This being an atmospheric and Moorish I’d love to see some interior photos of the Florida Theatre. When I read that the theatre in 1955 seated 3,155 I thought I was seeing things as that is a huge theatre capacity.
Steven: Good for you…keep telling everybody who will listen that a wonderfl movie house was once there! That’s what we all need is another parking lot….. sure is much more cultural than a nice restored theatre! NOT! What politicans/city council member’s idea was that to ‘put in another parking lot’! The art deco facade of this former theatre was so beautiful and I’d love to see other vintage photos if anyone has them.
Just watched Food Nation with Bobby Flay and he was in Richmond VA. He told us about some great restaurants there, but we know there are 2 great theatres there, too…..thanks to CT.
Just watched Food Nation with Bobby Flay and he was in Richmond VA. He told us about some great restaurants there, but we know there are 2 great theatres there, too…..thanks to CT.
After walking inside and looking at the molding along the ceiling, the marquee, etc. I can report back here that the theatre is art deco. And the special part is that it’s all original since the 40’s. The ticket kios is still there, but not being used anymore.
Well, today was the day! I found the Gem and had a nice chat with the owner. At the time a group of elementary children were seeing the movie entitled Because of Winn Dixie. We were able to walk inside the darkened auditorium and make out the 2 illuminated phoenix birds in the deco sections near the stage/screen. This theatre along with about 3 others in the town were all built by the Cannon family. One of the theatres was for the black population and is now a funeral home, but wasn’t able to find it so will try again in the near future. Another theatre is now a grocery store, but spoke to an older lady who is the cashier and she recalled going to see movies at that location for 12 cents! The Gem is truly a gem and we plan to go see a movie some evening in Kannapolis!
The presence of the Grand gave Westfield a visual ‘anchor’ and seemed to give the town a Norman Rockwell-ish feel…a piece of Americana! I still find it hard to believe that the town made such a decision which seemed so ‘right’ at the time…if only it could have hung on it might have become a restored treasure by 2005!
TC: Thanks for the webshot photos especially of the coffered ceiling! I don’t get through the Louisville area much, but if I ever do again the Palace there will be a must-see! Again, the name Eberson would warrant it!
The following quote from a theatre friend’s email: “Yes, I read all the comments about the Grand Theater in Westfield. It is a real shame what happened to that theater. Westfield today is not complete without it.” I couldn’t have said it better!
klimkm: It sure does help and does put a big smile on my face this a.m. so you have “made my day”. And in regards to another theatre called the Tivoli in Mishawaka Indiana…even though it was recently demolished the signature window WAS SAVED according to a recent email from a Suan Baxter so she “made my day” today also!
WSL: I could write all day about my Grand thoughts, but it won’t bring it back to us. My hometown visit this spring with Tom T. and with a member of the demolition committee should prove to be most interesting! Besides talking to these men I plan to meet with one of the former owners, Joe Kirsch who lives in Erie PA and whose family recently owns the Kirsch Drive-In in Corry PA.
WSL: I’ve posted many times on this CT website, but the one theatre that is the closest to my heart is the Grand so when I receive notice of a Grand comment that puts a smile on my face though bittersweet as we are discussing a special theatre that is no longer with us. Westfield is a special town in western NYS and the Grand marquee could be seen from almost anywhere on main street so it brought a special atmosphere or aura to the area. And I’m quite sure that most folks of my generation have fond memories of going through the doors of that theatre to see any number of movies starring Hollywood’s best of the best. I do feel that the lighted curved marquee is what truly made the Grand so grand!
Atmos: The photos are wonderful and I wonder if this wonderful atmospheric Texas Theatre is being restored today?
Steven: I just looked at the 60’s demolition photos and just couldn’t believe my eyes…and all for another parking lot! :–(
This being an atmospheric and Moorish I’d love to see some interior photos of the Florida Theatre. When I read that the theatre in 1955 seated 3,155 I thought I was seeing things as that is a huge theatre capacity.
The word ‘stylish’ is used in describing the Florida Theatre yet it was allowed to be demolished…go figure!
I see that it was destroyed in a fire…wonder if anyone knows that sad story?
Steven: Good for you…keep telling everybody who will listen that a wonderfl movie house was once there! That’s what we all need is another parking lot….. sure is much more cultural than a nice restored theatre! NOT! What politicans/city council member’s idea was that to ‘put in another parking lot’! The art deco facade of this former theatre was so beautiful and I’d love to see other vintage photos if anyone has them.
Just watched Food Nation with Bobby Flay and he was in Richmond VA. He told us about some great restaurants there, but we know there are 2 great theatres there, too…..thanks to CT.
Just watched Food Nation with Bobby Flay and he was in Richmond VA. He told us about some great restaurants there, but we know there are 2 great theatres there, too…..thanks to CT.
After walking inside and looking at the molding along the ceiling, the marquee, etc. I can report back here that the theatre is art deco. And the special part is that it’s all original since the 40’s. The ticket kios is still there, but not being used anymore.
Well, today was the day! I found the Gem and had a nice chat with the owner. At the time a group of elementary children were seeing the movie entitled Because of Winn Dixie. We were able to walk inside the darkened auditorium and make out the 2 illuminated phoenix birds in the deco sections near the stage/screen. This theatre along with about 3 others in the town were all built by the Cannon family. One of the theatres was for the black population and is now a funeral home, but wasn’t able to find it so will try again in the near future. Another theatre is now a grocery store, but spoke to an older lady who is the cashier and she recalled going to see movies at that location for 12 cents! The Gem is truly a gem and we plan to go see a movie some evening in Kannapolis!
TC: Great photo!
Sorry the name is Susan Baxter.
The presence of the Grand gave Westfield a visual ‘anchor’ and seemed to give the town a Norman Rockwell-ish feel…a piece of Americana! I still find it hard to believe that the town made such a decision which seemed so ‘right’ at the time…if only it could have hung on it might have become a restored treasure by 2005!
TC: Great photo and will help me spot it if I find myself in Detroit in August for the Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise!
TC: Thanks for the webshot photos especially of the coffered ceiling! I don’t get through the Louisville area much, but if I ever do again the Palace there will be a must-see! Again, the name Eberson would warrant it!
Jim: Thanks for the style/type classification.
Don’t believe if I’ve ever seen the Warner name with the Grand name together except for this CT link.
The following quote from a theatre friend’s email: “Yes, I read all the comments about the Grand Theater in Westfield. It is a real shame what happened to that theater. Westfield today is not complete without it.” I couldn’t have said it better!
klimkm: It sure does help and does put a big smile on my face this a.m. so you have “made my day”. And in regards to another theatre called the Tivoli in Mishawaka Indiana…even though it was recently demolished the signature window WAS SAVED according to a recent email from a Suan Baxter so she “made my day” today also!
Brian: THANKS! A Conrad Schmitt re-creation!
TC: THANKS!
Just read about the theatre holding an Academy Awards Night. If anyone went, let us know how much fun it must have been! :–)
WSL: Do you also have any interior photos as I would truly love to see them! :–)
WSL: I could write all day about my Grand thoughts, but it won’t bring it back to us. My hometown visit this spring with Tom T. and with a member of the demolition committee should prove to be most interesting! Besides talking to these men I plan to meet with one of the former owners, Joe Kirsch who lives in Erie PA and whose family recently owns the Kirsch Drive-In in Corry PA.
WSL: I’ve posted many times on this CT website, but the one theatre that is the closest to my heart is the Grand so when I receive notice of a Grand comment that puts a smile on my face though bittersweet as we are discussing a special theatre that is no longer with us. Westfield is a special town in western NYS and the Grand marquee could be seen from almost anywhere on main street so it brought a special atmosphere or aura to the area. And I’m quite sure that most folks of my generation have fond memories of going through the doors of that theatre to see any number of movies starring Hollywood’s best of the best. I do feel that the lighted curved marquee is what truly made the Grand so grand!