Harris Theatre

The Grand should be listed as an aka.

I grew up in Donora in the 70’s. The Liberty was the only one left then – it was very run down. I saw Willie Wonka there. Then it closed, and reopened around 76. I remember a double-bill there also – was Tom Thumb, and a strange documentary tiltled Beyond and Back. We saw a very grainy/linty Jaws there about a year after it’s realease. Then it became an adult theatre.

Growing up in Donora at this point of time was unique. The townsfolk always spoke of this magical “days gone by” era, of economic vibrancy. The mills were gone, we watched all the car dealers, stores, JC Penney, etc slowly close up. Gosh, we had a McDonalds that opened, then closed it’s doors two years later! There were scores of neighborhood stores, 4 or 5 to a block – all gone now.

I have an old postcard from the Grand Theatre.

Lost Memory: Here is a 43 minute video from the Weather Channel about the Donora Death Fog.

Renewing link.

I have a couple of postcards from the Grand Theatre in Donora advertising the Vitagraph 1911 film VANITY FAIR. Although only a three-reeler, it was a huge production at a time when most films were only one reel.

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