original 1928 stained glass exist sign salvaged from racine's venetian theater

built on the former palace theatre site, racine's venetian theatrer - modeled after milwaukee's version and built by universal pictures—was an atmospheric venue designed in an italian renaissance style with roman influences. its spacious balcony featured a portico, and the two-story lobby had a beamed ceiling. opening on april 12, 1928, with laura laplante's "thanks for the buggy ride" and vaudeville acts, the theatre changed hands over the years but remained a top local destination. due to downtown decline, it closed in 1971 and was demolished in 1977.