It had to have been still open in 1991, as I saw Terminator 2 there. The theater still had a very 1960s lobby decor (big white ball lights, chrome and walnut veneer concession stand?) and the seats were upholstered in red, white and blue vinyl. As with many twinned theaters, projection was from an original porthole near a rear corner of the split auditorium, making for a suboptimal presentation.
I would really love to find some pre-1970 interior photos of the Beechwold Theater’s foyer and lobby. (I’m not so sure the interior photos linked to above are of the same theater.) I’ve been searching for years without any luck. I’m wondering if Columbus area theater historian Phil Sheridan might have found some though- he was working on a 4th volume of his book series Those Wonderful Old Downtown Theaters which was to focus more on neighborhood theaters, including the Beechwold. But sadly, Mr. Sheridan’s health declined and he passed away a few years ago before finishing it.
Jeff Frank acquired the Drexel from Jerry Knight. A very interesting interview about Mr. Knight:
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It had to have been still open in 1991, as I saw Terminator 2 there. The theater still had a very 1960s lobby decor (big white ball lights, chrome and walnut veneer concession stand?) and the seats were upholstered in red, white and blue vinyl. As with many twinned theaters, projection was from an original porthole near a rear corner of the split auditorium, making for a suboptimal presentation.
This theater now has its own Facebook group: Remembering the Drexel North / Camelot North / Beechwold Theater.
I would really love to find some pre-1970 interior photos of the Beechwold Theater’s foyer and lobby. (I’m not so sure the interior photos linked to above are of the same theater.) I’ve been searching for years without any luck. I’m wondering if Columbus area theater historian Phil Sheridan might have found some though- he was working on a 4th volume of his book series Those Wonderful Old Downtown Theaters which was to focus more on neighborhood theaters, including the Beechwold. But sadly, Mr. Sheridan’s health declined and he passed away a few years ago before finishing it.