This theater, unlike all others in the area, was fully integrated as both black and white patrons could sit anywhere. The Happyland (live theater?) and Gem had a divider down the center of the auditorium to separate the races.
Source: “Shaw Historic District” pamphlet published by the DC Historic Preservation office in 2008.
A photo can be found in the “Shaw Historic District” pamphlet published by the DC Historic Preservation Office in 2008. Caption states that patronage was 4500 per week in 1927.
Refer to the “mini debate” posted above in June 2005.
The debate is resolved. The linked photo is currently on display in the Smithsonian American History museum as part of the “Picturing the Promise” exhibition. The caption states that the patrons were indeed protesting the treatment of african americans in the movie Gone with the Wind.
“My late friend was the manager of the CollegeTown Cinema, a two-screen theater that showed second-run movies for a ONE DOLLAR ADMISSION. That’s right, a lousy buck! Even in the ‘70s, that was a crazy bargain. Some of the movies I recall seeing there: "Audrey Rose,” “Smokey and the Bandit,” “Interiors,” “Starting Over,” “The Goodbye Girl,” “Thunder and Lightning.” "
No mention of the theatre in this article but you can see the marquee in the top photo. I’m glad they are considering revitalizing this street. It is not vibrant like the rest of the town is.
Which of the screens have digital projection? I’ve been trying to locate a digital screen online directory without success. Yahoo, Fandango, etc don’t even do a good job of listing digital screens.
Built by the James H. Morris Company. Morris, a local Mason, also built city hall, the Masonic Temple and Hamilton High School.
http://www.mercer50.com/Mercer%20History.pdf
This is a duplicate listing. Please place as a comment on the existing theater listing.
This theater has been restored and is now home to 2 church congregations: (a different photo is in my print version of today’s Star Ledger)
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Drove by on Wednesday. The area has a lot of new construction and appears to be prospering as much as is possible in this economy.
This theater, unlike all others in the area, was fully integrated as both black and white patrons could sit anywhere. The Happyland (live theater?) and Gem had a divider down the center of the auditorium to separate the races.
Source: “Shaw Historic District” pamphlet published by the DC Historic Preservation office in 2008.
A photo can be found in the “Shaw Historic District” pamphlet published by the DC Historic Preservation Office in 2008. Caption states that patronage was 4500 per week in 1927.
Refer to the “mini debate” posted above in June 2005.
The debate is resolved. The linked photo is currently on display in the Smithsonian American History museum as part of the “Picturing the Promise” exhibition. The caption states that the patrons were indeed protesting the treatment of african americans in the movie Gone with the Wind.
The shopping center was built in 1966.
The following is extracted from http://voger.blogspot.com/2006_04_01_archive.html:
“My late friend was the manager of the CollegeTown Cinema, a two-screen theater that showed second-run movies for a ONE DOLLAR ADMISSION. That’s right, a lousy buck! Even in the ‘70s, that was a crazy bargain. Some of the movies I recall seeing there: "Audrey Rose,” “Smokey and the Bandit,” “Interiors,” “Starting Over,” “The Goodbye Girl,” “Thunder and Lightning.” "
Another article with photo:
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See attached link for article concerning the restoration “vision”. Article dates the building to 1919 with the theater added in 1936.
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I was at the Rock recently for an afternoon event. You can get a good clear elevated view of the Paramount from inside the glass walled concourse.
In 1958 the Brandt chain took over and operated it until the ca 1976 closing.
No mention of the theatre in this article but you can see the marquee in the top photo. I’m glad they are considering revitalizing this street. It is not vibrant like the rest of the town is.
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Which of the screens have digital projection? I’ve been trying to locate a digital screen online directory without success. Yahoo, Fandango, etc don’t even do a good job of listing digital screens.
March 1986 photos:
http://tinyurl.com/rdm4ug
http://tinyurl.com/p34dle
http://tinyurl.com/pvwbjq
must have spent some time as the “Lakeside Theatre"
http://tinyurl.com/pl7t3r
1983 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/o34fmc
1981 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/qegdxb
Old photo as the Art Cinema:
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1988 photo
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1988 photo
Was this ever known as the Hillsboro theater? – see attached link
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Here is the article regarding renovation.
wow $13 ticket price – I guess the patrons have to finance this!
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Hopefully they can raise the funds to fix up this grand old theater:
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