Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: TruLife

High, ornate ceilings flank a balcony pointing toward what once was a stage that showed silent films, but now holds women's clothing.

The building is currently home to Sieren's Palace, a retail store on 202 S. Franklin St. with clothing ranging in styles for young to elderly women.

"We sell clothing for teenagers up until you pass away, so we say that our customers can shop here for most of their life," owner Herb Sieren said.

The building was originally home to the Princess Theater, which was a beloved spot to catch a film on a Friday night in Kirksville until the late 1950s.

Prominent Kirksville businessman Valentine Miller purchased the lot in 1915 and hired architect Irwin Dunbar to design and construct the theater, according to the 1987 Historic Inventory of Kirksville. Dunbar built many structures in town, including the Miller block located northeast of the building. At various times, the theater specialized in silent films, second-run movies and local acts. Miller operated the theater until his death in the 1920s, and his daughter, after whom the theater was named, operated the business until she closed its doors in the early 1950s. The building then was left vacant until the early 1970s when it was transformed into a fabric shop.

Sieren said he started his business in 1977. He was a traveling businessman representing several clothing brands out of Kansas City when he said he decided he wanted to sell the clothing in his own store.

Sieren said the shop has retained much of the original theater's architecture, including the plaster work that forms several medallions on the ceiling and walls and a large archway over what used to be a stage. However, the seats and stage have been removed to provide space for clothing racks and display shelves.

"As far as the inside, it has pretty much stayed intact," Sieren said. "We're trying to keep it in its original form as much as we can. The interior has remained the same other than some slat walls to showcase merchandise."

The original balcony extends around the walls in a U-shape facing the stage. Sieren said the balcony still contains the original projector and many of the seats.

"There's parts of the old projector up above in the balcony, and I hope that someone will come along someday and restore that because it's really neat," he said.

Sieren said he thinks the building is a large attraction for many of his customers.

Continued...

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