Lincoln Theatre | Mount Vernon

The Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon, Washington, is a celebrated historic venue that has stood as a centerpiece of the town’s cultural and artistic life since its opening in 1926. A rare example of early 20th-century theatre architecture, it combines historical authenticity with modern community engagement, offering an immersive experience into the golden era of film and performance while remaining a thriving venue today.

🏛️ Architectural and Historical Overview

Built in 1926, the Lincoln Theatre was designed in a Spanish Renaissance Revival style by Seattle architect William Aitken. This style was relatively unique for the time, setting it apart from other “movie palaces” that often favored Egyptian, Moorish, or Art Deco motifs. The building cost about $100,000 to construct-an enormous sum at the time-with a notable portion allocated to its lavish interior and the now-iconic Wurlitzer theatre organ.

Exterior: The building’s façade features golden-yellow brickwork with decorative terra cotta rosettes and shields, Moorish-style arched windows, a cobblestone sidewalk, and a classic theater marquee. It remains almost entirely original in structure and detail.

Interior: Inside, the theatre boasts hand-stenciled walls made to resemble European tapestries, a gold-beamed ceiling painted pale blue, and an ornate proscenium with serpent-shaped columns. The layout includes a sloped main floor, balcony seating, and a raised orchestra pit. Much of the original décor, including the vintage orange velvet curtain, is still intact.

🎼 The Wurlitzer Organ

One of the theatre’s most iconic features is its original Mighty Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ, still in use today. It is a two-manual, seven-rank Style D Special Wurlitzer-one of only a handful still installed and operational in its original venue in the United States.

This instrument includes real percussion instruments, chimes, a piano, and pipes that replicate various orchestral tones. Originally used to accompany silent films, the organ now provides a musical prelude to select shows and special screenings.

Volunteers maintain the instrument, ensuring it remains a living part of the theatre’s programming and atmosphere.

🎭 Cultural Significance and Use

When it first opened, the Lincoln Theatre served as a vaudeville and silent film house. It quickly became a hub of entertainment, featuring traveling shows, musical performances, and eventually “talkies” as cinema evolved. During the height of its early years, it was an essential stop for performers on the West Coast circuit.

The theatre remained in continuous use until 1984 when it was briefly closed due to financial issues.

In 1987, local citizens formed the Lincoln Theatre Center Foundation, a nonprofit organization that purchased and began restoring the theatre. Since then, the venue has been steadily revitalized through volunteerism and community support.

In 2001, the City of Mount Vernon formally acquired the building and continues to lease it to the Foundation, which manages its operations and events.

📽️ Present-Day Programming

Today, the Lincoln Theatre hosts a diverse calendar of events year-round:

Films: Independent cinema, documentaries, classic movies, and art house features are screened regularly. The theatre transitioned to digital projection in 2013 while retaining its ability to project 35mm film.

Live Performances: Concerts, comedy shows, community theater productions, spoken word events, and seasonal performances are featured.

Educational & Community Programs: Local schools and youth arts organizations regularly use the venue for performances, workshops, and cultural outreach.

Special Events: The theatre hosts live organ-accompanied silent films, drag performances, jazz concerts, film festivals, and holiday celebrations.

The Lincoln Theatre is also closely tied to regional celebrations, such as the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, during which it hosts themed shows and performances.

🙌 Community Impact

The Lincoln Theatre is deeply embedded in the cultural identity of Mount Vernon and Skagit County. Operated almost entirely by volunteers and supported by over 800 members, the theatre continues to foster community involvement through:

Volunteer roles (ushers, projectionists, ticket sellers, organists)

Member support programs

Local artist showcases and partnerships

Affordable access to the arts

It has become not just a venue for entertainment but also a living classroom and a civic meeting point where generations gather to experience arts and culture together.

🎟️ Visitor Experience

Visiting the Lincoln Theatre is like stepping into a time capsule. Guests are greeted by a grand marquee, vintage ticket booth, and a cozy yet majestic auditorium. The sound of the Wurlitzer organ often fills the hall before films, and the historic atmosphere offers a contrast to modern multiplexes.

Address: 712 S 1st Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Seating: Approximately 500 seats between the main floor and balcony

Typical Ticket Prices: Around $8 for general admission films, with lower prices for seniors, students, and children; live event prices vary

✨ Summary

The Lincoln Theatre is a rare jewel among historic performance venues in the Pacific Northwest. Its architectural beauty, historical significance, and continued dedication to community arts make it a pillar of Mount Vernon’s cultural life. More than a preserved relic, it is a living, breathing theatre that still entertains, educates, and inspires, nearly a century after its debut.