Tucked into the heart of downtown Rushville, Indiana, the Princess Theatre stands as more than just a place to watch movies—it is a powerful symbol of community, resilience, and the cultural heartbeat of small-town Indiana. A Stage for Over a Century The story of the Princess Theatre dates back to the early 1900s, when it first opened its doors in 1907 as the Vaudet Theatre. Originally designed for live performances, the venue hosted plays and vaudeville acts, bringing entertainment and culture to Rush County long before modern cinemas existed. By 1915, the theater had been renamed the Princess Theatre and became a cornerstone of the community. Like many historic theaters across the Midwest, it evolved with the times—transitioning into a movie house in 1936 as motion pictures became America’s dominant form of entertainment. For decades, the Princess Theatre served as Rushville’s primary—and often only—movie theater, creating shared experiences for generations of families. A D...
When you think of Rushville, Indiana, you might picture a tight-knit community, rich farmland, and a strong sense of Hoosier pride. But what many may not realize is that this small town is also the birthplace of one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century—Wendell Willkie. From Rushville to the National Stage Born in 1892 in Rushville, Wendell Willkie grew up in a family deeply rooted in law, public service, and civic engagement. His early years in this small Indiana town helped shape his character—instilling in him the values of hard work, independent thinking, and a deep respect for democracy. Willkie went on to attend Indiana University, eventually becoming a successful lawyer and corporate executive. But it was his unexpected rise in politics that would make history. The 1940 Presidential Election In 1940, Wendell Willkie became the Republican nominee for President of the United States—despite never having held public office. His nomination alone was ...