Harwan Theatre

7 N. Black Horse Pike,
Mt. Ephraim, NJ 08059

Unfavorite 10 people favorited this theater

Harwan Theatre

Viewing: Photo | Street View

Opened on Thanksgiving Day 1930, this theatre was a big part of Mount Ephraim —
A great place for the kids to go to refrain from trouble and loitering around the 7-11.

The theatre is a brick building containing only one screen. The inside isn’t that pleasing to the eye nor is it that attractive, but it served its purpose. It was renamed Harwan Theatre in 1970 after the family that had built and operated it.

Recently renovated and restored, the theater was unfortunately closed in August of 2006 and was demolished in 2007.

Contributed by Jade Szymanski, Dave Amodei

Recent comments (view all 53 comments)

bmatlosz
bmatlosz on February 14, 2007 at 2:42 am

The only way to stop the loss of these vulnerable buildings is to boycott the businesses who prey on them. I suggest everyone do as I and write emails or letters to the Walgreen’s and Eckards ( They took down the Century then abandoned their building less then a year later ) and let them know that this practice will not be tolerated and they will not get business from us or our friends and family. Also residents of these cities should write or call elected officials and let them know that actions such as these will cost them votes in the next election. I have never seen anyone get angry because a building was saved, but the opposite is very true…..

bmatlosz
bmatlosz on June 27, 2007 at 8:43 pm

To add insult to injury, the new Walgreens building being built on the site isn’t anywhere near where the Harwan stood. I appears it was demolished to either allow the Walgreens to be viewed better from the BHP or simply for more parking lot space. Either way it was a loss that should not be taken sitting down. I hope that everyone will participate in boycotting them and hopefully they will start closing stores instead of tearing down landmarks to build more eyesores.

rave323
rave323 on November 12, 2007 at 9:15 pm

I remember seeing the Dark Crystal here in the early 80s. This is very sad news. I live in Delaware now, but, was looking forward to visiting this theater again soon. It only makes us treasure the theaters we still have even more.

nonsportsnut
nonsportsnut on May 9, 2009 at 12:09 pm

I’m a member of the Three Stooges Fan Club in Pennsylvania. The Club is presently trying to document personal appearances of the Three Stooges. In today’s (May 9. 2009) Philadelphia Daily News, Jason Nark ( ) wrote a great article (pp 6 & 13) called “Curtains”, referring to attempts to restore South Jersey movie houses.

In the article, the Harwan in Mount Ephriam was mentioned as a former vaudeville house where Abbott & Costello, Laurel & Hardy and the Three Stooges performed. We would like to document the Three Stooges appearances, as far as dates goes. Obviously, any other Three Stooges personal appearances anywhere would be welcome news.

As you can well imagine, the documenting of the personal appearances is a daunting task, to say the least. But, with help from people like yourself, it can be done.

I’m a member of the Three Stooges Fan Club in Pennsylvania. The Club is presently trying to document personal appearances of the Three Stooges. In today’s Philadelphia Daily News, Jason Nark ( ) wrote a great article (pp 6 & 13) called “Curtains”, referring to attempts to restore South Jersey movie houses.

In the article, the Harwan in Mount Ephriam was mentioned as a former vaudeville house where Abbott & Costello, Laurel & Hardy and the Three Stooges performed. We would like to document the Three Stooges appearances, as far as dates goes. Obviously, any other Three Stooges personal appearances anywhere would be welcome news.

Frank Reighter

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on May 9, 2009 at 12:16 pm

Larry Fine used to do local TV commercials for Three Stooges memorabilia in the South Jersey/Philadelphia area, in the very early seventies as I recall. He had had a stroke by that time, so his speech was difficult to understand. I think he died a few years later.

nonsportsnut
nonsportsnut on February 1, 2011 at 12:32 pm

Moe Howard, individually, appeared at the Harwin November 15 to 17, 1973, according to Gary Lassin, President of the Three Stooges Fan Club. Gary hasn’t, as yet, found any record of any appearances by the Three Stooges, at the Harwin.

Anybody ahve any additional information? Please email me at:

Thanks,
Frank Reighter

magic1
magic1 on October 23, 2011 at 9:50 am

Hi my name is Steven Pettit i am a magician who performed in this wonderful theater before the movies . for amount seven months it was one of my most enjoyable memories i have of performing and being aloud to perform in that wonderful old time theater. Its is a shame the torn down to make walgreen parking lot. Theres not a lot of the old theater around any more and it was a kick to perform in a vaultaville theater .

Marlon Martinez
Marlon Martinez on June 4, 2013 at 2:14 pm

Wow, White Tower Hamburgers. I’m sure that’s been torn down. I remember that greasy spoon as a kid.

RickB
RickB on June 5, 2013 at 3:40 am

The White Tower was saved and moved to Morgantown, West Virginia. See also this page, which has a couple pictures of the Harwan as well.

Mikeoaklandpark
Mikeoaklandpark on June 5, 2013 at 11:37 am

Loved White Tower. Any still open? When my famly lived across from the theater in the 70’s the White Tower was long gone. Across from the theater was an Acme supermaket which eventually moved up into the old Penn Fruit building.

You must login before making a comment.

New Comment

Subscribe Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater