Mary Pickford
Built just after the San Francisco earthquake, this building was designed by the Los Angeles architect, Harrison Albright to be earthquake and fire proof and provide the ultimate in mechanical equipment for heating and ventilating. The theatre has two outstanding features -- it is all open space with no pillars blocking views and the acoustics are pronounced to be perfect.On December 28, 1906, lots A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, Block 40 of Horton's Addition were purchased by sugar magnate, John D. Spreckles, for $10 and other considerations from the Security Savings Bank and Trust Company. Mr Spreckels felt that San Diego needed a legitimate theatre in addition to a boosting of the economy and employment.
Construction was begun in 1911 and the theatre was open to the public August 1912. Opening night of the theatre was the most notable occasion in the city's history. Many prominent people from Los Angeles and San Francisco attended as well as the social elite from San Diego. The Broadway musical "Bought And Paid For" was brought 4,000 mile to the opening with many of the original Broadway cast appearing.
During the first year, the Orpheum vaudeville circuit passed through theatre. "Ben Hur" (complete with a horse drawn chariot race that extended through the First Avenue doors, galloped across the huge stage and exited via Second Avenue doors) was the first year finale.
The list is extensive of the famous persons who appeared at the Spreckels Theatre. Will Rogers, Anna Pavlova, Al Jolson, Ina Claire, Enrico Caruso, Lionel Barrymore, Bela Lugosi, Ronald Coleman, William Powell, Mary Pickford and John Barrymore. are just a few who took to the stage in those early years before motion pictures took over the theatre.
The Spreckels estate owned this building until 1943 when it was purchased by the Star and Crescent Investment Co., Oakley J. Hall, President, for $500,000. In 1964, Mrs. Jacquelyn Littlefield (daughter of Louis B. Metzger, formally of Universal Pictures) bought the building for $1, 650, 000. It is still owned and operated by her today.
The Spreckels was designated a National Historic Site on August 4, 1972.