Adda Prothero Elkin 1877-1934
After Mrs. Sarah Sutton's death, the heirs of the Sutton estate sold the Breezedale mansion on IUP campus to John Pratt Elkin and his wife, Adda Prothero Elkin, on September 12, 1899, for $16,000—quite a sum of money for that era.
Adda's husband, Judge John P. Elkin passed away in 1910. It was his dream in life to open a quality place of amusement in Indiana for the community to enjoy.
On July 16th, 1924 Adda carried out that dream and opened The Indiana Theater.
On Aug 14th, 1925 Adda went one step further and purchased The Ritz Theater across the street, solidifying her monopoly on entertainment in Indiana. For that time period it was unorthodox to see such entrepreneurship.
"You'de spend your money with Mrs. Elkin, one place or the other... She was the definition of a businesswoman."
-Tom Harley, Owner
Mrs. Elkin provided Indiana County with high-quality entertainment during her life and well beyond. It is because of Adda Elkin talking pictures, vaudeville, and stage shows became a prevalent part of Indiana's culture.
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