Criterion Theater
Bridgeton,
NJ
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Destroyed by fire in 1949, this theater was quickly replaced by the Laurel Theatre, built at the same location in downtown Bridgeton.
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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.
The date of the fire was 6/15/49.
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.