I believe this obituary had something to do with the Jazz Singer/Tower myth being started. They even talk about The Jazz Singer opening at the Tower on LA Conservancy tours. Sorry to keep harping on this, but I believe it is a myth unless there is some proof. There is plenty of proof to the contrary.
(March 14, 1952)
Funeral services for H.L. Gumbiner, 72, pioneer independent motion-picture exhibitor, will be conducted at 11 a.m. today at the Little Church of the Flowers, Forest Lawn Memorial-Park. Mr. Gumbiner built and operated the old Tower Theater, now the Newsreel Theater at 802 S Broadway, in 1927, where the first talking picture, “The Jazz Singer,” was introduced. In 1931 he opened the Los Angeles Theater, 615 S Broadway, with the world premiere of Chaplin’s “City Lights.”
(Feb. 22, 1928)
Only seven more days remain for Al Jolson as “The Jazz Singer” at the Criterion Theater when the Vitaphone production gives way to Richard Barthelmess in “The Patent-Leather Kid.” The final showing of the black-face comedian’s picture will mark the 138th performance, establishing a new record for the Criterion.
Here is the clincher:
(April 29, 1928)
The Metropolitan Theater has booked “The Patent Leather Kid” with Richard Barthelmess in its first downtown showing at popular prices, “Sunrise” with George O'Brien and Janet Gaynor is at the Criterion, and Al Jolson in “The Jazz Singer” comes to the Tower.
(Jan. 3, 1928)
Al Jolson’s Vitaphone success, “The Jazz Singer,” is expected by theater officials to remain at the Criterion for five or six months. No successor is named.
(Jan. 1, 1928)
CRITERION
“The Jazz Singer,” starring Al Jolson, is now in the first week of its showing at the Criterion Theater. The production is novel, not ony because it marks Jolson’s initial screen effort, but also because it is accompanied by what is hailed as an unusually fine Vitaphone score, May McAvoy appears opposite Jolson.
Society of Cinemaland
“Jazz-Singer Opens
An interesting premiere of Wednesday evening was that of "The Jazz-Singer,” taken from the stage play by Raphaelson, which opened at the Los Angeles Criterion Theater with Al Jolson in the leading role, and important feature being the Vitaphone accompaniment which will preserve for posterity the voice of the famous blues singer. Jolson, completing a 3000-mile journey in order to be present at the premiere, arrived in Los Angeles Tuesday on the California Limited, after stopping for a brief visit at Lake Arrowhead. A large number of Hollywood friends met him at the station, the reception there being followed by many affairs in his honor. Conrad Nagel, as master of ceremonies, introduced the blackface comedian in person to the Criterion Theater audiences Wednesday evening. Jolson left almost immediately after the premiere for New York.
(Dec. 24, 1927)
That interest in the coming of Al Jolson to the Criterion Theater in “The Jazz Singer” is at an unusually high pitch is evidenced by the rapidity with which tickets are going for the opening night performance, Wednesday. One of the earliest applications for tickets was from Charlie Chaplin who will entertain a large party at “The Jazz Singer” premiere. The reservation of Cecil B. De Mille was also among the first received. Others whose attendance is assured by their purchase of tickets are Jetta Goudal, Dolores Costello, Laura La Plante, William Selter, Henry Walthall, May Robson, Monte ….(it goes on and on)
(Dec. 27, 1927)
More than just a peep into the restricted “backstage” is afforded in “The Jazz Singer,” which opens tomorrow evening at the Criterion Theater, with Al Jolson attending in person. In this picture the spectator is literally transplanted to a vantage point in the wings. Both the lobby entrance view and reverse angle inside the stage door panorama are screened…..
Here is another connection between The Jazz Singer and the Criterion:
(Dec. 4, 1927)
“Old San Francisco,” the current attraction at the Criterion Theater, produced for Warner Brothers under the direction of Alan Crosland, is to be followed by another Crosland production, “The Jazz Singer,” with Al Jolson in the leading role. Crosland has an unusual record, one that has never been achieved by anyone in the picture industry, it is said. For the last two years his name has appeared before all productions that have been screened at the Warner Brothers' Theater, New York. With the “Jazz Singer” there now, it is reported that his record will no doubt stand for another year. With the report that the Criterion has been leased by Warners for a period of six months, and with the Jolson opus billed to follow “Old San Francisco,” Crosland will, without a doubt, do much to establish a record at that theater.
Everyone talks about The Jazz Singer opening at The Tower, but I still haven’t seen any evidence. This article from the LA Times seems to place the opening at the Criterion with an unnamed theater in New York being the first. There are many articles about the arrival of this film, but the strange thing is that the Tower isn’t mentioned until much later.
(Dec. 25, 1927)
When “The Jazz Singer” opens at the Criterion Theater Wednesday night, Al Jolson, the star of the picture, will not only be heard in a short spoken sequence, but he will sing, too, his incomparable songs, “Blue Skies,” “Mammy” and others. This has been made possible through Vitaphone, controlled by Warner Brothers. The picture is regarded by far the most ambitious and significant step made in the field of talking pictures. The industry, as far as Hollywood generally is concerned, regards “The Jazz Singer” as doing much toward putting over films of this type. The picture attracted unusal interest when first shown in New York, and where it is still attracting crowded houses.
Los Angeles will have its first new downtown first-run theater in 25 years when the modernized Tower Theater opens Oct. 13 at 8th and Broadway. The new policy was announced by Mrs. Villis G. Randall, daughter of the late H.L. Gumbiner, who originally opened the Tower on Oct. 12, 1927. “The Sandpiper,” starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, will be the opening picture.
(Oct. 11, 1965)
One of the few remaining show business landmarks of downtown Los Angeles, the Tower Theater at 8th and Broadway, has been rebuilt and refurbished at a cost of $250,000 and will reopen Wednesday with “The Sandpiper”, film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. This will be the first movie house to open with first-run product in 25 years and at a time when the wrecker’s ball has been demolishing several former de luxe theaters. Mrs. Villis G. Randall, who is operating the new Tower for the estate of her father, the late H.L. Gumbiner, says she has “implicit faith that an entertainment rebirth is beginning in the downtown area.”…..Improvements include an oversize air conditioning unit, a coffee lounge, new drapes, carpetting and a redesigned exterior….
This obituary might be the reason for the widely held myth that the Tower Theater was the first to show “The Jazz Singer”. Read the second entry for the contradiction.
(March 14, 1952)
Funeral services for H.L. Gumbiner, 72, pioneer independent motion-picture exhibitor, will be conducted at 11 a.m. today at the Little Church of the Flowers, Forest Lawn Memorial-Park. Mr. Gumbiner built and operated the old Tower Theater, now the Newsreel Theater at 802 S Broadway, in 1927, where the first talking picture, “The Jazz Singer,” was introduced. In 1931 he opened the Los Angeles Theater, 615 S Broadway, with the world premiere of Chaplin’s “City Lights.”
Now go back and read what I believe is correct:
(Dec. 25, 1927)
When “The Jazz Singer” opens at the Criterion Theater Wednesday night, Al Jolson, the star of the picture, will not only be heard in a short spoken sequence, but he will sing, too, his incomparable songs, “Blue Skies,” “Mammy” and others. This has been made possible through Vitaphone, controlled by Warner Brothers. The picture is regarded by far the most ambitious and significant step made in the field of talking pictures. The industry, as far as Hollywood generally is concerned, regards “The Jazz Singer” as doing much toward putting over films of this type. The picture attracted unusal interest when first shown in New York, and where it is still attracting crowded houses.
This article about the opening goes on and on, if anyone wants the complete article, let me know:
(Oct. 12, 1927)
Marking a new milestone in the progress of Los Angeles toward the rank of first theatrical city in the world, the new Tower Theater, one of the first in America to be built exclusively as a motion-picture house, will be formally opened this evening with a premiere showing of Lois Wilson in “The Gingham Girl.”…..It is a picture theater only. No provision has been made for stage entertainment of any kind, other than that which may come under the head of such as the Vitaphone. It is a small theater, seats but 1000, although it occupies space at Eighth and Broadway, in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
(Oct. 4, 1927)
A long-term contract whereby Vitaphone prologues will be shown at the new Tower Theater at Eighth and Broadway, scheduled to open the 12th inst., was concluded yesterday when Sam Warner of the Warner Brothers Studios, signed the document which ensures the showing of the Vitaphone in the new amusement house. This will be the first time the ‘pictures with a voice’ have been presented in Los Angeles since their premiere showing at Grauman’s Egyptian some time ago.
(Sept. 27, 1927)
An overhead refrigerating system comprising the latest scientific methods of ventilation has been installed in the new Tower Theater at Eighth and Broadway, opening October 12, according to H.L. Gumbiner, manager. The Palmer Theater in New York is the only other theater in the United States which has installed this new air conditoning plan. It is said that the overhead system is a protection against colds which sometimes result from a draft beneath the seats.
(Sept. 25, 1927)
French renaissance design is being employed in the Tower Theater at Eighth and Broadway. Paintings which will appear in the halls of the playhouse are replicas of those in the palace at Versailles, according to H.L. Gumbiner, official of the theater. Marble pillars imported from Italy will be used in the entrance, while the stairway will be made of French marble. The main floor will seat 600 people and a balcony will accommodate 400. The building was designed by Charles Lee.
Pretty close to being on time although the cost seems to have doubled….
(Sept. 22, 1927)
The new Tower Theater at Eighth and Broadway will have its gala opening on October 12. According to H.L. Gumbiner of the Tower, the new palace of entertainment will have a “brilliant premiere.” Some of the country’s leading stars will be present to take part, he says. Many special features have been scheduled for the first week, in addition to the motion-picture production, which is to be announced later. First-run films are scheduled. The management of the $1,000,000 theater has a representative in the East at present who is gathering new ideas for presentations. The theater is reported negotiating for an orchestra which is now making a hit in New York. If secured, it will be here in time for the first week. An eastern organist has also been secured.
I think MagicLantern is correct that this theater replaced the Garrick, but it sounds as though it was torn down instead of burned down.
(March 6, 1927)
Wrecking of the old Garrick Theater, located on the southeast corner of Eighth and Broadway and for many years a landmark of downtown Los Angeles, was started last week, to make way for a new $500,000 playhouse to be constructed there for the Gumbiner Theatrical Enterprises. Plans for the new theater, to be known as the Tower Theater, have been completed by Architect S. Charles Lee and according to the specifications the structure is to be one of the finest in the city. The interior is to be finished in marble and bronze in a method of execution never before attempted, according to Lee. The seating capacity of the theater will be 900. The exterior of the building will be featured by a 100-foot tower of terra cotta and this will not, it was said, infringe upon the height-limit building ordinance of the city. Contract for the work has been awarded to R.E. Campbell and under the terms of the document the building is to be completed within six months.
This theater is listed as Music Hall under the Independent Theater Guide in the LA Times from 1945-1947. It may have been called that for a longer period, I just can’t find the listings other than those years.
(Jan. 10, 1942)
ARCADIA THEATER PLANNED
ARCADIA, Jan. 9-Construction is expected to start within the next two weeks on a $100,000 theater to be located at the north-east corner of Huntington Drive and Colorado Place.
I can’t find much about this theater, but here are a few things that might be pertinent:
(Sept. 27, 1925)
ARCADIA, Sept. 26.-Brian B. Vivian became the new owner of the Arcadia Theater Thursday and is making extensive improvements to the interior of the building. Vivian, who has been in the theater business twelve years, formerly lived in Los Angeles, but has been in Northern California and Washington for several years.
(Jan. 10, 1942)
ARCADIA THEATER PLANNED
ARCADIA, Jan. 9-Construction is expected to start within the next two weeks on a $100,000 theater to be located at the north-east corner of Huntington Drive and Colorado Place.
I have no idea what that last theater is or if it was even built.
I’m not sure that this is the same theater, but here are a few things about a theater called Garvey from the LA Times:
(Jan. 23, 1938)
Horace R. Greely of Garvey, who saved the life of Jonnie Giampapa, 8 years of age, will be presented with a Carnegie award in the Garvey Theater, Friday at 6:30 p.m.
(July 16, 1941)
….His complaint was directed as representing the Mission Playhouse, San Gabriel; the Alhambra, El Rey, Granada and Garfield theaters, Alhambra; Monterey Theater, Monterey Park; Rosemead Theater, Rosemead; Garvey Theater, Wilmar; Temple city, and Edwards Theater Circuit, Alhambra…..
(March 23, 1949)
Possibility of arson in the early morning burning of part of the Garvey Theater, 716 E Garvey Blvd., Wilmar, was indicated yesterday as the Sheriff’s arson squad investigated suspicious factors of the $60,000 blaze. Lt. David Ostraff of the Sheriff’s arson detail found a broken window and indications that an arsonist might have poured flammable fluid on the rear seats, where the outbreak is believed to have originated. The fire spread to the attic and into the roof. The theater was unoccupied at the time. It required five engine companies to curb the fire. March 10 the San Gabriel Valley Theater, 330 W Las Tunas blvd., San Gabriel, was badly damaged by a fire which Ostraff said he thought was of incendiary origin.
(Dec. 15, 1950)
Under the direction of Capt. R.A. Cook, commandant of the station, the following theaters will hold the Christmas parties under this schedule: Dec. 21-Garvey Theater, Garvey, 10 a.m. to noon; Dec. 22-Tumbleweed Theater, El Monte;……
(June 1, 1952)
Arthur Bayer as Aaron Slick and Thelma Hurley as Rosy Bery rehearse for “Aaron Slick of Punkin Crick” Friday and Saturday at Garvey Theater.
(June 27, 1953)
Evangelist Tommy Hicks will preach at a 7:30 o'clock revival series meeting tonight, winding up the first week of a campaign sponsored by the South San Gabriel Full Gospel Churches. Services are conducted each evening at 7:30 and at 10 a.m. daily except Saturday at the Garvey Theater, South San Gabriel. Sunday afternoon meetings are at 2:30.
(Aug. 4, 1957)
Dr. Pierce P. Brooks of Dallas, insurance executive and lay evangelist, will conduct a series of revival meetings starting tomorrow at the Old Garvey Theater, San Gabriel and Garvey Ave. The meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Thanks Joe, I’ve seen “inst.” before and thought it was a typo until I saw it a few more times. Is it Latin for something? I wonder what the Chocolate Den was. First I thought they meant the Chocolate Shop, but I think that was on sixth and goes through the back into the Arcade building. I went in this place not long ago and the walls, ceiling, and floor are covered with Batchelder tiles. It’s a shame that the place is crammed full of cheap leather goods and jewelry with little vendor booths. Here’s a link to that with some good photos:
I believe this obituary had something to do with the Jazz Singer/Tower myth being started. They even talk about The Jazz Singer opening at the Tower on LA Conservancy tours. Sorry to keep harping on this, but I believe it is a myth unless there is some proof. There is plenty of proof to the contrary.
(March 14, 1952)
Funeral services for H.L. Gumbiner, 72, pioneer independent motion-picture exhibitor, will be conducted at 11 a.m. today at the Little Church of the Flowers, Forest Lawn Memorial-Park. Mr. Gumbiner built and operated the old Tower Theater, now the Newsreel Theater at 802 S Broadway, in 1927, where the first talking picture, “The Jazz Singer,” was introduced. In 1931 he opened the Los Angeles Theater, 615 S Broadway, with the world premiere of Chaplin’s “City Lights.”
(Feb. 22, 1928)
Only seven more days remain for Al Jolson as “The Jazz Singer” at the Criterion Theater when the Vitaphone production gives way to Richard Barthelmess in “The Patent-Leather Kid.” The final showing of the black-face comedian’s picture will mark the 138th performance, establishing a new record for the Criterion.
Here is the clincher:
(April 29, 1928)
The Metropolitan Theater has booked “The Patent Leather Kid” with Richard Barthelmess in its first downtown showing at popular prices, “Sunrise” with George O'Brien and Janet Gaynor is at the Criterion, and Al Jolson in “The Jazz Singer” comes to the Tower.
(Jan. 3, 1928)
Al Jolson’s Vitaphone success, “The Jazz Singer,” is expected by theater officials to remain at the Criterion for five or six months. No successor is named.
(Jan. 1, 1928)
CRITERION
“The Jazz Singer,” starring Al Jolson, is now in the first week of its showing at the Criterion Theater. The production is novel, not ony because it marks Jolson’s initial screen effort, but also because it is accompanied by what is hailed as an unusually fine Vitaphone score, May McAvoy appears opposite Jolson.
Society of Cinemaland
“Jazz-Singer Opens
An interesting premiere of Wednesday evening was that of "The Jazz-Singer,” taken from the stage play by Raphaelson, which opened at the Los Angeles Criterion Theater with Al Jolson in the leading role, and important feature being the Vitaphone accompaniment which will preserve for posterity the voice of the famous blues singer. Jolson, completing a 3000-mile journey in order to be present at the premiere, arrived in Los Angeles Tuesday on the California Limited, after stopping for a brief visit at Lake Arrowhead. A large number of Hollywood friends met him at the station, the reception there being followed by many affairs in his honor. Conrad Nagel, as master of ceremonies, introduced the blackface comedian in person to the Criterion Theater audiences Wednesday evening. Jolson left almost immediately after the premiere for New York.
(Dec. 24, 1927)
That interest in the coming of Al Jolson to the Criterion Theater in “The Jazz Singer” is at an unusually high pitch is evidenced by the rapidity with which tickets are going for the opening night performance, Wednesday. One of the earliest applications for tickets was from Charlie Chaplin who will entertain a large party at “The Jazz Singer” premiere. The reservation of Cecil B. De Mille was also among the first received. Others whose attendance is assured by their purchase of tickets are Jetta Goudal, Dolores Costello, Laura La Plante, William Selter, Henry Walthall, May Robson, Monte ….(it goes on and on)
(Dec. 27, 1927)
More than just a peep into the restricted “backstage” is afforded in “The Jazz Singer,” which opens tomorrow evening at the Criterion Theater, with Al Jolson attending in person. In this picture the spectator is literally transplanted to a vantage point in the wings. Both the lobby entrance view and reverse angle inside the stage door panorama are screened…..
Here is another connection between The Jazz Singer and the Criterion:
(Dec. 4, 1927)
“Old San Francisco,” the current attraction at the Criterion Theater, produced for Warner Brothers under the direction of Alan Crosland, is to be followed by another Crosland production, “The Jazz Singer,” with Al Jolson in the leading role. Crosland has an unusual record, one that has never been achieved by anyone in the picture industry, it is said. For the last two years his name has appeared before all productions that have been screened at the Warner Brothers' Theater, New York. With the “Jazz Singer” there now, it is reported that his record will no doubt stand for another year. With the report that the Criterion has been leased by Warners for a period of six months, and with the Jolson opus billed to follow “Old San Francisco,” Crosland will, without a doubt, do much to establish a record at that theater.
Everyone talks about The Jazz Singer opening at The Tower, but I still haven’t seen any evidence. This article from the LA Times seems to place the opening at the Criterion with an unnamed theater in New York being the first. There are many articles about the arrival of this film, but the strange thing is that the Tower isn’t mentioned until much later.
(Dec. 25, 1927)
When “The Jazz Singer” opens at the Criterion Theater Wednesday night, Al Jolson, the star of the picture, will not only be heard in a short spoken sequence, but he will sing, too, his incomparable songs, “Blue Skies,” “Mammy” and others. This has been made possible through Vitaphone, controlled by Warner Brothers. The picture is regarded by far the most ambitious and significant step made in the field of talking pictures. The industry, as far as Hollywood generally is concerned, regards “The Jazz Singer” as doing much toward putting over films of this type. The picture attracted unusal interest when first shown in New York, and where it is still attracting crowded houses.
I guess its all cyclical:
(Oct. 4, 1965)
Tower Theater Reopens Oct. 13
Los Angeles will have its first new downtown first-run theater in 25 years when the modernized Tower Theater opens Oct. 13 at 8th and Broadway. The new policy was announced by Mrs. Villis G. Randall, daughter of the late H.L. Gumbiner, who originally opened the Tower on Oct. 12, 1927. “The Sandpiper,” starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, will be the opening picture.
(Oct. 11, 1965)
One of the few remaining show business landmarks of downtown Los Angeles, the Tower Theater at 8th and Broadway, has been rebuilt and refurbished at a cost of $250,000 and will reopen Wednesday with “The Sandpiper”, film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. This will be the first movie house to open with first-run product in 25 years and at a time when the wrecker’s ball has been demolishing several former de luxe theaters. Mrs. Villis G. Randall, who is operating the new Tower for the estate of her father, the late H.L. Gumbiner, says she has “implicit faith that an entertainment rebirth is beginning in the downtown area.”…..Improvements include an oversize air conditioning unit, a coffee lounge, new drapes, carpetting and a redesigned exterior….
This obituary might be the reason for the widely held myth that the Tower Theater was the first to show “The Jazz Singer”. Read the second entry for the contradiction.
(March 14, 1952)
Funeral services for H.L. Gumbiner, 72, pioneer independent motion-picture exhibitor, will be conducted at 11 a.m. today at the Little Church of the Flowers, Forest Lawn Memorial-Park. Mr. Gumbiner built and operated the old Tower Theater, now the Newsreel Theater at 802 S Broadway, in 1927, where the first talking picture, “The Jazz Singer,” was introduced. In 1931 he opened the Los Angeles Theater, 615 S Broadway, with the world premiere of Chaplin’s “City Lights.”
Now go back and read what I believe is correct:
(Dec. 25, 1927)
When “The Jazz Singer” opens at the Criterion Theater Wednesday night, Al Jolson, the star of the picture, will not only be heard in a short spoken sequence, but he will sing, too, his incomparable songs, “Blue Skies,” “Mammy” and others. This has been made possible through Vitaphone, controlled by Warner Brothers. The picture is regarded by far the most ambitious and significant step made in the field of talking pictures. The industry, as far as Hollywood generally is concerned, regards “The Jazz Singer” as doing much toward putting over films of this type. The picture attracted unusal interest when first shown in New York, and where it is still attracting crowded houses.
This article about the opening goes on and on, if anyone wants the complete article, let me know:
(Oct. 12, 1927)
Marking a new milestone in the progress of Los Angeles toward the rank of first theatrical city in the world, the new Tower Theater, one of the first in America to be built exclusively as a motion-picture house, will be formally opened this evening with a premiere showing of Lois Wilson in “The Gingham Girl.”…..It is a picture theater only. No provision has been made for stage entertainment of any kind, other than that which may come under the head of such as the Vitaphone. It is a small theater, seats but 1000, although it occupies space at Eighth and Broadway, in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
Vitaphone enters the picture:
(Oct. 4, 1927)
A long-term contract whereby Vitaphone prologues will be shown at the new Tower Theater at Eighth and Broadway, scheduled to open the 12th inst., was concluded yesterday when Sam Warner of the Warner Brothers Studios, signed the document which ensures the showing of the Vitaphone in the new amusement house. This will be the first time the ‘pictures with a voice’ have been presented in Los Angeles since their premiere showing at Grauman’s Egyptian some time ago.
Is this the first with overhead air conditioning?
(Sept. 27, 1927)
An overhead refrigerating system comprising the latest scientific methods of ventilation has been installed in the new Tower Theater at Eighth and Broadway, opening October 12, according to H.L. Gumbiner, manager. The Palmer Theater in New York is the only other theater in the United States which has installed this new air conditoning plan. It is said that the overhead system is a protection against colds which sometimes result from a draft beneath the seats.
A little about the accoutrements:
(Sept. 25, 1927)
French renaissance design is being employed in the Tower Theater at Eighth and Broadway. Paintings which will appear in the halls of the playhouse are replicas of those in the palace at Versailles, according to H.L. Gumbiner, official of the theater. Marble pillars imported from Italy will be used in the entrance, while the stairway will be made of French marble. The main floor will seat 600 people and a balcony will accommodate 400. The building was designed by Charles Lee.
Pretty close to being on time although the cost seems to have doubled….
(Sept. 22, 1927)
The new Tower Theater at Eighth and Broadway will have its gala opening on October 12. According to H.L. Gumbiner of the Tower, the new palace of entertainment will have a “brilliant premiere.” Some of the country’s leading stars will be present to take part, he says. Many special features have been scheduled for the first week, in addition to the motion-picture production, which is to be announced later. First-run films are scheduled. The management of the $1,000,000 theater has a representative in the East at present who is gathering new ideas for presentations. The theater is reported negotiating for an orchestra which is now making a hit in New York. If secured, it will be here in time for the first week. An eastern organist has also been secured.
I think MagicLantern is correct that this theater replaced the Garrick, but it sounds as though it was torn down instead of burned down.
(March 6, 1927)
Wrecking of the old Garrick Theater, located on the southeast corner of Eighth and Broadway and for many years a landmark of downtown Los Angeles, was started last week, to make way for a new $500,000 playhouse to be constructed there for the Gumbiner Theatrical Enterprises. Plans for the new theater, to be known as the Tower Theater, have been completed by Architect S. Charles Lee and according to the specifications the structure is to be one of the finest in the city. The interior is to be finished in marble and bronze in a method of execution never before attempted, according to Lee. The seating capacity of the theater will be 900. The exterior of the building will be featured by a 100-foot tower of terra cotta and this will not, it was said, infringe upon the height-limit building ordinance of the city. Contract for the work has been awarded to R.E. Campbell and under the terms of the document the building is to be completed within six months.
This theater is listed as Music Hall under the Independent Theater Guide in the LA Times from 1945-1947. It may have been called that for a longer period, I just can’t find the listings other than those years.
How many times has this town’s name changed? Has it been Wilmar, Garvey, and Rosemead? Very confusing.
Here’s a brief article in the LA Times:
(Jan. 10, 1942)
ARCADIA THEATER PLANNED
ARCADIA, Jan. 9-Construction is expected to start within the next two weeks on a $100,000 theater to be located at the north-east corner of Huntington Drive and Colorado Place.
Thanks Joe, I’ll put that last thing from ‘42 on the correct theater’s page.
I can’t find much about this theater, but here are a few things that might be pertinent:
(Sept. 27, 1925)
ARCADIA, Sept. 26.-Brian B. Vivian became the new owner of the Arcadia Theater Thursday and is making extensive improvements to the interior of the building. Vivian, who has been in the theater business twelve years, formerly lived in Los Angeles, but has been in Northern California and Washington for several years.
(Sept. 4, 1927)
PARAMOUNT WEEK
Theaters in Near-by Cities
Arcadia Theater, Arcadia, Calif.
(Jan. 10, 1942)
ARCADIA THEATER PLANNED
ARCADIA, Jan. 9-Construction is expected to start within the next two weeks on a $100,000 theater to be located at the north-east corner of Huntington Drive and Colorado Place.
I have no idea what that last theater is or if it was even built.
I’m not sure that this is the same theater, but here are a few things about a theater called Garvey from the LA Times:
(Jan. 23, 1938)
Horace R. Greely of Garvey, who saved the life of Jonnie Giampapa, 8 years of age, will be presented with a Carnegie award in the Garvey Theater, Friday at 6:30 p.m.
(July 16, 1941)
….His complaint was directed as representing the Mission Playhouse, San Gabriel; the Alhambra, El Rey, Granada and Garfield theaters, Alhambra; Monterey Theater, Monterey Park; Rosemead Theater, Rosemead; Garvey Theater, Wilmar; Temple city, and Edwards Theater Circuit, Alhambra…..
(March 23, 1949)
Possibility of arson in the early morning burning of part of the Garvey Theater, 716 E Garvey Blvd., Wilmar, was indicated yesterday as the Sheriff’s arson squad investigated suspicious factors of the $60,000 blaze. Lt. David Ostraff of the Sheriff’s arson detail found a broken window and indications that an arsonist might have poured flammable fluid on the rear seats, where the outbreak is believed to have originated. The fire spread to the attic and into the roof. The theater was unoccupied at the time. It required five engine companies to curb the fire. March 10 the San Gabriel Valley Theater, 330 W Las Tunas blvd., San Gabriel, was badly damaged by a fire which Ostraff said he thought was of incendiary origin.
(Dec. 15, 1950)
Under the direction of Capt. R.A. Cook, commandant of the station, the following theaters will hold the Christmas parties under this schedule: Dec. 21-Garvey Theater, Garvey, 10 a.m. to noon; Dec. 22-Tumbleweed Theater, El Monte;……
(June 1, 1952)
Arthur Bayer as Aaron Slick and Thelma Hurley as Rosy Bery rehearse for “Aaron Slick of Punkin Crick” Friday and Saturday at Garvey Theater.
(June 27, 1953)
Evangelist Tommy Hicks will preach at a 7:30 o'clock revival series meeting tonight, winding up the first week of a campaign sponsored by the South San Gabriel Full Gospel Churches. Services are conducted each evening at 7:30 and at 10 a.m. daily except Saturday at the Garvey Theater, South San Gabriel. Sunday afternoon meetings are at 2:30.
(Aug. 4, 1957)
Dr. Pierce P. Brooks of Dallas, insurance executive and lay evangelist, will conduct a series of revival meetings starting tomorrow at the Old Garvey Theater, San Gabriel and Garvey Ave. The meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Try, try, again…now it works.
Well, the link works, but I still didn’t get it right. I wanted it to just say Chocolate Shop 1914.
Chocolate Shop 1914
Thanks Joe, I’ve seen “inst.” before and thought it was a typo until I saw it a few more times. Is it Latin for something? I wonder what the Chocolate Den was. First I thought they meant the Chocolate Shop, but I think that was on sixth and goes through the back into the Arcade building. I went in this place not long ago and the walls, ceiling, and floor are covered with Batchelder tiles. It’s a shame that the place is crammed full of cheap leather goods and jewelry with little vendor booths. Here’s a link to that with some good photos:
Chocolate Shop 1914
Joe, I’ll look into those theaters and if I find anything I’ll put comments on their pages.