March 18, 2026
Barbara Kummerfeldt, a prominent founding member of Preservation of Egyptian Theatre (P.E.T.) and the 1978-79 President of the nonprofit, and Lucille Aikens, P.E.T.’s treasurer at the time, gave a lecture at Northern Illinois University’s art building in November 1978. Presented by the Student Art Association, the lecture was on ‘The Egyptian Theater: History Past and Present’. The setting around this seminar was the effort of the nonprofit to draw attention to the Egyptian Theatre and showcase how important the building was for local history. Giving this lecture on NIU’s campus helped foster interest and helped to reach the younger, university student audience. Furthered by the location in the Arts building, spectators already likely had an interested in the arts.
This clipping marks a period in the history of Preservation of Egyptian Theatre where the issue was fresh, with the lecture occurring just 8 months after the original meeting organized by Mayor Judy King on what to do with the Theatre. Additionally, this came just a month after the public was allowed back in the Theatre since November 1977 and before recognition came from the National Register of Historical Places. Because of these factors, this period was especially important for gathering support of all types and this clip showcases some of the tactics utilized to get locals interested in the Egyptian Theatre.
An editorial comic showcasing members of P.E.T. protecting the
Egyptian Theatre from demolition via wrecking ball.
This editorial comic comes from the Northern Star, the Northern Illinois University student newspaper, giving insight into the student thoughts surrounding the happenings at the Theatre and at the time of publication, the attempts to preserve the building. Depicting the Egyptian Theatre with a statue of a Pharaoh, a crowd holding multiple ‘Save the Egyptian’ signs stands outside the building, blocking a wrecking ball from destroying the Theatre. A little detail of the image is the addition of the Theatre’s artistic team, continuing work on the statue and building, indicating the building’s place in the local artistic community.
The presence of this comic in the local, university paper showcases local involvement in the journey to preserve the Theatre. As this piece was published, P.E.T. was fundraising heavily to fully purchase the building and restore it for community use. The pictured Pharaoh has one hand resting comfortably on his leg, with the other hand in fist, signifying that the Theatre is not going to be destroyed without a struggle. It’s nice to reflect on the continued local support, helping to promote saving the Theatre despite P.E.T.’s rough beginning and state of the building at the time.
As we come up to the 100th anniversary celebration of the Egyptian Theatre’s opening, it’s important to look back at past milestones and examine just how much has changed or shifted. To begin, let’s set the stage for the 50 year anniversary celebration, with P.E.T. having just officially purchased the Theatre in the previous month. The Theatre was in an odd place in that they were set to celebrate 50 years of existence, yet the building itself was in need of care and time for repairs after many years being largely ignored. Truly, much of the event planning for the Golden Jubilee occurred before the purchase of the Theatre was finalized and so, despite the long list of needed renovations, the Egyptian Golden Jubilee went on as planned.
This event honoring the Theatre’s history would include a cast of 50 people, bring a “show of color”, and dance choreographed by P.E.T.’s own secretary, Mildred “Millie” Olson. Starting with the night off with the Charleston, symbolizing the era that the Theatre got its start, and working through time till they ended back at the music and dance of the 70’s, disco. An interesting note was Paul Eberman, the Theatre’s projectionist, having the honor of cutting the anniversary cake as he’d been working at the Theatre for the past 32 years and was still working on the weekends. Looking back at this celebration of the Theatre’s presence in downtown Dekalb, we’re excited for the upcoming events in the following years supporting P.E.T. and the Egyptian’s big anniversaries!
