Sheridan Square Theatre

Variety, the Children’s Charity was founded in Pittsburgh on October 10, 1927 when a group of eleven men involved in show business (mostly theatre managers) set up a social club which they named the “Variety Club”. No matter what chain or owner a manager might be affiliated with, it was very common in Pittsburgh, and other places I’m sure, to get together for late night refreshment and gab sessions after the theatre closed. This tradition lasted well into the 60’s when I was a Pittsburgh area manager with Associated Theatres.

As the story was handed down from manager to manafer over the years, Christmas Eve 1928, a small baby was left on a seat of the Sheridan Square theatre, showing WINGS with Lew Ayers, with a note reading:
“Please take care of my baby. Her name is Catherine. I can no longer take care of her. I have eight others. My husband is out of work. She was born on Thanksgiving Day. I have always heard of the goodness of showbusiness people and pray to God that you will look after her. Signed, a heartbroken mother."
Since efforts to trace the mother failed, the members of the Variety Club undertook to fund the child’s living expenses and education. Later the club decided to raise funds for other disadvantaged children.
To date the organization has grown to include chapters (or "tents” as they are termed by the organization) in 13 countries worldwide. Pittsburgh is known as “Tent One.” It was an honour to be a member of this great fraternity of theatrical managers!
I was in the Sheridan Square twice. By the late 60’s the bloom was off the rose, so to speak, at this very large and ornate theatre. Like the Fulton, Stanley, Penn, Warner, McKeesport Memoria; and others, the Sheridan Square was one of the grandest theatres of it’s time. A tragedy to have been permitted to fade and die.
By the way, Catherine grew up to be a well educated, successful woman.
Jack Oberleitner

Renewing link.

The beauty and nostalgia of those kind of marquees always knocked me out! Eventually, somebody out there has a 60’s photo of the nearby Cameraphone with similar marquee and will post it on the same website.

Here is a promtion only Gus Davis would think about.Back in those days Managers really were expected tp PROMOTE a movie. Mr.Davis, had a local horse dressed up to promote “HORSE IN THE GRAY FLANNEL SUIT” for kids to see.
Parents snapped pictures of the kids and the horse.That horse was in a real four piece gray flannel suit.
It was so popular in Pittsburgh,that the Horse was also at THE VILLAGE and WHITEHALL THEATRES. Feb 10 1969.

sorry, my mistake— the firm Edward Schulte worked with in Pittsburgh to design the Sheridan Square Theater was H.E. Kennedy who had once worked for Werner and Adkins. He also claims designs for a Schenley Theater and Liberty Theater.