Norwalk Theatre

Connie,

Are you from the Norwalk area? Is Ron Knoepper(sp) still in charge of that theater?

Steve

Ron Koerper is still in charge of the theateras of 2005

Pianoboy,

Did you ever work there?
Steve

Yes, for about six months over the last two years-2003, 2004.
I was one of the assitant projectionest's there. They are still using the original carbon arch projectors but have updated to optical sound. From what I have been able to find out the theater was at least partially designed by John Eberson.

Steve,
are you interested in buying the theater possibly?

Yes I am very interested. But I've heard some things. Perhaps this conversation is best suited away from this public forum.

Steve

I don't think that I can comment on anything that might not be suitable for a public forum

Hi! I have been to Towne & Country Theater several times. The theater is in a beautiful condition and has been well maintained. Steve, if you are interested in this theater I would call 419-668-1641. Also Steve, this theater really sounds like something your looking for you. I read you bio and think this theater is waiting on you!!

Thanks for the info Cooki. I feel the same with regards to it waiting for me. I am curious as to your reference to my bio though. Maybe you are thinking of someone else? I'm not sure. The problem is this, I am stuck in New England, (Maine) for at least the next 5 months. So it may go before I can make any moves on it. But I appreciate you keeping me updated.

Steve

"I live in New England and I’m looking for an old theater currently doing nothing but sitting in a community that may or may not have expressed an interest in getting it up and running again... or just waiting for the right person to ‘get the wheels in motion’. Any help?"
Thats what bio I was talkin about :)

Have you called about this theater? Maybe you can work something out with owner??? I know that he's been trying to sell this theater for quite some time. Worth a shot huh?

Cooki,
Yep. That is indeed me. I figured that's probably what you must have meant. Most of my responses to that have been with regards to places up here in the New England area, though I would indeed prefer coming back home to Ohio.
Steve

Anything new to report on the sale of this theater?
Steve

Steve: Alas, I find you here on this link! And this possible sale is an Eberson/art deco deal/single screen deal!

AND it has a theatre organ on a lift and an orchestra pit! Oh my!

Color photo of the Town & County/Norwalk.
http://www.agilitynut.com/05/6/norwalk.jpg

Chuck: Great photo of a great looking theatre! We all should have one this nice in our hometowns!

Is this theater still looking for a buyer? Last I heard there was a man from Michigan interested in it. Is Ron still running things? If still on the market, may I inquire of the asking price?

Thanks.

Steve

Steve: Glad to see a stevepatrick post! If you still have my email address, send me an update on a possible theatre purchase as I recall you were interested in the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles Illinois.

Or go to my profile and find email address. Thanks.

Anyone know the status of this theatre?

I don't, but I sure hope someone does and that it's good news as the photo provided on October 2, 2005 is very nice of a John Eberson, art deco theatre.

An excerpt from American Family Association Journal:

"The theater, built as the Schine Theater in 1941, has a full stage and an orchestra pit that seats 25. With a balcony, it seats almost 1,000. It also has a new organ that comes up out of the floor on an elevator. It was built to New York City building codes, and has about 40 seats that are wired for headsets for the hearing impaired. The murals painted on the walls were done by a New York studio. And, according to Koerper, it has the biggest marquee in the state of Ohio".

Here is another photo of the Norwalk Theater.

The seating capacity for the New Norwalk Theatre is given as 1,100 in the 1950 edition of Film Daily Yearbook.

Hello All,

UPDATE.

As some of you may know the Norwalk Theatre has changed hands since November of 2006. It is now run by a private company and no longer owned by Towne and Country. Ronn no longer runs the theatre. As far as I know, only a couple of the original theatre employees remain.

The website above has been created by the new owners. Pretty nicely done site BTW. The beautiful Marquee is showcased nicely.

Geo

Hello Ken,

You are probably correct, but quite a few seats were removed to create the orchestra pit and handicap seating areas.

Geo

for sale ---------e-bay

This is another photo of the Norwalk Theater.

If anyone has any questions about the Norwalk Theater feel free to contact me. I do not work at this theater but I do work with the people that own it and am close family friends with them.

Is the organ in the building still in use?

no, the organ is actually gone now

So is the grand piano!

Also gone is the charm and character of the old 1941 Lady of Entertainment. Besides many of the Antiquities being removed the historic Schine has also been used to serve alcohol at a recent concert, word has it.
The Town Crier

Alcohol is a bad thing??

There was lots of old fashioned laughter on Saturday, the 23rd of February as old cartoons and Three Stooges were shown on the large screen at the Norwalk Theatre. Two showings entertained fun lovers of all ages.
The video projection was done in the original 1.34 to 1 aspect ratio (1.34 feet wide to 1 foot high) with a nice bright sharp picture about 20 feet wide and 15 feet high and was from restored Three Stooges 35mm prints. Lots of popcorn and pop, too.

Here is a 2008 photo.

Is there a price set or current listing for sale!

I don't know the price. Click on the Norwalk Theater website "Related Websites" and scroll down for contact info about the sale.

Asking price is $260,000. There was a news thread about the Norwalk theater being for sale here.

1987 photo of the Norwalk Theatre.
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c35%2c3%2c-1&catpagesize=25&ProductID=32222
Another 1987 photo of the Norwalk Theatre.
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c35%2c3%2c-1&catpageindex=28&catpagesize=25&ProductID=32223
2004 photo of the Norwalk Theatre.
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c35%2c3%2c-1&catpageindex=28&catpagesize=25&ProductID=32224
Another 2004 photo of the Norwalk Theatre.
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c35%2c3%2c-1&catpageindex=28&catpagesize=25&ProductID=32226
One more 2004 photo of the Norwalk Theatre.
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c35%2c3%2c-1&catpageindex=28&catpagesize=25&ProductID=32227

After being closed in June, 1972, the refurbished Norwalk Theatre reopened as the Norwalk Cinema on November 1 that year. The independent operator who reopened the house was Leonard Jefferson, and the opening feature was "Fiddler On the Roof" according to Boxoffice Magazine of November 27.

The August 3, 1935, issue of Boxoffice mentions a Forum Theatre in Norwalk, taken over that year by Schine after having been built the previous year. It's not listed here yet.

This is a 2009 photo.

Any new developments? This is a beautiful Eberson designed theater - is anyone giving it the love and respect it deserves today?