“Thalia Hall, as an example of the latter type, is representative of the cultural pride that has been integral in the history of the immigrant communities of Chicago.”

“Construction continued throughout that year, leading to its completion by the end of April the next year when the Ludvik Dramatic Players gave their first performance in the Thalia Hall theater.”

“Variety was emphasized in the profile of the roofline which includes hip, truncated hip, mansard front, and dome designs. At the time the building was built, the residential apartments were considered to be among the finest in Pilsen, offering to tenants what were described in the contemporary press as "all the modern conveniences." The owner, John Dusek, his wife Amerka, and their three children were among the original tenants of the building.”

“The most important feature of the building was the theater, which shares a common fire wall with the commercial and residential section, opening on to Allport Avenue. Planned as a independent entity, its entrance is marked by a monumental Romanesque-inspired arch that supports a four-story tower topped with an onion dome (Figure 2).”

“In 1879 he emigrated to the United States, settling in Chicago and founding his architectural practice the following year. He formed a partnership with the architect William F. Pagels in 1888.”