The THSA tour in Providence allowed me to tag along yesterday. There were three busloads of about 140 who saw Veterans' Memorial Auditorium, the Majestic (Trinity Rep), Strand, PPAC (Loew’s State), Columbus, Avon, Stadium in Woonsocket. The Strand (Diesel) was a surprise to me, even as a local, since I had not been able to see it for several decades. The entire interior is virtually intact: proscenium, balcony with seats, projection booth (covered over) stairwells, many decorative details, other decorations. Sure, there is painting over, and leveled orchestra floor, but that place could easily be returned to its former beauty with a few million dollars, which, of course, would never happen. But I was glad to see so much remains and was reminded of the many good times there.
I have just found out that the nice marquee mentioned above is out for restoration, that the United is undergoing extensive revamping and reconstruction and will be re-opened as a three-screen art house for the area. A consultant to the project is Mr. Joe Masher, general manager of Bow-Tie Cinemas, who informed me himself. I consider this extremely good news for the Westerly/Stonington area.
The THSA tour in Providence allowed me to tag along yesterday. There were three busloads of about 140 who saw Veterans' Memorial Auditorium, the Majestic (Trinity Rep), Strand, PPAC (Loew’s State), Columbus, Avon, Stadium in Woonsocket. The Strand (Diesel) was a surprise to me, even as a local, since I had not been able to see it for several decades. The entire interior is virtually intact: proscenium, balcony with seats, projection booth (covered over) stairwells, many decorative details, other decorations. Sure, there is painting over, and leveled orchestra floor, but that place could easily be returned to its former beauty with a few million dollars, which, of course, would never happen. But I was glad to see so much remains and was reminded of the many good times there.
Here is an old postcard booklet image from the 1930s or 1940s showing the relationship of the Academy (marquee on the right) to Fall River City Hall.
Here is an old postcard booklet image from the 1930s or 1940s showing the relationship of the Durfee to Fall River City Hall.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook gave the capacity as 550 cars.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook gave the seating capacity of the Strand as 800.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook gave the seating capacity of the Paramount as 1,150.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook gave the seating of the Opera House as 1,000.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook gives the seating capacity as 280.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook gives the address of the Central as 85 Central Street and with a seating capacity of 600.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook gives the seating capacity of the Assembly as 254.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook gives the seating capacity of the Midway as 350.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook gives the seating capacity of the Palace as 250.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook gives the seating capacity as 2,445.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook gaves the seating capacity as 1,257.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook gives the seating capacity of the Olympia as 875.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook gives the seating capacity as 879. I was told by someone who used to vist the theatre that it had a balcony.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook gives the seating capacity as 265.
I have just found out that the nice marquee mentioned above is out for restoration, that the United is undergoing extensive revamping and reconstruction and will be re-opened as a three-screen art house for the area. A consultant to the project is Mr. Joe Masher, general manager of Bow-Tie Cinemas, who informed me himself. I consider this extremely good news for the Westerly/Stonington area.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook lists the seating capacity as 300.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook lists the seating capacity as 1,011.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook lists the seating capacity as 1,704.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook lists the seating capacity as 278.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook lists the seating capacity of the Olympia as 1383.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook lists the seating capacity of the Lyric as 430.
The 1949 Film Daily Yearbook lists the seating capacity as 950.