07/26/2026
📸 For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to create a photography project like this.
The idea is simple: find old photographs of historic places, stand in the exact same location decades later, and capture what they look like today. Then tell the story of how those places have changed while preserving the history that makes them special.
🏛️ I thought there was no better place to begin than the Ritz Theater in Rockville.
The story of the Ritz dates back over 100 years. After Rockville's original Opera House, built in 1883, was sold in 1907, the town was left without a theater. In 1912, community members came together to build the New Rockville Opera House, which seated around 700 people. 🎭 By 1929, motion pictures had arrived, and the first film shown, *Pollyanna*, drew more than 1,000 moviegoers. At the time, children could see a movie for just 10–15 cents, while adults paid only 20–25 cents.
In 1969, the Parke County Chamber of Commerce purchased the theater, and a major renovation in 1975 restored it to its classic appearance. Since 1998, the Parke Players have proudly owned and operated the Ritz, keeping it alive with first-run movies, live theater productions, and community events. 🎬
After being shown around the Ritz and looking through its collection of historic photographs, I knew this was exactly the kind of project I'd been wanting to create. Standing in the same spots where those images were taken decades ago and recreating them today was a surreal experience. It made me appreciate not only how much history these walls hold, but also why preserving places like the Ritz is so important. 📷🕰️
A huge thank you to everyone at the Ritz Theater for opening the doors, sharing its history, and allowing me to photograph this incredible piece of Parke County history. ❤️
I hope you enjoy this first installment of what I hope becomes an ongoing series documenting the past and present of Indiana's historic landmarks.
💬 What historic place in Parke County would you like to see featured next? I'd love to hear your suggestions in the comments!
