West Shore Theatre
317 Bridge Street,
New Cumberland,
PA
17070
317 Bridge Street,
New Cumberland,
PA
17070
3 people
favorited this theater
The West Shore Theatre is a classic single screen Streamlined Moderne theatre in the heart of downtown New Cumberland. It is the West Shore because it is on the west shore of the Susquehanna River, across from Harrisburg.
The West Shore opened on January 20, 1940 with the movie “The Secret Life of Dr Kildare” and admission of 25 cents for adults, 15 cents for children. The theatre was designed by Philadelphia architect William H. Lee in an Art Moderne style. Interior wall coverings were in an old rose shade. The auditorium was furnished with walnut paneling on the side and rear walls and the ceiling had a hand painted oil painting. The theatre was built with air conditioning.
As of this writing (2008), the theatre has 450 seats, a large movie screen, EX Surround Sound, 50 varieties of candy at its concession stand and inexpensive admission proces.
Contributed by
Jonathan M. Crist, Howard B. Haas
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Recent comments (view all 25 comments)
Bentz…I do believe I read somewhere that your grandpa would do his school homework in the boxoffice. Ask him about that. Also wasn’t the interior walls done in a crushed velet at one time? I think your grandpa changed it after the flood of 1972. Ask him about that as well.
The West Shore is by far the best theatre experience to be had for 4 counties. I live 15 miles away and attend at least several times a month, taking my 3 year old to experience what a movie should be… An experience, not just a business. I make it a point to buy at the concession stand every time, there is no way to make a profit otherwise for the owner. I
want to see this place around for another 68 years so that my grandchildren and great grandchildren can experience it. An just food for thought, I would pay double the current ticket price gladly. The reasonable prices at the concession stand makes it economical to bring the family. Another theatre changes as much for just a popcorn as I pay for the whole family to get into the West Shore. I love the place, have for 30 years.
And Bentz, if you find yourself short of funds when it comes onto the market, put out a public call. I as well as many others would gladly join in to help you keep it alive.
This is another photo of the West Shore Theater.
Very nice photo Lost Memory. The neon tubing has since been replaced and the marquee looks much better. One exception….That blue has to go.
Does this theatre still have the entrance doors with the round windows? Hope so!
I think I’ve answered my own question above….do believe the doors are still in place! Wise decision New Cumberland!
Patsy….You can see the doors in this recent photo.
2006 photo of the West Shore Theatre.
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Lost..Nice photo of the doors! This gem is on our agenda this weekend!!
mark: Since Lost is no longer an active CT member I will respond to you on his behalf. The photo he posted that really showed those half moon doors is another great example of his many CT contributions over the years. I have asked him to consider a return to CT, but he has moved on as they say which is our loss.