Beaver Theatre

A Wurlitzer theater organ opus 27 style 3 was installed in the Beaver Theater. No date given. Status: sold.

Beaver would have been a great name for a porno theatre. I wonder if it ever became one? Which reminds me of a wedding song once recorded by the great Faye Richmond entitled "The Swelling of the Organ and the Coming of the Bride."

The Beaver Theatre was one of the earliest purpose built cinemas in Toronto opening in 1913. By 1919 it was owned and operated by the nationwide Allen Theatre chain (run by Jules and Jay Allen of Brantford Ontario) until being bought out by Famous Players in 1923. In the 1940's until its closing in 1961 it was operated by 20th Century Theatres inc. It had had a very imposing Adamesque facade and marquee, a picture of which is on page 66 of THE NABES by John Sebert. The name refers to the National Animal of Canada, the noble and clever beaver - as far as can be determined it never showed adult fare. More photos are in the Archives of Ontario.

The Beaver was quite an opulent theatre for the West Toronto neighbourhood in which it resided. But it wasn't the only cinema along that street. Have a look at a feature celebrating the cinemas of the Junction at 32 Elvis Movies.