Criterion Theater

On July 2, 1921, 358 people gathered at this theater to listen to the live radio broadcast of the Dempsey-Carpentier heavyweight bout. This was the largest live radio broadcast audience to date and inspired many people to purchase radios for home use, rather than having to go to a public hall for listening.

Here is a 2009 newspaper story about the fire. According to the story the theater was built circa the 1880s as Moore’s Opera House. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” was the last feature shown before the fire.

The March 23, 1907 issue of The Moving Picture World had this news about the Criterion Theatre in Bridgeton:

“Here’s another: The success of the moving-picture entertainments in Bridgeton, N. J., have been remarkable, and Manager Moore of the Criterion has determined to make such entertainments a feature of the house. He has purchased a new Powers machine, which is one of the best made, and will have it installed in the theater permanently. He has arranged to secure feature films for all occasions when he presents entertainments and will have many delightful programmes before the season is over. Harry Cowan, the stage manager, is a most successful operator, having had charge of the pictures at the Park last season. He will have the operation of Mr. Moore’s machine.”