Penn Theatre

Shown under construction on the March 1914 Sanborn map, this large theatre was opened as the New Penn Theatre and was to feature pool (swimming or pool tables is unclear) and a bowling alley in the basement, a large theatre space with a generously sized balcony, and offices on the top floor. The wide central entry was flanked by an arcade, again with offices above.

The building is shown on the map as four stories, but appears to have been completed with three. The building was of fireproof brick construction, with a white tile facade. The huge fly tower still advertises ‘Programme Changed Daily’ on the west-facing wall, above ghost advertisements for Mail Pouch Tobacco and Gold Medal Flour on the side of the hulking auditorium space.

Unfortunately, the 1914 map is the ‘newest’ available online. By 1926 it had been renamed Penn Theatre. It was still open in 1952, but had closed by 1955. The front portion is today used by a jeweler.

Get Movie Tickets & Showtimes

Recent comments (view all 1 comments)

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