Cambria Theatre
339 Main Street,
Johnstown,
PA
15901
339 Main Street,
Johnstown,
PA
15901
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When there were live performances the Cambria attracted the big name artists.
Originally built sometime between 1886 and 1891 as Adair’s Opera House. Given there was a huge flood in 1889, it was likely built shortly afterward. 1895 map still calls it the Adair Opera house. Remodel changed the shape of the balcony, and seems to have eliminated a wide central staircase entry. The storefronts at either side of the entry were also deeper prior to 1913. The history should probably be rewritten for the benefit of those who don’t read all the comments.
Looks like the cruddy little shed was being constructed in 2009, so the theater building may have lasted until just before that.
Address is wrong, and this has been demolished. Correct address was 339, and there’s a dismal little office building there now.
The Cambria Theatre was in operation prior to 1894. In that year it was purchased by Isaac Mishler, who rebuilt it and reopened it in 1895 as the New Cambria Theatre.
I just uploaded a pretty clear photo.
There is quite a bit of the Cambria’s early history, especially as a legitimate theater, in Chapter 13: Leisure on p. 25 under on this Google book online page (you may have to scan up to the beginning of Chapter 13): http://tiny.cc/gho1t
From Johnstown a view of southeast Main Street and the Cambria Theatre.
Open 1920-1955?
Anyone have more info or photos?