The
Baker Theatre opened on December 5, 1906. It was
considered one of the premier entertainment showcases
in New Jersey. The cost to build the theatre was
an astonishing $75,000. Plaster ornaments and friezes
were cast in New York City by the same company that
decorated the New York Hippodrome. Picture shows
were shown at 7PM followed by 5 acts of vaudeville
at 8PM. A seven piece orchestra played for both
the picture and stage shows.
Mr. Baker died on
November 16, 1910 at the age of 87. The theatre
was taken over by his son Henry O. Baker. In 1924
the theatre underwent extensive remodeling to make
it fireproof. On June 30 three stores were demolished
at 37 and 39 West Blackwell Street to make way for
the new building and a new entrance. The entire
theatre is now constructed of brick, concrete, and
steel. The project cost $100,000 which included
a modern New York-style marquee. It had 1,600 seats.
It re-opened on December 22, 1924.
The theatre was eventually
taken over by Stanley Fabian. On March 18, 1929
the theatre showed its' first talking picture entitled
"On Trial". A few years later the theatre
underwent yet another major renovation. The second
balcony was eliminated and a projection room was
installed. Its current balcony was expanded and
re-modeled. When it reopened it was called "The
New Baker Theatre".
Many theatrical personages
visited or resided in Dover. Silent stars Al St.
John and Buster Keaton made motion pictures in Dover.
Pearl White (Perils of Pauline) also made several
pictures in Dover. Rex Beach, author, was often
seen in local stores. Many actors and actresses
appeared in plays at the Baker including DeWolfe
Hopper, Helen Hayes, Lillian Russell and Ethel Barrymore.
Top vaudeville acts also appeared at the Baker including
Abbott and Costello.
