Criterion Theater
32 S. Laurel Street,
Bridgeton,
NJ
08302
32 S. Laurel Street,
Bridgeton,
NJ
08302
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The March 23, 1907 issue of The Moving Picture World had this news about the Criterion Theatre in Bridgeton:
Per the Facebook group, “Things that aren’t there anymore - South (New) Jersey edition this theater was at 32 South Laurel Street, Bridgeton, NJ. 08302. This Laurel theater was the last theater built in Bridgeton. It showcasted Spanish languaged (sic) films to cater to the farmhands that migrated to the area (to work the crops). In 1979 the theater closed.”
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 date of the fire was 6/15/49.
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.