EBERSON, JOHN

(1875-1959)

   The eminent theatre architect was born in Austria, came to America in 1901, and settled in St. Louis. He traveled around the Midwest to find towns that had no theatre. Convincing the locals that they needed one, he would design it. Thus Eberson became known as "Opera House John." He designed over 500 legitimate and motion picture theatres, winning particular renown in the 1920s for his "atmospherics," palatial theatres with sky, garden, and fantastic architectural details. Among his dazzling accomplishments were the Majestic in Houston, the Avalon in Chicago, the Paradise in New York, and the Uptown in Kansas City.