Schine Holland Theatre
125 E. Columbus Avenue,
Bellefontaine,
OH
43311
125 E. Columbus Avenue,
Bellefontaine,
OH
43311
5 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 29 comments found
Shouldn’t the designation be changed from CLOSED? I thought this theater was operational now.
I was involved in the insallation of projection & sound equipment in the early 80’s The balcony was twined using the existing booth while a new booth was created downstairs for the main screen which was moved forward of the procenium arch. The auditorium details were'nt changed except for loss of back row seating to create new projection booth. Two additional auditoriums were stacked in the fly loft area one atop the other with a private enclosed viewing room at the rear of the lower theatre. The projection booth for these two screens were located in the upper theatre using two mirrors to project the image to the lower theatre! Access to the rear theatres was acheived by adding an enclosed tunnel otside the building from the lobby to the rear of the building. The theatre at that time was owned by an architect that had his offices in the theatre building.
Just a reminder, that website is at http://www.thehollandtheatre.org/
Be sure to check out the interior photos at http://www.thehollandtheatre.org/insidelook.html to see just what makes this theater truly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece! There isn’t another one like it anywhere in the world. What a wonderful distinction for the folks of Bellefontaine!
The website is back and running! They have also re-opened and are holding concerts and performances while they continue the restoration.
Here is a 2/11/31 ad from the Marysville Tribune:
http://tinyurl.com/yfxuc5v
The windmill turns slowly, there are soft lights in some windows of the homes. It’s a magical, unique and rare atmospheric treatment. And quietly tucked away in rural Ohio!
What a beautiful and interesting interior. I am very glad the Holland is being restored. The Schines built many wonderful theatres. From what I read, the Schine brothers were very decent people.
The building to the right does look out of place. It doesn’t appear to be part of the theater. Here is a 2009 shot of the interior.
I have never understood the asymmetrical design of the building. It just seems like it should have continued on to the right with the same layout. Still – it remains one of my all time favorites!
This is a 2005 photo.
Still one of the sweetest of all the Schine purpose built theaters. A totally unique design – you won’t find another one anywhere!
Here is an updated link for the Holland Theater.
Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001
Schine’s Holland Theatre (added 2001 – Building – #01000561)
Also known as Holland Theatre
125 E. Columbus Ave., Bellefontaine
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Hulsken, Peter M., Hoseler Bros.
Architectural Style: Other
Area of Significance: Architecture
Period of Significance: 1925-1949
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Theater
Current Function: Commerce/Trade, Work In Progress
Current Sub-function: Professional
Heads up fans of the Holland! Theater Historical Society’s next issue of MARQUEE will feature a story of the Holland theater as well as several rarely seen photos of the interior and historical photos. Members should see their copy by the end of the month. Non members can order a copy by going to www.historictheatres.org or better yet, JOIN! so you can get your own subscription to MARQUEE!
tamosi: Great news!
No, It is on its way back to the original state. A stage with seats and a balcony.
And is the theatre still multiplexed?
This should work…www.thehollandtheatre.org
bprince…You should contact the theatre they seemed interested in your blue prints and such. If you can’t make the call you can email the theatre at
Thanks
The theatre has shows and events to aide in the funding for restoration, If you are interested check this out. View link
It is registered. Currently trying to match funds for the Save America’s Treasures grant. If you would like to help please contact the Holland theatre office at 937-592-9002.
I have a copy of the original blueprints and some reprints of the opening day ads and local news stories about the Holland. There was actually a parking garage beside the theater that would change your oil and wash your car for 25 cents while you watched the movie or live stage show!
The interior of the upper lobby was solid oak panels. The carpet that was in the aisles in auditorium (at least through 1988) was the original carpet laid in 1931. The basement (yes it has one) also housed a coal storage room for the coal fire boiler as well as several dressing rooms and an elevator / trap door for the stage area. The fly loft above the stage area still housed some canvas handpainted backdrops for the stage shows from the ‘30s. This is truly a gem and I hope the current group can get this building on the National Historic Register if it is not already.
thats awesome!!!! RenaBeth!! Glad to hear it!!!
Not only did I get in contact but…We got married there on August 28, 2004. It was magical and amazing!!!
Rena Beth did you ever get your contact info? if not you can call the holland theatre office between 10-1:30 pm m-th annie king will answer the phone 937-592-9002