On This Date in Minnesota History: May 22

May 22, 1934 – “Samuel Lionel “Roxy” Rothafel [brought] his traveling show to the Minnesota Theater in Minneapolis. A Stillwater native, Roxy’s family moved to New York when he was twelve. As a young adult, he made his first venture into the young motion picture industry by opening a theatre in Pennsylvania.

He gradually worked his way up the show business ladder, gaining popularity by presenting a unique combination of vaudeville stage shows, movies, and razzle–dazzle. He continued on to build the majestic Roxy Motion Picture Palace in New York, design Radio City Music Hall, and bring the world the Rockettes (originally Roxiettes) dance troupe.

When he brings his traveling show to Minnesota, 500 Stillwater citizens form a 125–automobile caravan to his Minneapolis performance. It is said that in 1930's Stillwater, Roxy is as [well-known] as Franklin D. Roosevelt.”

http://projects.wchsmn.org/reference/events/roxy-road-show-comes-minnesota-theater/

        Postcard of Minnesota Theatre, 36-40 Ninth Street South, Minneapolis, ca. 1930

                            http://www.mnhs.org/people/mngg/film/goldenage.htm