Victor Theater

Joe Vogel on March 22, 2013 at 3:28 pm

Here is an item about the Victor Theatre from the October 7, 1916, issue of Motography:

“Rapid progress has been made upon the construction of the new Victor Theater, formerly the Avenue, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, which has been announced to be opened for personal inspection and business on October 5. The Victor will be one of the finest photoplay houses in the State of Pennsylvania. The Victor Amusement Company, of which H.A. Victor is president, and Isaac Victor, treasurer, has spared no expense to make this theater the crowning triumph of its long career in successfully catering to the entertainment of the better class of McKeesport people.

“In their announcement sent out recently to the trade, they stated that they were confident that their new house and the new policy which they will pursue in conducting this playhouse, will undoubtedly meet with the cordial approval and appreciation of their many thousands of friends and patrons in their community, as they are endeavoring to have the structure represent their highest expression of sincere appreciation of the favor and friendship that the public has shown them by their patronage during the past year.

“Their plans for the Victor embody the best of all the modern ideas in photoplay construction. They have made careful provision to safeguard the health and insure the comfort and convenience of all their patrons.

“The theater management has arranged for the exclusive showing of Paramount Pictures in this district, including the four short reel subjects.”

After the theater opened, another brief item about it appeared in the November 25 issue of the same publication:

“Almost an entire new structure has been erected on the site of the former Avenue Theater to make an amusement center of the character Mr. Victor wants for McKeesport. He has spent a good sum of money making his new theater comfortable and cozy. The theater will be known as the Victor and seats nine hundred people. With all the latest appointments and a fine program of pictures the Victor is assured liberal patronage.”

Jack Oberleitner on January 15, 2010 at 3:37 pm

establish/renew link

Jack Oberleitner on June 14, 2008 at 3:05 pm

David Victor originally operated the Victor McKeesport. The Victor and mammoth, 3100 seat Memorial were the leading McKeesport first-runs. Warner’s bought both theatres in the 30’s. David Victor moved to New Castle, PA which was an industrial boom town at the time. He leased the Nixon Theatre, remodeled it and renamed it the Victor. The tiny (400 seats?) New Castle Victor survived as a first run until the late 40’s when it closed for seven years.
During the late 40’s Leo Mickey was the Victor McKeesport manager. In 1951 he was moved to New Castle to manage the Penn and, ironically, the Victor, amongst others. He served the community well for nearly 40 years.
Jack Oberleitner