Callicoon Theater
30 Upper Main Street,
Callicoon,
NY
12723
30 Upper Main Street,
Callicoon,
NY
12723
1 person
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The Callicoon Theater is the oldest continuously operated cinema in Sullivan County, New York.
Built as a movie theater by local lumber yard owner Fred Stark in 1948 in a modified Quonset hut design with laminated beams, the theater originally held 514 seats. Stark built several other theaters in the region, but the only one still in operation is the one in Callicoon, which also had the largest capacity. The Callicoon Theater opened on July 8, 1948 with Peggy Cummins in “Green Grass of Wyoming”. It was operated by the Hardin Theatre chain until 1964.
For several years the theaters were rented; then they were sold. Residents and vacationers from the area’s many boarding houses and resorts filled the seats.
By the 1980’s, attendance was declining; the theater was seasonal. In 1986, the theater was purchased by the current owners. Dolby Digital audio and Xenon projection, more comfortable seating and broader concession offerings were introduced. Air conditioning replaced forced air cooling. But the theater’s historic architectural and interior “country” integrity were retained.
The Callicoon Theater is open year-‘round and, in addition to “move-over” films, with the local arts association sponsors a monthly CineArt film series, while maintaining the lowest admission prices in the region.
Contributed by
Jim Kayton
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Recent comments (view all 12 comments)
Architect was Lacy & Son. Opened on July 8, 1948.
Here is a 1948 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/3xce8l
Except for the marquee, the Callicoon Theater hasn’t changed much.
Here is a 2007 view of the Callicoon Theater.
Here is a June 2008 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/4z6qah
Nice train.
I remember camping on the banks of the delaware river in this town in 1987. I went by this theatre, meant to go in, but never did. If I ever get my camper out and go back up there, I’ll be sure to see it.
Not too many single screen small town theaters left. Go while you can.
This photo is labeled as being in Pennsylvania but the marquee looks like the one for this theater.
I definitely remember this theater. My partner and I had a weekend house in Sullivan County and one of our guilty pleasures was to drive around without a planned destination. We ended up here, meeting the owner and talking about the theater and its history. It’s right on the NY/Pennsylvania border so I guess it’s no surprise about the PA label. I’m glad it’s still around and would love to have a Quonset hut running in San Diego.