Colonial Theatre

Grand opening ad in photo section and below.

Found on Newspapers.com

Here is an article on what is planned for the site of the former colonial theater.

http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-allentown-three-city-center-colonial-planning-20131219,0,5123027.story

Well, here it is, if anybody wants to see it. I guess it is maybe the best way of seeing how truly horrible the condition of the building had gotten, so if there was any doubt in your mind whether it should be torn down, this’ll put a rest to it. The theater is hard to see, it was not only dark, but we were hanging onto a metal ladder than came down from the projection booth. The floor was invisible and sounded like a small lake had formed at the bottom. I tried to boost the levels to make it more visible and in the process got carried away with editing…now it looks like some cheap Ghost Hunters knock-off. Oh well, it still gives me the chills.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PP27ew2mwA

Here is a 1990 image of the Colonial in Allentown.

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The zip code for this theater should be updated to 18101.
This theater was sold by UA in the late 1980’s and the new owner did nothing with it except lock the doors. It pretty much stood empty and totally unused and not maintained until the city started cracking down because it was falling into disrepair.
The owner made a few roof repairs around 2000, but then stopped because he lacked the proper permits for the type of work being completed.
For at least 5 years city engineers kept saying the building was in danger of collapse, but it just kept on standing. After many court battles, the city began demolition March 2005. I drove by in August and an empty lot remains. The location is directly to the west of the old Lehigh County courthouse.

Hi Tim, thanks for the info. Yes, downtown Allentown is a ghost of its former self. There is a new 16 screen multiplex in Allentown on Airport Road – – – the Carmike. And the already old AMC Tilghman 8 with no stadium seats on the West End. The 19th street Theater still exists showing foreign and independent films mixed with live stage productions. Bethlehem is doing much better in revitalizing its downtown – – both on the North and South sides. The former Bethlehem Steel property is going to be changed into an entertainment complex with theaters, restaurants, shops and hotels within the next 5 – 10 years (they say) with the hopes of also getting slot machine gambling. If that happens, it’ll really take off. Bethlehem also has a 10 multiplex theater – – the Regal Cinemas over South Mountain near Black River Road. Forgot to mention that Northampton has its beautiful art deco theater – – the Roxy – – but it is a second-run movie house. Do you remember the drive-in movie theaters? All are gone except for the Shankweiler’s D.I. (the oldest in the USA) above Allentown and Becky’s D.I. near Allentown. People still go out to see a movie, but videos and DVDs have definitely taken over. We’re in the era of the COUCH POTATO. Pete Hawke

I grew up attending the Colonial Theater. It was the most beautiful theater in the Lehigh Valley. Two of the first movies I remember seeing there was PARRISH and SUSAN SLADE. Then in 1962 WEST SIDE STORY played there for almost 6 months on a reserved seat basis. After its run, the theater closed for renovations and reopened near Christmas with Natalie Wood in GYPSY. The following year LAWRENCE OF ARABIA graced its huge screen. It always showcased the best movies in town. Seeing it razed is heart-breaking. I’m sure its owner only used it as a tax write-off. Do you remember the other theaters in Allentown?
RIALTO near 10th & Hamilton
TRANSIT also near 10th & Hamilton
BOYD 9th St opposite Hess’s (now gone also)
EARLE on 8th St
MIDWAY near 6th & Hamilton
CAPRI near 6th & Hamilton
ERIC multiplex at 4th & Hamilton
PARK on St. John St
TOWNE at 6th & Gordon Sts
ALLEN at New & Allen Sts.
PLAZA at the Whitehall Mall
LEHIGH VALLEY CINEMAS Multiplex at the Lehigh Valley Mall
They are all gone.
And what about Bethlehem?
GLOBE, COLLEGE, PALACE, NILE, LEHIGH (the bug house)
and recently THE MOVIES THEATER in Hellertown. I was the theater manager there for four years (1990 – 1994). Its owner Elle Koffler died a couple of years ago.
No nostalgia left except the BOYD Theater in Bethlehem which is still going strong.
Does anybody have any comments on these particular theaters?
Pete Hawke

small thumbnails here, don’t try to expand w/o paid subscription:

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Lehigh Valley newspaper The Morning Call had reported the following on Novermber 6, 2004, at this link:

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“City cracks down on Colonial Theater
Allentown officials tell ex-owner decrepit site must be fixed in 15 days or face demolition.”

The article isn’t too lengthy, but it details the trials and tribulations of this theater’s unfortunate past 20 years. If the officials have their way, it doesn’t seem the theatre will be standing too much longer —– though demolishing it would serve the best interests of public safety and the local businesses.