Victory Theatre

50 Grand has been appropriated by our legislators to conduct a study on what to do with this place. I can save the taxpayers $$$$ by publishing my own study, right now. Downtown Holyoke is a lost cause. This structure could be totally reconstructed and it would still stand in the middle of blight. It seems that Massachusetts Federal and State politicians must toss funding for studies of pet renovation projects (pork barrel) in various communities just for the publicity. As previously posted, I feel that those interested in cultural development merge and concentrate on one facility. The former E.M. Loews in West Springfield? I believe that the former Paramount Theater, now Hippodrome in Springfield, was totally refurbished with private funds. Shouldn't that be the rule?

The former Loews Palace in West Springfield still belongs to a private business, namely Showcase Cinemas. And as much as I'd love to see the Palace restored to it's 1968 70mm widescreen glory, it has no facilities for live presentations of ANY kind. The Victory, like all classic movie houses, at least had the ability to present live performances.

At least the Palace isn't in deplorable condition in the middle of a blighted area. I am well aware that it was designed for motion pictures only. I feel that the building could be modified for live performances. Consider the location. In a commercially developed area. Plenty of exposure with the amount of traffic. What does the Victory offer? A downtown with plenty of business, drugs and robbery type. I am quite sure the current owner of the Loews would be willing to negotiate a sale or lease of the facility.

Holyoke has definitely seen better days but it's downtown is hardly a battle ground of drugs and robbery. Will the Victory renovation even make it off the ground? Who knows? I wish them luck, and I'll be first in line for a ticket if they pull it off. But reopen the Palace? It has no stage. It has no changing rooms for entertainers/performers. It has no place for storage of any kind of theatrical/live performance equipment. It has no space for growth, which is what the building itself would have to do. And even if you shoehorned a stage into that space you could then forget putting it's original style 128 degree curved screen back in place for film presentation. You might as well spend the money on a brand new building........ or maybe even the Victory!

Interesting points. Why would the 128 degree curved screen even be considered? Aren't we talking about 'live' performing arts? Movies are across the street. A smaller screen would work for occasional viewings. No stage, no storage space, no changing rooms? Ever been to the self supporting, non taxpayer funded, Majectic Theatre Project located about a mile away? That was a small neighborhood movehouse with basically a platform for a stage. I remember working there as a kid. There was room for a row of trash cans behind the screen. They have been doing productions since 1997. I am not denying that the former Palace will need modificaions such as a stage. The auditorium has enough space to be narrowed allowing production facilities occupying the full length of the theater. The mammoth lobby could be modified providing rehearsal halls, classrooms, etc. Like the Majestic, a balcony could be added. Plenty of parking. Decent hotels and restaurants nearby. I can appreciate wanting to revert back to the past, such as the Victory. If part of my tax dollar is going to fund projects I want to see the potential for a sure thing. Just wondering. Who would feel more secure leaving a performance at 10:30pm. Mr. Ko in downtown Holyoke or Mr. Larkin at the Riverdale Shops in West Springfield?

Why should the screen be considered? Because that's what this theatre was built for, movies, not live shows. Anything else is not a restoration, it's a conversion, and considering what there is to start with, it would be a poor conversion at that. And is there really that much of a need for more "live" theatres in West Springfield, I mean what with Springfield Symphony Hall just across the river. And if MY tax dollars are going to save a building, I'd like it to have some historical significance. And Mr. Ko feels just as fine in Holyoke as he does in West Springfield, thank you. Perhaps Mr Larkin would too, if he got past his prejudices.

In any case, back to the Victory. The seating capacity for this great old house was actually 1800, not the 2500 listed here.

Sorry. I was actually having respect for Mr. Ko's comments until his ignorance confused prejudice with fiscal responsibility and personal safety. Typical of those poor souls who use political correctness as blinders.

Various editions of Film Daily Yearbook give the Victory Theatre differing seating capacities: in 1941 = 2,067, in 1943 = 2,296, in 1950 = 1,680.

The Victory Theatre was operated by Paramount Pictures Inc. through their subsidiary N. Goldstein in 1941 and 1943. By 1950 the company was known as United Paramount Pictures Inc. through their subsidiary Western Massachusetts Theaters Inc (Samuel Goldstein).

Oh good one Mr. Larkin. You come to the site of the Victory Theatre and instead of offering information or a memory of this grand old movie house, you use it to rant about the local government using 50,000 in tax dollars without your approval and then point out that the only thing the people of downtown Holyoke like to do is rob others and take drugs. And when I dare point out your bias, I'm being politically correct. Well sir I don't like everything they do with my tax dollars either. But with a population of 45,000 (very nice people by the way) in Holyoke, that amounts to just over a dollar and ten cents out of my pocket to study the possibilities for the Victory. As a theatre lover I think the Victory, and for that matter the city of Holyoke, are worth it.

And by the way Mr. Larkin, to call me politically correct shows you know even LESS about me than you know about theatre renovation.

Hi Ko! I did see a movie at the Victory. 'Pete & Tilly' with Walter Matheow and Carol Burnette around 1975. Yes, I'm an old fart. We had dinner at Kelly's Lobster House and walked at night to the Victory after dinner. Probably before you were born. Would I do that tonight? Well, aside from the fact that Kelly's burned down 10 years ago, probably. It may surprise you, but I do have Hispanic friends there. Frankly, I wouldn't feel any safer in dowtown Springfield. Hear about the shootings near the Mass. Mutual Ctr? At least that place was developed with private funds. Hey, $1.10 is better in my pocket than a boarded up box.

Hi Lar! I remember Kelly's (and 'Pete & Tilly') quite well actually. And no, I'm not surprised you have Hispanic friends in Holyoke. As to your $1.10, I'd say it's better in your pocket than going to a major studio for so much of the drek they've been serving up the past year. But that boarded up box is the reason we're on this site, and it deserves a little respect, even a bucks worth. As to your refusal to go to Springfield, that's unfortunate, the Student Prince still serves the best fried cheese in the valley. Hey, it's far enough from the Mass Mutual Center, you'll be fine! Besides, why go there? Like the old civic center all it's going to end up with is "professional" wrestling.

Steve, the Student Prince still serves the best of everything, not just fried cheese. Rudy Jr. has continued the tradition of Rudy Sr. Love that place and Theodore's Blues & food. See the Sunday paper? Raymour & Flannigan wants to build on the site of the former Palace Theater. You came to mind over the weekend. I told my lady friend that I'd like to see "Good Night, Good Luck" at the Academy of Music in 'Hamp. She was surprised, not because of the movie, but because of the venue. I immediately thought of the Victory. What a great house to view this movie because that's what movie palaces looked like during the early '50's. I think if Holyoke could develop an entertainment zone first with good night spots and restaurants, ala Kelly's, Gleasons, etc. drawing people downtown, the Victory with creative support could make it. Ok, ok, I'll kick in a buck. But it's your dime!

Al I'll match that buck and toss in an order of fried cheese! How was the sound at the Academy? I understand it was vastly improved a few years ago. The Victory, Calvin, and even the Paramount (when it reopened in 1980) had marvelous "boomy" sound. The Academy tended to sound a bit thin. Loved "Good Night...", it was great to see black and white on a big screen. Wish more directors would make the artistic choice to film that way.

The MGM Theatre Photograph and Report form for the Victory on Suffolk St. in Holyoke has a facade photo taken in May 1941. There was a marquee with 3 lines of black letters on a white background, plus a vertical blade sign above. Attractions are "That Night in Rio" and "Sleepers West". There are several lines of streamer banners (like those in used car lots) running from the top of the marquee to the upper part of the facade. The Report states that the theatre has been showing MGM product for over 10 years; that it's over 15 years old; that it's in Good condition, and has 1150 seats in the orchestra and 332 in the balcony, total: 1482 seats. Competing theaters are listed as : Strand, Holyoke, Majestic and Suffolk. 1940 Population was 53,700.

Looking at the photo above, one thing that is interesting about this theatre is that the main entrance was located right next to the stage-house. I assume that patrons turned right after entering and walked to the rear of the auditorium ??

Originally, that would have been the stage house, supposedly. During construction it was determined that the stage should be at the opposite end of the building because of a hotel to be constructed to the right of the building. By having the stage end next to the hotel live performers would be more inclined to stay there because of proximity to the stage entrance. This is hearsay, but sort of makes sense.

This is a 1930's postcard of Suffolk Street showing the Victory theater.

There's the hotel to the right of the Victory that I had mentioned. The 'hearsay' does make sense.

does anyone have pictures or know how to locate pictures of the inside of the victory? i have the greatest memories of movie watching but i was only 7 in 1977 and being so young i would love to see if my memory serves me correct. i have looked on the net but have come up with nothing re:pictures. i would think somewhere in holyoke there would be pictures,i just don't know where to look. thank you for any help at all. nancy

From the Springfield Republican:

Work continues on Victory Theater
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
By DAVID REID

HOLYOKE - From the sidewalk outside the long-shuttered Victory Theater on Suffolk Street, passersby can see no progress in a years-long plan to restore the historic theater to its former grandeur.

But there is plenty of action off-stage and the long delays are nothing to worry about, arts promoter Donald T. Sanders, president of Victory Theatre Inc., said yesterday.
In September 2004, the group signed a $1-a-year lease for the city-owned theater, which allows for a three-year extension. Supporters predict the theater's eventual renovation will spark an economic ripple effect downtown.

Last fall, Sanders said, the group installed a new roof on the 1,600-seat theater, which opened in 1919 and closed in 1979.

And an Agawam consultant has completed an environmental site assessment and hazardous materials survey, two keys for supporters to obtain historic-project tax credits that are key to the effort, Sanders said.

That report concludes there are few lead paint or asbestos problems inside the building and allows workers to "broom clean" the theater, to remove debris and old equipment, Sanders said. The report, he said, identified water in a basement boiler room that remained after a 1968 fire caused minor damage.

Armed with two $50,000 grants - one approved in 2004 by the state Office of Tourism - Sanders said, Victory Theatre Inc. is hoping more visible work will soon start on the renovations, which estimates have pegged at $10 million.

"It is a long process," said Sanders, who is also executive director of the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts. Last year, that group - which has brought fine arts productions to the Pioneer Valley since 1993 - moved its headquarters from Northampton to a nearby building on Suffolk Street.

But Sanders said the Victory's natural assets are well worth the wait: a bountiful backstage facility, beautiful interior details, incredible exterior brickwork and structural integrity. Brazilian mahogany panels, Tiffany stained glass and two 1930s-era murals are among the building's most treasured touches, he said.

The $16,000 cost to repair the roof and generate the environmental report, Sanders said, was paid for by Save the Victory Theater Inc., a grassroots group that for years kept alive hopes the theater could be saved.

A major fund-raising effort has been quietly gaining momentum but will not kick into gear until the theater's physical renovations are ready to begin, Sanders said.

Plans for the theater - originally designed as a "Renaissance theater" and converted in 1939 to a movie theater - would allow for a multitude of uses from fine arts to film.

"What will save it is that it can be both," said Sanders. Possible activities there include ballet and opera, off-Broadway plays, musical concerts, movies and comedy acts, Sanders said.

Steve,

I was the manager of the Victory (and the Strand) around the corner back in 1973. I took over when Wright Enterprises bought out Western Mass Theater Associates. It was a beautiful theater. At that time we still were getting some good crowds.

We premiered "The Way We Were" in December 1973 and it was very successful.

Back then, downtown Holyoke was still a vibrant city, though on the decline. The city merchants tried their best to generate interest in shopping downtown, but to no avail.

I also remember a great little drugstore across the street that still served soda's mixed from a fountain!

As for the Strand... it had seen better days and was mostly soft porn at that time.

I didn't stay too long at the Victory (a few months I think). I was moved to the Calvin Theater in Northampton as we continued to clean up and at least put some fresh coats of paint on the new additions to Wright Enterprises.

Ken,

Thanks for your memories of the Victory. It will always have a very special place in my heart as it was the first theater I ever attended. That was in 1961 at the age of two, to see "The Absent Minded Professor". I can still remember waiting in line for tickets. It was a very hot day and the line was all the way around and passed the Roger Smith Hotel (later called the Holyoke House). I remember standing there on Maple Street looking at thunder clouds in the distance that were so dark they were purple. That storm broke during the movie, I can still remember the tremondous sound of thunder reverberating through that great old theater. I can also remember the very warm and "boomy" sound of the Victory's excellent sound system. Of course, as loud as all that was, it couldn't compete with the sound of almost 2000 lauging kids. But my favorite story from the Victory was seeing "Mary Poppins" there with my sister and Grandmother (who was all dressed up and wearing her best pearls!!! My have times changed). Sitting ahead of us were two very elderly ladies. When the movie ended one turned to the other and said, "I rather liked it, but didn't it seem like more of a children's picture?" I guess it really is true (at least back then) that some people went to the movies with no knowledge of what they were about to see, they just wanted to get out of the house.

I worked at the Calvin also Ken! In 1980, I did box office, refreshment stand, and custodial duties as well. Loved that theater, Northampton is very lucky to have it still standing considering the fate of so many theaters that were a part of the infamous Western Ma. Theater chain. Same goes for the former Paramount in Springfield. I hope that place is treasured for decades to come.

As for the Strand, my main memories of it were as a fan of the horror movies playing there in the very early 70's. Movies like "Dr. Phibes", "The House That Dripped Blood", "Asylum", and "Scream and Scream Again" were not going to win any awards, but for a 12 year old they were great fun, and the Strand was a perfect place to see them. In between the horror, the Strand was doing "A" pictures there second run, and I saw a lot of those at that time as well. For some great info on these old places, check out DrRussD's comments on the Strand and the Paramount (now Hippodrome). With much anticipation I'm waiting for his history of the Victory to be added here!

I meant to mention this when I posted the piece from the Springfield Republican on August 30th. There are several inaccuracies of various importance contained in this article. The most important one is the line:

"...Plans for the theater - originally designed as a "Renaissance theater" and converted in 1939 to a movie theater..."

The Victory Theatre, from it's opening right after the end of World War I (and thus the name Victory) was both definitely designed for and playing movies from the first day it opened.

I worked at the Victory for a while around 1974, doing box office / ushering / concession, etc. and subsequently worked at several other area movie houses in the area including the Strand in Westfield, the Grand in Indian Orchard and the 2 screen "cineplex" that was in what was then a mall (remember Almy's and Paysaver?) down in the hole behind McDonalds on Northampton St.

Of course, I also have many fond childhood memories of going to the movies at the Victory, but it was during the time that I worked there that I had opportunity to explore the building a bit and really came to appreciate this theater. Of course by then, the Victory had already suffered significant neglect and was in serious decline, but it was still apparent through the grime, disrepair, patched seats, and worn frayed carpets, that this was a truly magnificent building.

I distinctly remember the marble staircase to the 2nd floor lobby, the beautiful mohogany woodwork, the ornate lighting fixtures and wall tapestries. Even as a teenager, I recall being saddened that this jewel of a theater was falling further and further into disrepair. I seem to remember that in addition to the wonderful sound system that other posters have talked about, that there was a beautiful organ there as well, although at this point I wouldn't rule out my confusing that with the organ at the Paramount in Springfield.

I applaud those who are working diligently on the effort to restore the Victory. Whether it can be the economic spark that downtown Holyoke needs is debatable, but one need look no farther than a few miles up Rt. 5, to Northampton, to see an example of a vibrant small city with a strong downtown shopping district, world class dining, and an exciting arts and nightlife scene. An active Victory theater, restored to its former glory, may just be the critical piece of the puzzle that brings people to downtown Holyoke and sparks a revival of supporting dining and shopping venues and a general rehabilitation of this proud city's downtown.

I look forward to the day when there is news about real work going on to refurbish the Victory and will likely find myself volunteering to help, if for no other reason than to get a look at how far the Victory slipped before she begins her "Extreme Makeover".

I wish that I had the enthusiasm of the previous posters pertaining to the future of the Victory. There is no way Holyoke and Northampton can be compared. Northampton has plenty of $$$$$ coming in just from Smith alone. I know that Mr. Ko is going to accuse me of being a bigot, but has anyone traveled through Holyoke? Nobody is going to invest in a city of boarded up buildings and residents roaming the streets or spending days sitting on car hoods. The sad part is Holyoke has many beautiful sections. But how many people from those sections would be willing to participate in downtown functions?

Nobody is going to accuse anyone of anything, except perhaps not contributing any great stories about the Victory and just using this wonderful old theatres site to complain about the problems of the city of Holyoke instead.

The website up top which used to be to save the Victory Theatre now is about saving the California Victory soccer team in San Francisco. Are hopes for this theatre dead?

Roger, I get the impression that hope for the Victory is indeed dead. I can find nothing on the internet for the Save the Victory group, and no other group has formed to take over the task from the Save the Victory people. I suppose as long as the building still stands there is a small hope, but as of this summer it will be 29 years that this great old palace has been closed. Like the Loews Kings in Brooklyn, time itself is not making it any easier to reopen this once proud place.

"I get the impression that hope for the Victory is indeed dead."

Let us hope not.

From the Republican:

Public to get view of Holyoke's aging Victory Theater
by The Republican Newsroom Saturday September 20, 2008, 12:37 PM

HOLYOKE - Large red pieces of plywood cover most of the entrance to the Victory Theater.

But go through a plain door cut out of the plywood and you're suddenly inside the vast, painstakingly decorated grand dame of the Paper City. Hand-cut Vermont marble adorns part of the floor. Brazilian mahogany lines the sweeping staircases leading to the balcony. Intricate, floral-patterned plaster surrounds the stage walls like an elegant frame.

And from high above through a skylight, light streams out onto the stage. The natural light is the only light in the theater. Otherwise, you need flashlights to see all the carefully crafted details in this 1,600-seat theater at 81 Suffolk St.

The theater has been closed since 1979. But Saturday at 10 a.m., the public will get a chance to go inside the theater for the first time in nearly three decades.

"We wanted people to see it before," Donald T. Sanders said, standing near the stage inside the vast theater.

Before, Sanders hopes, the rebirth of the Victory Theater begins.

"Once they see it, people will know it's a jewel and a valuable place," Sanders said.

Sanders serves as executive artistic director of the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts, the non-profit organization overseeing the renovation of the theater and which will be offering free tours of the theater on Saturday.

The organization is completing a use analysis of the building, Sanders said. "You don't want to do anything until you know what needs to be done."

The analysis should be completed next month, Sanders said. Then comes the difficult task of finding the funding for the project. A combination of federal, state, local and private funding will likely be necessary to pay for such a large-scale project. Sanders is also banking on a loan from the Massachusetts Housing and Investment Corporation, which has provided funding for similar historic theater renovations in Worcester and Pittsfield.

No specific price tag has been determined for the Victory Theater project, but Sanders said he estimated the renovation and repair work will cost about the same as the theater restoration projects in Pittsfield ($25 million for the Colonial Theater) and Worcester ($31 million for the Hanover Theater project).

Such figures might seem daunting. But Sanders remains optimistic, especially when he actually goes inside the Victory Theater. Walking around the theater last week wielding a flash light, Sanders sounded like a proud parent as he pointed out different architectural details inside the theater which first opened in 1919.

Such details included the art deco style bathrooms on the second floor balcony. The tiled drop ceiling with recessed lighting on the second floor. The thick, ornately decorated red and green sheets of silk blanketing several walls. The large oval on the first floor ceiling which used to be open and which Sanders hopes to restore in order to give the first floor a more open, airy feeling.

"It's sort of phenomenal any of this has remained," Sanders said.

People can find out for themselves on Saturday. For more information about Saturday's tour, call (413) 540-0200.

A friend attended the Open House last Saturday at the Victory and was very impressed with the theater's interior. He noted that there is a steep, high rear section at the back of the balcony and wonders if that is the reason why the roof is elevated at the rear of the building.

Another photo is here.

Here is a 1979 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/d7955g

From today's Springfield Republican:

Plans for a three year, $25 million renovation of the closed Victory Theatre will be discussed at a press conference Wednesday at 11 a.m. in front of the building at 81-89 Suffolk St.

Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts, a non-profit group, recently purchased the building from the city for $1,500 after unanimous approval of the city council on September 15. The theater, which has more than 1600 seats, opened in 1919 and has been closed since 1979. The planned reopening is December 30, 2012, said Donald T. Sanders, exective artistic director of the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts.

Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts can be found here:

http://www.mifafestival.org/

The Victory makes the local news yet again:

Sale of Victory Theatre in Holyoke to Mass. International Arts Festival paves way for building's eventual reopening

By Sandra Constantine

October 07, 2009, 7:15PM

HOLYOKE – There were cheers, applause and thanks all around Wednesday as officials marked a unanimous vote of the City Council to convey the mothballed Victory Theatre to the Massachusetts International Arts Festival.

The press conference, in front of the building and attended by more than 50 people, was a celebration of the Sept. 15 vote.

“Help and life is on its way,” said Donald T. Sanders, the festival’s executive artistic director. The sale for $1,500 will allow the arts organization to move forward with its $24 million plans to refurbish the 1920 building in time for reopening Dec. 30, 2012, 92 years after it first opened. It has been closed since 1979.

The rehabilitation of the rundown theater has long been the focus of various local groups starting more than 20 years ago. Officials see it as a way to bring arts and culture back to the city’s downtown as well as a being an engine for economic development.

“Arts and culture is a way to bring people downtown to enjoy the rich history that we have here in our city,” said Kathleen Anderson, the city’s director of planning and development, following the press conference.

Sanders, whose organization has worked for the last several years to bring about restoration of the building, thanked more than two dozen people by name at the event for their help in the effort.

He hopes to break ground on the project in the spring now that the sale is imminent. Representatives of Nessen Associates Ltd., an economic development and financing group, and Architectural Heritage Foundation, an architecture firm, also spoke. Those two Boston-based organizations are the arts group’s partners in the project.

Both groups have extensive experience in doing similar projects. Nessen has done work on the Boston Conservatory of Music and the Hanover Theatre in Worcester. Architectural Heritage has assisted in the development of Quincy Market in Faneuil Hall in Boston.

“This can actually happen,” Sean McDonnell, president of the architecture group, said. “When it’s done we will wonder why it took so long.”

“This is a great labor of love,” Robert L. Nessen, a partner in Nessen, said.

Sanders said he will announce the kickoff of a capital campaign to fund the project in the near future. He anticipates raising 60 percent to 80 percent of the funding outside the community as was the case in a similar theater restoration project in Pittsfield.

An interior shot of the auditorium can be found here while the article remains on the internet. It will take a lot of work to bring this theatre back from the looks of it.
http://www.masslive.com/localbuzz/index.ssf/2009/09/update_holyoke_city_council_un.html
Click on photo to enlarge it.