BIJOU .  AUDITORIUM Main - SE corner of  Linden
       

The Bijou Opened 1903   .   Burned 1911   .   ( The Auditorium opened 1894 - closed 1903)
The Auditorium was probably the first Cinema in Memphis and where, in 1897, the new Cinematograph was first demonstrated in the city.  Edison's Concert Phonograph also had its Memphis debut at The Auditorium.  The Auditorium opened in 1894 and lasted until 1903. The building at S. Main and Linden, was originally a huge barn used as a garage for horse-drawn carriages.  When electric trolleys replaced the carriages, the building was converted to a theatre.  The Auditorium became the Bijou in 1903, and the building burned down June 3, 1911 (See article below).  Sometime after 1918 it was supposed to have been rebuilt.  We can find no record of that in the City Directories.

 

The two very rare Bijou Programs (posted below) are from February 1911 and March 1911 - a couple of months before the theatre burned on June 3, 1911.
 

Note:  This theatre, on the opposite side of  Main from the Orpheum, was located where the Chisca Hotel was built in 1923.  The AUDITORIUM is listed in the Memphis Directories from 1894-1900 at 472-482 S. Main.  In 1901-1903, it's listed at Main-SE corner of Linden.  The BIJOU is listed from 1904-1911 at  268-270 S. Main (Numbering changed on Main).  There is no Bijou listing from 1912 up to 1918.    The Bijou is listed again for three years in 1920-1922 at 146 S. Main.  This is a "2nd Bijou".    There are no Bijou listings after 1922.
 
 

The Bijou

1901 Auditorium Program for the Memphis Music Festival

    1905 Bijou Ad

 

Bijou decorated for 1909 UCV

1909  UCV Program

Peabody-Bijou postcard

The 2nd Bijou

2nd Bijou - c1920
 

1911 Bijou Theatre Programs 

These very rare theatre programs, dated February 1911 and March of 1911,  are for the plays "The Rosary" and "The Wolf" at the Bijou Theatre.  The programs include some very interesting Memphis ads.  Both programs:   George Whitworth Collection.

Click on the Program Covers to see and read the entire programs
 February 1911

March 1911

  
 

NY Mirror 1903

Billboard 1907

Billboard  1908

 Billboard 1909
 

1909 UCV

1909 MHS

1908 Theatrical Guide

Bijou Fire -  1911
 
 
 
AUDITORIUM   The Auditorium opened 1894 - closed 1903 (Name changed to BIJOU)
 

This is the only known photo of the Auditorium Theatre, before it was remodeled and the name changed to Bijou.  (High Definition photo)

The Auditorium (Main and SE corner of Linden) opened in 1894 and lasted until 1903.  The building was originally a huge barn used as a garage for horse-drawn carriages.  When electric trolleys replaced the carriages, the building was converted to a theatre.  This was probably the first Cinema in Memphis and where, in 1897, the new Cinematograph was first demonstrated, as well as Edison's Concert Phonograph in 1899.   

       The Auditorium -1900  

 

The AUDITORIUM is listed in the Memphis Directories from 1894-1900 at 472-482 S. Main.  In 1901-1903, it's listed at Main-SE corner of Linden.

 

Daily Appeal - 1894

1894

Daily Appeal 1895

Daily Appeal 1896

        Billboard 1898
 

D. Appeal - 1900

1901

 Billboard 1902

1902

NY Mirror 1903

Sanborn Map
 
 

Edison's Phonograph Cinematograph 7100 Seats !  

1899 MHS Grad
    
 
 
   

Historic Memphis Website 

 

Credits
 

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The "Historic-Memphis" website would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their contributions which helped make this website possible:  Memphis Public Library, Memphis University Library, Memphis Law Library, Memphis Commercial Appeal, Memphis Press Scimitar, Shelby County Register of Deeds, Memphis City Schools, Memphis Business Men's Club, Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Memphis City Park Commission, Memphis Film Commission, Carnival Memphis, Memphis Historical Railroad Page, Memphis Heritage Inc, Beale Street Historic District, Cobblestone Historic District, Memphis Historic Districts, Vance Lauderdale Family Archives, Tennessee State Archives, Library of Congress, Kemmons Wilson Family, Richard S. Brashier, Lee Askew, George Whitworth, Woody Savage and many individuals whose assistance is acknowledged on the pages of their contributions.  Special thanks to Memphis Realtor, Joe Spake, for giving us carte blanche access to his outstanding collection of contemporary Memphis photos.

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