The Elitch Theatre closed during the 1918 and 1919 seasons. The World War ended by the signing of the armistice on November 11, 1918. A period of peacetime reconstruction and stabilization was to follow for America.
The disappointing attendance in 1917 and the mounting world affairs contributed to Mulvihill’s decision not to open the Theatre during the 1918 and 1919 seasons, although the Gardens otherwise remained in operation as a popular “family” resort.
The question of what to do with the Theatre building was a matter of great concern to Mulvihill. He considered other possible options, such as utilizing it as a dance hall. Meanwhile, having been deprived of the opportunity to see good theater during the summer months for a period of nearly three years, theatergoers in Denver were hungry to resurrect the joys of the past. At least they besieged Mr. Mulvihill for an opportunity. The automobile was no longer a novelty, and motion pictures had not progressed enough to replace “live” theater. Notwithstanding some misgivings, Mr. Mulvihill decided to make a final attempt to revive the Elitch Theatre and made plans to reopen it for the 1920 season. It was one of the most critical decisions in the entire history of Elitch Gardens.
[Borrillo, T. A. (2012). Denver’s historic Elitch Theatre: A nostalgic journey (a history of its times). Colorado. p. 120-121]
