Peter M. Hulsken of Lima, Ohio was the architect chosen to create the design for the new Schine brothers’ theatre destined for Bellefontaine. Mr. Hulsken was a native of Holland and used his homeland as the inspiration for the new atmospheric theatre. The architect studied his profession at the Beaux Arts in Paris, France and immigrated to the United States shortly upon graduation. Mr. Hulsken designed buildings throughout Ohio and also in New York City, Chicago, and Detroit.

Due to the background and birthplace of the architect, it was decided to base the Holland Theatre’s design on the architecture of 17th century Holland. This design decision made the Holland entirely different from

any other atmospheric theatre in existence, as most theatres of the time were fashioned after Greek, Spanish, or Italian architectural styles. The entire theatre, including the outside facade, the inner and outer lobbies, and the auditorium, is Dutch themed. The architect was so pleased with his design that he had it copyrighted.

As far as we have been able to research, with the aid of the League of Historical American Theatres, there are no other theatres in America with the same architectural style or theme.

As you enter the Holland’s auditorium, it is as though you were entering another land and time, as it is a reproduction of an old, Dutch town. Each quaint building that lines the sides of the walls is a replica of actual buildings in Holland. Shields and coats of arms that are located above the proscenium represent cities or regions in Holland.

The auditorium is 112 feet long and 64 feet wide. The seating capacity, at the time, was for 1,000. Ample aisles, exits and stairways were incorporated into the design. As you enter the auditorium you will find that although it is large, it retains a sense of intimacy. Among its features in 1931 were a dark blue sky, flickering stars, and rolling clouds. A protrusion of tulips, vines, and trees added to the atmosphere and the effect was said to “soothe the nerves and to calm perturbing thoughts.”

The theatre’s stage was 23 feet deep. Across the stage an asbestos curtain with a beautiful painted Dutch scene entertained the eye. A grand drape with a glorious sunset over a field of tulips swept open and closed and the beginning and end of each performance.

You can still note as you drive or walk past the Holland Theatre the Dutch influence in the exterior building with its gabled architecture, details of lions heads and the “Dutch cross” pattern in the laid brick.

This beautiful, unique treasure of a theatre is still in existence and though still much needs to be done to restore it to its once grand state, it is open on a limited basis and again becoming a thriving center for the arts in Logan County and the region.