Clarence Edgar Irvin owned and operated several Bloomington theaters.  He was the founder of Irvin Amusement Inc.  In 1914 he built the Irvin Theatre on E. Jefferson St. in Bloomington which operated until 1982.  He sold the theater but remained the owner of the theater building.  The Irvin Theatre was the best theater in town with the newest and most up-to-date technology available.  Irvin Amusement Inc. was also associated with the Castle, Illini, Majestic, Rialto, and Chatterton theaters, all in Bloomington.  Irvin was also associated with the regional chains Midwest Theatre Inc. and Publix Great States Theatre Inc.

This collection contains papers dealing with the holdings of Clarence Irvin and his family.  The papers include deeds, leases, correspondence, newspaper clippings, legal documents, and building plans.