Latonia Theater

Here are some photos by Seth Gaines:
http://tinyurl.com/yj8xau

What a beautiful art deco building and such a shame that the community couldn't make it work as a liver performance showcase as the exterior is certainly a showcase. The fact that it was operated by the Warner Brothers makes its importance to theatre history very special. Thank goodness that at least the art deco building still stands though not a theatre anymore. I may have to check out this one this summer. And I'm sure the floor was leveled if it is a furniture showroom today.

Judging from exterior styling the Latonia Theatre must be from the Boller Bros. Architectural Firm. Notice the strong resemblance of the Latonia to other Boller designs, such as the Majestic Theatre located in East St. Louis, IL, and the Missouri Theatre in Saint Joseph, MO.
Theatre Historical Society of America is currently displaying a vintage photo of Oil City's Latonia.

I can't seem to find the THSA vintage photo of the Latonia. Please advise. Thanks.

I found it under mystery theatres. Thanks as it's a great b/w photo with credit given to the person who identified the theatre.

I also have a friend who lives near Oil City who will be going to check out this former theatre for me.

As of 4-23-07 the Latonia building has new ownership who plan to restore the mezzanine and it's classic huge chandelier (It holds 800 bulbs). Although the old theater seating area has been leveled, plenty of room exists for future activities.

It's a shame that the seating area was been leveled when it was turned into a furniture store in 1972, but the 800 bulb chandelier sounds spectacular. I'd love to see a photo of it along with interior photos of how it once looked. Does anyone know who the architect was? In my travels this summer, I hope to visit Oil City and this former art deco theatre.

The Chandelier Is spectacular. Yet the area where you get to the main theater is blocked off, that did not stop me from exploring the place with my friends. The amount of space if phenominal in there. There is a closed sports shop (with some stuff still inside)One day (though I doubt that will be soon) I hope I can help with the restoration of the place.

Indiana: Keep up your hopes to someday help with the restoration of this theatre. A good way to start is to contact those who are involved and offer whatever help you can in whatever way. Where is the chandelier now? If the space was a former furniture store, did they keep the chandelier hung or was it put into storage?

The art deco exterior is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Another building in many towns and cities across the country that were art deco in exterior design were the former Kress stores. Did Oil City have one? If the building still stands, you can tell by looking up and seeing the word, KRESS somewhere. If you go to www.roadsidearchitecture.com you can find a site that features former Kress buildings and many other interesting roadside architecture.

Hey, guys...the chandelier is still up. It's still rather impressive. The cleaning of the building is going on as I type this up, with the ballroom to be up and running hopefully by the 1st of September.

Check out the front page of the Oil City Derrick newspaper for 5-1-07 or go to thederrick.com.

Hello all. I am one of the new owners of this wonderful building. Happily reading your blog. We're very excited about preserving and revitalizing this historic landmark. I could write pages about the building and will soon - watch for www.thelatonia.com where we'll be posting history and documenting our progress. In the past month we have been overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support in the community. While this is a private investment, we are very aware of the meaning the Latonia has to those who remember its grander days and who appreciate historic theatres and archetecture. It's a huge project and we cannot do it alone. We have big dreams and small pockets. Please join us if you can, on May 19th 9am to ??? as we are inviting friends and family for a BYOB - that is - Bring Your Own Broom to clear away years of dust and debris. If you play an instrument, sing, or like to tap along - stay for the celebration in the "ballroom" under the chandelier. Our number is 814-677-1260. Roxanne is in the building everyday and would be happy to show you around. Please spread the word and most of all - Join Us! Linda

Congratulations and best wishes in your efforts. If I lived closer, I'd come and help though I have contacted someone I know in the Oil City area who might be interested as her family has theatre ownership history in western NYS.

Linda: I hope to join you on May 19th! If others are in the Oil City area and are reading this...come join the effort!

Did this theatre ever have a marquee? Would love to see interior photos, too.

I went to Oil City and helped clean this theatre, met the new co-owners, Linda and Roxanne and received a tour. The town also had the Lyric and the Drake theatres. The Drake still stands today, but is closed. The chandelier is spectacular and is a miracle that it is still hanging from the ceiling after the theatre opened in March of 1929. The Latonia had a Wurlitzer organ which has been restored and is in the Venango Museum which used to be the United Post Office building. Nearby are the original gold peacocks that once graced the walls of the Latonia Theatre.

Sportster: Were you, by chance, at the Latonia clean up day? You seem to know alot about the theatre and would like to think you know the whereabouts of old photos showing the marquee? One of the co-owners, Roxanne is an historian and would most certainly appreciate seeing any additional existing photos of the Latonia in its early days. And while viewing some of the b/w photos she didn't have one of the chandelier as it looked when the Latonia was first opened in 1929.

I see that a "Ken McIntyre" originally added this theatre. If he is a local Oil City resident, he might want to contact the current co-owners.

I am delighted to see something will happen with the Latonia Theatre! Born in Oil City and lived there until the age of 12, the Latonia was part of my life. As a matter of fact I am probably one of the last living people (long in the tooth here), that performed on the stage of the Latonia. It was March 1947, some sort of talent show on a Saturday morning followed by a series of cartoons. I sang Zip-A-Dee-doo-dah from Song of the south. As I recall it was broadcast live on the local radio station too.

Also recall seeing Tex Ritter on his horse on the stage of the Latonia. I could go on for pages of remembrances of the Latonia. Smile.

After a show at the Latonia it was a trip across the street to Famores for a coke.

Truman Reed

Truman: You must contact Roxanne at the Latonia as she would love to hear your stories!! As you may or may not know, the Latonia was cut in half, vertically when a furniture store entered the picture, but Roxanne has great plans for the Latonia in the near future despite what previous owners chose to do in '72 after the theatre closed for the last time in '69 with the Sound of Music. She being an historian she has done much research and is willing to learn more about this grand theatre.

Truman: What can you tell us about the marquee? Correction: The theatre was cut horizonally with a cement floor above the original main floor level so now when you enter the theatre you are much closer to the top of the stage opening and chandelier as it hangs above your head. It is a miracle that this chandelier is still in the theatre though it needs to be cleaned, replace missing panels and lighted with new wiring.

Never been to Oil City. Sounds like a fun place, though.

Hi: I would be happy to communicate with Roxanne, but I would need an email address or a physical address.

The marquee was in the style of the era, rather art deco. Rectangular in shape and stuck out over the sidewalk, over all of the entrances. I think I might be able to locate a picture of it, but it might take me a while. It is in a scrap book in Pittsburgh, but if you like I can try. But, I think I can get you a copy of a picture of a similar marquee.

From the pictures I have seen of the exterior, there is now a branch bank located in a small shop on the right. This was a barber shop in my era. On the wall on Central Avenue were cases for one sheeters. I am sure the holes are still in the bricks.

Questions?

Truman

Truman: My email address is located on my profile page so if you want to email me I can provide you with Roxanne's email address. Please title your email LATONIA so I will not accidentally delete it.

I just sent Roxanne an email to let her know of your recent May 24, 2007 post and Latonia knowledge with photos as we'd all love to see the marquee or one like it. Thanks so very much.

An update about the Bring your own broom day: Big thanks to all volunteers - Patsy, you and Bill are wonderful. By the end of the day, more than 30 people - old friends and new - helped. Other than this site, it was not publicized - just word of mouth and private invitation. The job was huge. Most impressive is that the momentum continued through the week. Anyone present Saturday would be impressed to see the building one week later - nearly all the junk is gone. We are so very pleased. Truman - Rox will be in touch. We are looking forward to learning more from you and hope to hear from many more people who remember past Latonia days. We have entered a new era for the Latonia. It is magic. Stay tuned for further news. Linda and Rox

Glad to see something was done to it. Though even if I had found out I probably would have been shunned away because I was one of those teens who was exploring the place recently hehe. A very large and old place it is and it may take a long while to fix it up to its former glory.

Indiana: Miracles do happen so with current owner dedication and TLC this theatre will be used for community gatherings after witnessing, firsthand, a group clean-up effort. After seeing the Latonia, in person, I am amazed that all or most of the EXIT signs still remain and that the unique chandelier still hangs from the ceiling after so many years. Rox and Linda, keep us posted on when you are able to light the chandelier in all of its former glory! Also, when you have taken down that partition wall in the balcony area along with relocating the gift shop in the former lobby area. Congratulations upon your purchase and gallant efforts..the soul of the Latonia thanks you as do we.

I think this is the article that Sportster mentioned on May 1, 2007. If not, enjoy it anyway. :)

That is a nice picture of the inside. Very lit up. Though I am wondering were that light switch was to turn on the over-chandelier lights. We all had a tough time finding that one. Anyway it looks nice, and it would be awesome to see it in the near futurebefore or after all progress has been completed.

Lost Memory: Thanks so much for finding and posting the above article with photo which shows that chandelier and the current owners.

Your welcome Patsy. Judging from the photo, you did a great cleaning job. Do you do residential cleaning also or only theaters? (just kidding)

Indiana....Does the chandelier light? It doesn't appear to be lit in the photo.

Only the lights over it do, but I could not find the switch for those. The lights in the chandelier itself has probably been all burned out and/or are too old to function.

When I was there I think Rox and/or Linda mentioned their desire to restore and light the chandelier since most of it is still intact! And no, I don't do residential cleaning...only theaters! LOL! Indiana: Where was the chandelier switch?

After reading about the chandelier prior to arriving at the Latonia it was a special moment when I entered the former auditorium and....looked up! It would have really been special if it had been lighted when I saw it for the very first time. And since the auditorium was divided by that cement floor the end of the chandelier was closer than it would have been high above the main floor and seats in those 'glory days'.

I have no idea where those were at. The one for the Chandelier itself was probably back in the projector room if anyone was lucky enough to see that huge thing.

The projector room was in the upper balcony area where we were cleaning. There wasn't any light in that room so I didn't get to see much except the outline of a flood light machine, not a vintage projector. I suppose after we left someone was able to clean that area.

Hello All, Linda's brother Mike here. It's great to see all the interest in the theater shown in this thread! Indiana, I understand what you're talking about, regarding "unauthorized exploration". Of course, you must realize, it's difficult to distinguish "friendly" explorers from vandals sometimes.

Anyway, I've been documenting the Latonia, among a few other theaters, for a few months now. I've put a bunch of the Latonia pics online for everyone to view, if you're interested. You can see them here. Enjoy!

Indiana - we do know where the panel is for the chandelier and have had it lit up, though more than half the light bulbs are apparently burnt out. We would like to have an expert look at it soon.
Our days are spinning by quickly with continued visits and calls. Now that nearly all the clutter and depris are gone, years of dust remains - a seemingly endless task. Meanwhile, a new store will be opening this month on the first floor, joining the four current businesses we are fortunate to have at the Latonia.
The next week or so, we'll be removing old carpet along the edges of the ballroom and the mezzanine area in preparation for new carpet. We already have several events booked for the ballroom and have several others interested. So, we have great motivation to stay on target for a September opening. Details, details, details....
Patsy - Rox will be in touch. As the full time manager, she has been working non-stop.
Thank you all for your interest. I hope you enjoy Mike's pics.
Linda

Here is an older photo:
http://tinyurl.com/29f3ps

Work continues at the Latonia along with much fun. Every Tuesday evening 6:30 to 9 pm, we're having very informal Accoutic Jams. The greatest hidden treasure of the building is the sound in the Ballroom. Come "hear the room".
Tours of the building will be conducted during Oil Heritage week - Thursday July 19, 6 - 8pm. We'll share what we have learned about the building, show what has been done in the last few months, and share our vision for the future.
Hope to see some of you there.
Linda and Rox

thelatonia: Good to read this latest update...keep them comin' and we'll try to make a trip to Oil City on July 19.

ken mc: A big thanks for posting the vintage Latonia b/w photo with the original marquee as I've been wanting to see that marquee ever ever since visiting the Latonia several weeks ago. Where did you find the photo?

I think that's the angelfire website. Try googling that.

Michael J: Thanks for the many good photos posted on June 1.

ken mc: I tried angelfire website, but it seems that one needs a password to enter.

The photo comes from the Theatre Historical Society of America website under mystery theaters.

Patsy....Click here. Its photo #15.

Lost Memory: Thanks again for your theatre help! Much appreciated, as always.

Patsy, it would be great to see you again. The other day a friend brought in a different picture of the marquee. We'll have it on display on tour day. Hope to have a few friends playing in the room that night as well so everyone can experience the sound. I'm in awe of it. Can't wait to get the carpeting in and have a full performance there. They just don't make halls like this anymore and I truely believe now that this is the greatest treasure of the building - even with the alterations of the building.

thelatonia: I tend to agree with you and my hat is off to you for your theatre efforts and resourcing the Latonia's greatest treasure despite the alterations to the building over the years. After seeing the marquee photo I truly wish it were still there. One thing that truly amazed me was the all of the beautiful exit signs still being intact. Do you plan to restore and replace many of the vintage wall light fixtures as they are so very special in art deco design from that era?

What a wonderful turnout for the Latonia Tours July 19, during the Oil Heritage Festival!!! Hundreds of people came during the short two hours, sharing memories, offering suggestions and support for the Latonia's rebirth. Visitors reading this - THANK YOU! Hats off to our Venango Chamber of Commerce for all their efforts in organizing the festival. Our tour began with a slide show containing vintage photos of the building of the theatre, the new close up photos linked above by my brother Mike, and sharing our vision for the Latonia's future. The we visited the stage rooms, up to the mezzanine and the "ballroom". We heard so many great stories. And a super bonus - we were asked that night to do a special tour for the Studebaker driving club on Saturday. Today they came and hope they enjoyed their visit as much as we enjoyed having them here! Mike should be posting a pic soon with vintage Studebaker's parked out front. And yes, Patsy we do plan to restore and replace the vintage wall fixtures. We believe we've found an intact example of each. Another note - Roxy was at auctions the last few days which included original Latonia items that are coming home. Many thanks to kind souls at the auction who ensured they return.

Great post and even greater news about the Latonia interest you have stirred among so many and the best news is that original Latonia items are COMING HOME THANKS TO THE KIND SOULS WHO ENSURED THEIR RETURN. Keep up the wonderful work that you are doing. My hat is off to you!

Our schedule is growing even as work continues on the building! November 3rd the Latonia will be hosting day 2 of the first Venango County Film Festival. See festival details at www.joyannwheelerfineart.com/vdfa/index.html
We continue to give tours of the building sharing its history along with our vision. A few have been combined with a catered luncheon.
What's surprising everyone most of all is the accoutic engineering of that great room! If you have never experienced singing under a "whisper dome" ceiling, it's a real treat. The reverb is astounding. As an accoustical expert explained, the dome acts like a huge parabolic microphone - focusing the sound. The curved walls with the bumps. diffuse the sound throughout the room and carry it easily into the entire balcony area with NO amplification. When this theatre was built - 50 watts was state of the art amplification for "talkies". And it was built to support live performances - thus, the three floors of stage rooms. We've had several musicians from outside the area in the room and they have been awed as have we in hearing them.
A paint party is scheduled - October 20 9am to ? which will be locally promoted. Latonia Tours are planned for October 27 followed by a wine & cheeze social.
So, within a month the doors are wide open. It's great fun to share this treasure!
thelatonia@verizon.net - Linda and Rox

Linda and Rox: Thanks so much for this great theatrical update. All of us at CT wish you the best of luck and continued Latonia success! If I can make any of the dates you have mentioned, I will let you know.

For some reason the joyannwheelerfineart site doesn't come up when I click on it so perhaps you could look into this matter. Thanks.

I made a typo it's www.joannwheelerfineart.com Thanks Patsy.
The film festival committee has reviewed most of the films and there's a great selection! Some funny, some enlightening, some uplifting. There will be video workshops all day Nov 3, followed by showing of the short films from 7 to 9pm. It seems most appropriate that the first big event here is a film festival. The room is still a diamond in the rough but work continues and we're opening the doors.

Linda...what a wonder undertaking!!! You and Rox have jumped in to a great project and should be proud of your accomplishments to date! You are saving a piece of history! Kudos to you both...Donna

Yes, you are saving a piece of Oil City history.....congratulations and happy holidays!

It's been a while since I posted news. SO MUCH has happened and continues... The film festival was reported as a great success! And next year it will be held Saturday September 15th at the Latonia. It is a Venango County event and the festival will open in Emlenton at the Crawford Center on Friday, then the Latonia on Saturday and end at the Barrow Civic Theatre in Franklin on Sunday.
Last night our local Glenda group held a World Aides Day event in the ballroom with skits, readings and music. It was great to have them here!
Work continues on the ballroom. Plaster repair and painting - preparing the floors and the stairs for carpet - new doors and windows are scheduled for installation within the next two weeks - the carpet arrives early January.... The biggest news is that theatre seats are now in place in the balcony. Youth from Oil City's South Side Association helped bring them from Warren Ohio to the Latonia. We so appreciate their support along with many others in the community who have offered so much.
THE GRAND OPENING of the Ballroom is set for February 1. The Latonia is REBORN!

For anyone that's interested, the architectual firm that designed the Latonia was Marks & Karr from Pittsburgh. They are no longer in business.

thelatonia: Great to read your "The Latonia is REBORN"!" post...let us know how the grand opening went on February 1.

The Grand Opening was fabulous! The evening kicked off with a Venango Area Chamber of Commerce Mixer - the biggest mixer in the Chamber's history. It was a "celebrate great things in the region" night with 16 organizations around the room with displays highlighting their projects. As we cut the ribbon, the house lights went off and the chandelier lit up for the first time in decades! We had our first concert the next weekend and are working a schedule of events. Meanwhile, private bookings are underway.

Great to read that "the chandelier lit up for the first time in decades." Congratulations and I hope to make a trip to Oil City this summer to witness your continued progress!

I am glad to know that the Latonia has been restored. It is important to preserve the beauty of such theatres.

Many things happening at the Latonia. Much work to do!! May and June every Friday night is "Live" at the Latonia night. Some great entertainment, regional promotion, giveways in the historical Latonia tradition... Working hard to support the community and raise funds for this great project. Visit www.thelatonia.com for more. Also, see our videos on www.youtube.com/thelatonia Look forward to seeing all of you this summer for many events.

thelatonia: Great to read your recent post! Hope to visit the theatre again this summer!

Here is a photo of the Latonia.

1983 photo of the Latonia Theatre.
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c38%2c3%2c-1&catpagesize=10&ProductID=33128

More recent views of The Latonia may be seen in the documentary film, "Out in the Silence".