Colonial Theatre

The Taylor Amusement Company, founded in 1914, with partners A.A. Zizinia and Howard Hoke, was an early operator of the Colonial Theatre. In 1918 Howard Bland Sr. and Jr. purchased the Zizinia interest and became partners with Howard Hoke. Sanborn Maps list “Movies” at this location as early as 1912.

According to the Daily Press, on November 19, 1930, Taylor Amusement celebrated their $12,000 upgrades. They redecorated, installed talkies and air conditioning and reopened as the New Colonial Theatre. In 1934 it was remodeled again and for about a year it was called the Strand Theatre. The 1941 Film Daily Year Book lists the Colonial Theatre with 270 Seats, down from the 400 listed in 1928.

In 1935, Rob and Rowley Theatres took part interest in the theatre and reorganized in 1937 as Robb & Rowley United. Howard Hoke and Howard Bland Jr. were still partners with Robb & Rowley when the Colonial Theatre closed on September 8, 1940, just days before the opening of the Rita Theatre.

In April 1941 the former Colonial Theatre was converted to a bowling alley.

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