The Club Theatre was a popular place for political, dramatic, and musical events as well as headquarters for political conventions and rallies. William Howard Taft spoke there during his first campaign for President. William Jennings Bryan and Speaker of the House “Uncle Joe” Cannon politicked from the stage. Boxing heavyweight champions John L. Sullivan and “Gentleman Jim” Corbett delighted local audiences. Actors Sarah Bernhardt, John Drew, and Lionel, Ethel, and John Barrymore were just a few who performed at the theatre. After 26 seasons of live entertainment, the Club Theatre closed in 1917.