University Theatre
10606 Euclid Avenue,
Cleveland,
OH
44106
10606 Euclid Avenue,
Cleveland,
OH
44106
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This theatre originally opened as the University Theatre in the 1920’s, then it became the PAT (Performing Arts Theatre) briefly in the 1960’s. The Scrumpy Dump name was used from 1971 until 1982 when the theatre closed. The Scrumpy Dump mainly played African-American-oriented films, although I think porn played there as well.
The Scrumpy Dump was demolished to make way for the William O. Walker Center, which originally was planned as a workmen’s compensation hospital but is now offices for Cleveland Clinic.
Contributed by
Toby Radloff
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Recent comments (view all 16 comments)
To Jim Somich, et al: Yes, the Circle Theater was on the same side of Euclid as the University, but just west of E. 105th St. Further west on the north side of Euclid was the Loew’s Park Theater, a second-run house that showed features just after they left the State, Ohio, and Stillman downtown, but before they arrived at the neighborhood houses. The Alhambra was on the same side of Euclid as the Keith’s 105th, but west of E. 105th, diagonally across from the Circle.
It was at the University Theater in early 1947 that “The Best Years of Our Lives” (1946 Academy Award winner) opened in limited engagement. In those days, E. 105th and Euclid functioned as a mid-town commercial district, a major transportation crosstown. I am almost unbelieving when I see it now.
1979 photo of the Scrumpy Dump Cinema.
View link
1948 photo of the University Theatre.
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This is a 1976 ad for the Scrumpy Dump.
Here is a 1960 ad for the University.
During the Scrumpy Dump era the theatre was owned by an African-American enterpreneur who owned a lot of property in the area and traded on paranois regarding the likelihood that Cleveland Clinic wanted the locals out. By that time, the area had declined, esp. after the 1966 Hough riots. The W.O. Walker Center, which stood vacant for years, is shared by Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, an odd arrnagement between two long-time rivals. I forget which one owns the building.
Here is a March 1975 newspaper ad:
http://tinyurl.com/y8s52x9
Scrumpy Dump.What a name.Even Pam Grier deserves better.
January 1973, listed as Scrump-Dee-Dump-Dee
One of the best names I found for a cinema. like the “Peanut Patch” in Fresno, CA.
Also, I found an ad listed it as P. A. T. (which means Performing Arts Theatre or Porno Adult Theatre)
I will upload the 1973 listings shortly.
Scrump Dee Dump Dee ad from November 24th, 1972: View link