Comments from BigWalt

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BigWalt
BigWalt commented about Boyd Theatre on May 27, 2017 at 5:56 am

I was a usher at Sameric Theatre and Eric Mark I(Holiday Inn, 18th & Market St in 1971. Promoted to Assistant Manager at Eric Mark I in 1972 and subsequently Duke & Duchess Theatre, 1605 Chestnut until 1977. After graduating from Temple University in January 1977,I managed the Beekman Theatre for Cinema V Corp. briefly in Manhattan, NY until I became manager of Cinema 19 Theatre at the corner of 19th & Chestnut for about 6 months. I then got an offer from owner Mert Shapiro (July 1977), to manage the flagship Sameric Theatre (old Boyd Theatre) with 1908 seats and balcony. At that time, I was one of the first black Managers in Center City. I wore a tuxedo on the weekends. Was manager when the Sameric Theatre became Sameric 4 and was managed the theatre until June 1987 when I had my second back operation. In between, I was manager at Duke & Duchess Theatre for a year to oversee the Theatre before it subsequently closed. I consider Mert Shapiro a father figure and it saddens me to see the old Boyd Theatre close. The theatre was magnificent with the art deco, big screen and big chandelier in the main auditorium. It also had a beautiful chandelier in the lobby area. I enjoyed the preparations for opening days and premiers. It was truly an enjoyable experience and I truly miss all the staff and truly miss Mr. Shapiro, a great man and owner.