Did you know: movie theaters were invented in Waukegan!
Yes, as hard as it might be to believe, right here in Waukegan the concept of movie theaters showing films to large numbers of people at the same time, was invented by the native Waukeganite, Edward Amet. Amet saw the first movie projector invented by Thomas Edison in Chicago, and being an engineer himself, soon invented his own projector which was gas powered. Next Amet came up with the idea of showing movies using his projector to a group of people in a theater and charging them for admission. This was the invention of movie theaters. Edward Amet not only showed films, he made them himself using Waukeganites as actors. Later Amet moved to California and his concept spread throughout the world. His home was on North Avenue and is still there. One of the first movie theaters in the world was the old building on Genesee street that burned down 16 years ago and was formerly known as Fiesta Palace. So as you can see Waukegan has a long history of many interesting inventions and people! See the articles to learn more:
Question: What are some interesting facts that you know about Waukegan's history?
Amet's house on North Avenue
Edward Amet
The old Fiesta Palace
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