lincoln theater, 1928
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What does “neo” mean (neo-Egyptian)?

• “Neo” means “new,” and neo-Egyptian would mean a new artistic interpretation of the ancient style of the Egyptian people. It is also called Egyptian Revival style. Original Egyptian architecture would feature columns with wide bases, decorations with points and other geometric figures, and colors like red, purple, bright blue, and gold. Neo-Egyptian style would use these forms and colors in different materials and perhaps in different ways that might be found in Egypt. In addition, there are stenciled paintings of roosters, ostriches, ducks, urns, and palms.

Why is this style special to the Lincoln Theater?

• The Lincoln Theater, originally named the Ogden Theater, opened on Thanksgiving Day, 1929. The building was designed to have a theater, four store front businesses, a ballroom, and offices for a lodge (men’s organization) that helped build it.  The architect was most likely Carl Anderson who owned a construction company in Dayton, Ohio and who was responsible for constructing St. Paul’s African Methodist Episcopal Church which is also nearby on Long Street. Because the theater was designed by an African American, was famous for live musical acts by African American entertainers, and was located in the heart of the east side’s African American community, the building’s special style of Neo-Egyptian is very fitting since the architect reached back to Egypt, the ancient culture of Africa, for inspiration.
  

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