The Windsor Theatre: A Historic Landmark Reborn
The Windsor Theatre is a nonprofit organization that has been a landmark of the Hampton, Iowa, community for more than a century.
Construction of the Windsor Theatre
The Windsor Theatre was constructed in 1913 as an opera house for vaudeville acts and road shows, as well as a lodge for Windsor Lodge No. 71 of the Grand Lodge of Knights of Pythias, also known as “The Windsor Company.” The building cost $37,000 to construct. The Phoenix Hotel previously occupied the site.
The Peterson Family Era: 1917–1974
The Peterson family owned and operated the Windsor Theatre for 57 years, from 1917 to 1974. Charles Peterson came to Hampton in 1917 and began operating the theatre. His son, Walt, joined him in 1930 and became a full partner in 1945.
The Petersons sold the theatre business in 1974 to Hampton Amusement Corporation. In 1977, Bob and Shirley Erickson purchased the theatre’s equipment and facilities from Iowa United Theatres. That same year, Dick, Verla and Mark Waugh purchased the theatre building and, in 1985, took over its operation.
The Theatre Closes
The Windsor Theatre ceased operations in May 1996.
The Windsor Theatre eventually closed because of declining attendance, outdated movie selections, inadequate heating and cooling, and a perceived lack of community support. Up Close and Personal was the last movie shown before the theatre closed.
Several factors contributed to the decline of Main Street theatres nationwide, including the rise of television, shopping malls with multiple-screen cinemas, cable television, satellite dishes, and home video rentals.
November 1996
A Hampton-Dumont High School youth leadership and community development class, sponsored by ISU Extension and the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce, proposed the idea of reopening the Windsor Theatre. Twenty students and 13 adults participated in two sessions. Through the students’ fact-finding efforts, a group of community leaders was assembled to explore the feasibility of reopening the theatre.
June 1998
The nonprofit Windsor Theatre Development Corporation was formed.
December 1998
The Windsor Theatre Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization made up of community adults and students interested in reopening the theatre, purchased the building and its inventory for $115,000. An additional $138,000 was invested in building improvements, including a new sound system, new platter and projection system, new screen, remodeled lobby and concession area, new handicapped accessible restrooms, new heating and cooling system, and new electrical wiring and breaker box.
May 28, 1999 Windsor Theatre Reopens!
Forces of Nature, starring Sandra Bullock, was the first movie shown in the newly remodeled Windsor Theatre.
The reopening marked the beginning of a new chapter for a historic Hampton landmark that continues to serve the community today.