Preservation Craftsmanship Award
Urban Church Resurrects Historic Vaudeville Theatre Marquee
The iconic marquee of the historic Baker Theatre in Dover, New Jersey is once again lighting up the night sky. Located in the Blackwell Historic District, the Baker Theatre opened its doors on December 5, 1906, and was soon known as the premier entertainment showcase in New Jersey. It was the largest vaudeville playhouse in the region hosting such famous names as Helen Hayes, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Lou Costello, and Harry Houdini, to name a few.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Baker Theatre has a long and storied past over its 116-year history. In 2020, a damaging storm with high winds left the non-original marquee severely damaged. The wooden structure was in extreme disrepair and the neon lettering and gold-backed panel was completely torn off leaving only the signage boxes in place. This began a painstaking three year process of re-creating the marquee to its original splendor.
Historic photos and existing field measurements were used to accurately re-create the original 1924 marquee with its intricate architectural details. Probes were undertaken and it was determined the original 1924 steel frame was intact and able to support the new marquee. The remaining non-original marquee was removed down to the structural steel skeleton and the new marquee was built on the existing steel. The open-faced lettering of the marquee was replicated to match the original. Over 500 energy efficient LED light bulbs were used to imitate the original incandescent light bulbs in size and appearance. Signage bands with changeable lettering were installed at the return elevations and are back-lit. Colors were selected based on historic photographs of the Baker Theatre marquee and other marquees constructed during that time period. Restoration work included masonry cleaning, repair, and painting of the original ticket booth, painting of the storefront and replacement of the storefront awning.
A Brief History of the Baker Theatre
In 1924, the Baker Theatre underwent major renovations including the introduction of its most prominent and beloved feature – its signature Broadway-style marquee. Over the next 30 years competing theaters opened in Morris County and the surrounding areas. Baker Theatre eventually became a small-town movie house that featured weekend matinees. The introduction of large, multi-screen theaters led to the theater’s closure in 1978. After sitting empty for several years, the theater was purchased in 1980 and renamed the “Stargate.” Failed attempts were made to convert the theater into a rock concert hall. In 1998, the theater was reopened and renamed the “Baker Ballroom,” specializing in wedding receptions, concerts, live stage shows and banquets. In 2004, new investors purchased the theater and invested significant funds to conform to modern codes including lighting, heating and sound system. In 2018, the theater was purchased by its current owners, Centro Biblico of New Jersey, to serve as the congregation’s place of worship.
