Downtown Columbia City History Tour Stop 2
102-110 W Van Buren St
Welcome to a Walk Through History
Today you experience a historical adventure unlike any other. Yes, this audio-visual trip around the square will allow you to get a sense of the many changes Downtown Columbia City has incurred. As you walk around the square and listen to the information provided, you’ll gain a better understanding of Downtown Columbia City’s illustrious past.
Where It All Began: 1840 and the First Frame Building
Today, it is the Star Financial Bank Building. But in 1840, this corner was the site of the first frame building in the town originally known as Columbia. The structure was a single-story, two-room boarding house, hotel, and saloon. The sign on the building read:
“David E. Long – Entertainment for Man and Beast.”
The Whitley County Board of Commissioners met here on May 4, 1840, to organize Columbia Township. To this day, street addresses in Columbia City are based on this very corner.
A Century of Entertainment: The Columbia Theatre
Where did you last watch a movie—on your couch with Netflix or at Bones Theatre downtown? One hundred (100) years ago, Columbia City residents came right here to see a film. This was the location of the Columbia Theatre, and admission only cost thirty-five cents—a quarter and a dime.
Silent Films and Talkies
In 1920, the original building was torn down and replaced with the Columbia Theatre. It was a state-of-the-art venue for its time, complete with a pipe organ to accompany minstrel shows, talent performances, and silent films. Early films didn’t include spoken dialogue, which is why they were called “silent films.” When synchronized sound was introduced, they became known as “Talkies,” marking the birth of movies with voices and soundtracks.
Hollywood Meets Columbia City
On June 18, 1938, Columbia City native and author Lloyd C. Douglas attended the world premiere of his book-turned-film, “White Banners,” right here at the Columbia Theatre. Douglas went on to achieve fame with other works like The Robe, several of which were adapted into movies and even a television show.
Television and Transformation
The Columbia Theatre remained a community hub until the rise of television in the 1950s. As more families stayed home to watch their favorite shows, small-town theaters like The Columbia saw a sharp decline and eventually closed. And now, in the era of streaming and on-demand viewing, Columbia City residents continue to evolve in how they experience entertainment.
Nearly sixty years ago, the theatre was torn down, and Citizens National Bank was constructed on the site. That bank later became Star Financial Bank—the building you see standing today. Take a moment—how do you like the look of the Star Financial Bank building?
More Than Movies: The Nook Restaurant
But that’s not all this corner has seen. In addition to its role as a bank and former theater, 108 West Van Buren was also home to The Nook Restaurant. For over sixty years, The Nook served up meals and memories for locals, becoming a beloved staple in the community.
So, from “Entertainment for Man & Beast” to The Nook to Star Financial, this initial section of West Van Buren Street has a rich and colorful past. And this is just one section of the downtown. There are great stories all around the square—waiting for you to discover them.
Thank you to Pam Koch and Doug Clark for their outstanding research and writing of the article and the Whitley County Historical Museum for generously sharing photographs from their collection. Thank you to Columbia City High School’s WJHS 91.5 The Eagle for producing the audio recording.
