Orpheum Theatre

The Orpheum's exterior and marquee were quite impressive and it was and maybe still owned by the person who triplexed it about 15 years ago.
He also owns a larger theater in Cairo, N.Y. which is maybe 20 miles from Saugerties. The Cairo theatre, which is named the Community theatre was operating and for sale 2 years ago. Someday I hope to write it up. Anyway, sorry I can't supply much more about the Orpheum's history except that Saugerties is very "touristy" and the owner said businees was good.

From the "History" section of the Town of Saugerties' website: "The Orpheum Theater, built by J.C. Dawes in 1890, was a center for vaudeville acts, movies, roller-skating, and basketball. The Opera House, now the site of the M & T Bank, offered stage productions and classical performances. Public dances were held there and at the Seamon building, which is now the Furniture Mart. Vaudeville gave way to movies in the 1930's and the Orpheum Theater became the only movie house in town."

Do any of these theatres have websites or contact info. I was trying to see if either one is for sale?

Thanks

Hi Jacker, the Community theatre is actully in Catskill, N.Y. I usually stay in Cairo (just a few miles away) and wrongly listed the theatre's location in the above comment. I don't know if the Community theatre is still for sale. You might try calling some of the realtors in Catskill. I doubt the Orpheum theatre is for sale (it's a money maker) but then the owner is a senior and might want to retire. You might want to persue it further. A lot can change in 3 years which is when I last talked to the owner.

Hi Jacker, I am the Jr. VP of the small corporation that owns these two theaters. The Community Theater in Catskill is infact for sale. It is in the hands of a realtor. If you are interested the information is as follows:

Win Morrison Realty
Attn: Susan Zabatta
winmorrisonrealty.com
Phone: 800- 836-0588
Fax: 845- 339-6877

I think this is the theater discussed above:
http://tinyurl.com/rz6na

This theatre is not for sale any longer. It was purchased and is ow enjoying a revival. All summer long they ran a special Independent film series along with their usual booking of current Hollywood films. robbie

This website has a photo of the Orpheum Theater. Last photo on the page.

A Robert-Morton theater organ was installed in the Orpheum Theater in 1928.

The Orpheum Theatre is listed in the American Motion Picture Directory;1914-1915 edition, as is the Opera House. So both must have been showing movies at that time.

Here is the Orpheum at night.

This was the Orpheum in 1985.

Saw this theatre on a bike trip two weeks ago, but I saw it at night. Quaint.