Hollywood Theater
39 West Main Street,
Gowanda,
NY
14070
39 West Main Street,
Gowanda,
NY
14070
3 people
favorited this theater
The Hollywood Theater was built on the site of the Opera House which had been destroyed by fire in 1924. It opened in 1926 with a total seating capacity of 997: 700 in the orchestra and 297 in the balcony. It was equipped with a Wurlitzer theater organ.
The theater has been closed since 1992 and is currently undergoing a $2.8 million renovation and restoration that will turn the old vaudeville and movie palace into a performing arts center.
The Hollywood Theater is listed on both the New York State and National Register of Historic Places.
Contributed by
Ross Melnick
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Recent comments (view all 35 comments)
I just viewed the slideshow on the website and see that there was a photo of a Hollywood Theater organist in the year 1966 so the theatre was still in operation at that time. I grew up near Gowanda, but have no memory of the theatre being there. I have since been inside the auditorium and it was completely gutted after a leaky roof, etc. was repaired. I would like to know how and why this theater was left to deteriorate.
Lost Memory: Once again thank you for providing the website information as the photos and current information on the restoration of this fine theatre are remarkable! Anyone interested should take the time and view all of the photos which include seeing all of the seats and cushions that have put in storage. These items will be restored by a local correctional facility. I had wondered about this as my visit to the Hollywood did not include seeing any seats as it like walking into a very large and empty room. Many of the restoration photos are amazing and well worth viewing! My theatre hat is off to the fine folks in Gowanda NY.
Here is a link to a recent news story – looks like they are progressing at a slow and steady pace!
View link
Thanks for this recent update on the Hollywood. I’ve been to this theatre and seen the progress being made! I wonder if there is anyone out there who can tell us about the Wurlitzer organ that was once in the Hollywood? This theater has an interesting history!
The Wurlitzer from the Hollywood was removed from the theatre in i think 1978 and installed in a private residence in Tonawanda NY. It was maintained and restored in pristine original condition. From what i understand after the death of its owner, it was offered to the Hollywood for a sum by his wife, but was declined (not sure why). It was purchased by w Welsh organist, and local organ folk including myself, dismantled and packed it into a shipping container and off it went across the Atlantic, probabaly never to be seen on our shores again. Sad, it would have been nice to have a home coming at the Hollywood, I think the organ is one of the very few original components to have left that building. It was a small organ, yes (style DX, 2/6), but it had a sound much bigger than one would think!
Should note.. the above sale and shipping of the Hollywood organ took place in 2002-2003.
Opus: Interesting to read about the Wurlitzer organ that was once in the Hollywood. Though very disturbing to read that the organ was offered back to the theatre by the owner’s widow and they declined! Also interesting to note in my research that the seats have all been saved and are being restored by inmates.
Here are some 1980s photos:
Photo1
Photo2
Photo3
The Opera House in Gowanda, which stood on the site of the Hollywood Theatre until it burned down in 1924, is listed in the 1897-98 edition of the Julius Cahn Official Theatrical Guide. It had 800 seats and was on the ground floor. Its proscenium opening was 26.5 feet wide X 18 feet high, and the stage was almost 26 feet deep. J. VanDensen was the Mgr. There were 2 weekly newspapers and 3 hotels for show folk. Town served by the Erie RR. The 1897 population of Gowanda was 2,500. I don’t know if the Opera House ever showed movies – it certainly may have.
I was born in Gowanda in the 40’s, & and used to go to movies here every Friday nite, during the 50’s. I remember they used to show different movies Sun-Mon, Tues-Thur,and Fri-Sat, with double features on Fri-Sat. Think it was $.25 under 12 and .35 over 12. Candy was $.05 & .10, popcorn .10 and they had a soda machine that was .15,…I couldn’t afford that. It was a pretty nice theater and kept up good. Better than some others in small towns. There was a mgr that used to patrol during the movies, to keep us from talking or putting our feet on the seats in front of us. Didn’t know his name, but called him the “penguin.” Later, the police chief Fluker, assumed penguin’s duties.