Pfeffenberger's history of Embassy beautiful

By Strings

“I hope I look that good when I’m 81.” You’ve probably heard that refrain at one time or another as a supreme compliment to one of those grand elders who have grown old gracefully. But, the phrase “growing old gracefully” doesn’t come close to doing justice in describing the legacy of one of Fort Wayne’s most venerable landmarks.

“The Historic Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre” by Dyne L. Pfeffenberger [Quarry Books, an imprint of Indiana University Press] takes a look at the history of an important local institution. For More than eight decades, the Embassy Theatre on Jefferson Boulevard has served as a cultural beacon not only in Fort Wayne, but in northeast Indiana. The plush early 20th century building—primarily designed by architect Alvin M. Strauss and laid out by draftsman and designer Edmond L. Miller and nationally known interior designer John Eberson—has hosted thousands of events with its stage serving as a platform for some of the world’s biggest entertainers including Perry Como, Tony Bennett, the Temptations, Aretha Franklin, the Lettermen, David Copperfield, Willie Nelson, George Carlin, Red Skelton, Fats Domino and the late, great Bob Hope to name only a very few. Famed musicals such as South Pacific and Cats have played out on the stage. And, the theatre has screened its share of classic Hollywood films—including Fort Wayne’s first showing of “Gone With the Wind” in the 1940s—as well through the years.

The facility also has served as home to a number of the city’s own institutions, including the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and the world famous Grande Page theatre pipe organ played so deftly and entertainingly by the inimitable Buddy Nolan for various spells.

The historic theatre’s history loving is related here by Embassy Foundation original member Dyne L. Pfeffenberger, a former accounting professor at Indiana University— Purdue University Fort Wayne. Pfeffenberger, who sadly passed away just this year, was regarded in some circles as “Mr. Embassy,” given his commitment to the theatre. And, his love of the theatre comes across in “The Historic Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre.”

Pfeffenberger gives us not only a detailed historical account of the theatre’s life from the 1920s when it was born to the current day, he also includes interesting anecdotes about significant people who have come through the building to give it life. The list includes legendary local names such as W. Clyde Quimby, who operated the theatre in its earliest days when it was called the Emboyd (after Emilie “Em” Boyd Quimby, the mother of the facility’s first manager), Harvey Cocks, who has quite a name on the local theatrical scene and famed WOWO announcer of days of yore Jack Underwood among others.

There are interesting, odd tales of professional wrestlers and the young man who robbed the theatre back when it was showing popular gangster flicks like “Public Enemy” back in 1931.

Pfeffenberger also includes a detailed history of the theatre’s business evolution, including ownership changes, restorations and management changes. He also talks extensively about the 1970s, when the city was threatened with the loss of the theatre and how the Embassy Theatre Foundation was founded to prevent that. Fortunately, they were successfully, not only saving the theatre, but spearheading major restorations and renovations in the 1990s. And, importantly, he highlights a number of people who have volunteered their time to keep the Embassy a beautiful place of which Fort Wayne can be proud. Check out the book to read their stories.

But, let’s not overlook the star of this tale itself—the Embassy Theatre. If you’ve lived in Fort Wayne for any length of time, surely you’ve had a chance to visit this beautiful theatre—and beautiful is almost an understatement. The Embassy was built at a time when craftsmanship was truly craftsmanship and when quality and luxuriousness were a bit more affordable (oh yes, and when folks still knew the meaning of “good taste!). If you haven’t noticed just how nice the Embassy is, do yourself a favor and take a trip there just to look around. Even Tony Bennett, during one of his concerts there, stopped in the middle of a performance to point out that the Fort Wayne’s Embassy Theatre is one of the most beautiful facilities of its type in the nation.

Appropriately, the book is full of well-shot shot photographs that do a great job of demonstrating the theatre’s beauty at various stages of its history, making Pfeffenberger’s “The Historic Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre” a lovely and important keepsake for those interesting in Fort Wayne’s history. For under $25, the book is a deal given its stunning visual quality and well-researched stories. Check it out at book stores in the area.

This is part of the July 29, 2009 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

Have an opinion on this matter? We'd like to hear from you. Click here.