The Historic Preservation Commission recently installed its 14th Historical Marker on Thursday, May 21st, 2026. The 14th Historical Marker ceremony honored the memory of the Tivoli Theater on 208 North Main Street, Mishawaka, Indiana 46544. The 2026 ceremony coincided with the original opening date of the theater back in 1925.
In the 1920s, many cities built grand theaters for motion pictures. The community leaders of Mishawaka followed suit and created their own state-of-the-art movie venue residing in downtown Mishawaka. Construction of the Tivoli Theater began in 1924 and celebrated its opening night May 21st, 1925.
The theater featured impressive architecture and inspired curiosity in guests before they even entered the lavish building. The marquee extended the large width of the main entrance and over the sidewalk. The center displayed stained-glass inset with the letter T. Gorgeous terra-cotta eagles, crests, and garlands decorated the exterior of the lavish theater.
The main floor had 950 seats, and the balconies held 450 more. The interior walls, ceilings, and arches were decorated with ornate plaster moldings, painted to look like flowers and leaves. There was a silver dome that casted indirect light over the entire inside, showcasing a grand chandelier in the middle.
In the early 1970s, the Tivoli closed as a theater and became an adult movie theater. In the 1990s, Mishawaka citizens who wanted to keep the memory of the Tivoli alive tried to save the building, even listing it on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. However, the community and political leaders’ lack of interest closed the curtain on the Tivoli Theater. The theater was demolished in 2005.
Years later, on September 30th, 2023, Mishawaka resident Pete DeKever sent a Mishawaka Historical Marker application to keep the memory of the Tivoli alive despite the building no longer remaining.
DeKever is dedicated to the history of Mishawaka. He was bestowed the title of Mishawaka’s Historian Laureate, and he also runs the Mishawaka Historical Museum. He has worked endlessly to fight for the memory of the theater, researching its history using old newspaper clippings, Mishawaka history novels, etc.
The Tivoli Theater was recognized by the City of Mishawaka as a Historic Property, continuing the memory of the Tivoli Theater forever. The Tivoli Theater is a lasting symbol of Mishawaka’s rich history and community. Its recognition as a Historic Property ensures that the legacy and impact of the Tivoli Theater will be preserved.
The Mishawaka Historical Marker Program was developed in 2017 to identify areas of historical significance that may not qualify as a Landmark. More information can be found on our website: https://mishawaka.in.gov/government/elected-appointed-officials/boards-commissions/historic-preservation-commission/
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