It’s exciting to see some of my past come back to life. I served my apprenticeship as a union projectionist at the Fox in 1950 and worked all the other theatres that were in downtown Pomona. They’ve done a wonderful job of restoration.
An outstanding job of restoration has been done on the Fox. After graduating from Pomona High School in ‘50 I served my apprenticeship as a union projectionist at the Fox. My father was the projectionist at the UA (formerly the California) and I was assigned to work the State. I also worked the Sunkist (Garey near Holt). Those three are now gone (the UA is a Mexican church). Pomona was a beautiful town. I hope the Fox restoration is the beginning of a downtown restoration. I left Pomona in the mid-'50s. I have classmates there still that tell me I don’t want to return to Pomona as it is now the crime capitol of east LA county.
I was born in 1932 at the beginning of the Great Depression. My father was a projectionist and was never unemployed during the great depression making a whopping $20 a week. He told me the exhibition business was great as people held on to that dime to escape the problems they were experiencing.
Those that are interested are going to want photos of the booth and projection equipment, auditorium seating and screen, description of sound equipment (stereo surround, etc.), concession area, restrooms, heating and air conditioning. Also how does the competition in Winfield and Wichita effect business and is it available on a lease/option basis?
The Mack Theatre in McMinnville, Oregon. You might also search www.cinematour.com as many theatres in both states are listed there and many have photos.
Oh great! Just what the L.A. area needs – another multiplex. And in an area that has a bar on just about every corner and the highest DUI rate in the country they’re going to get them plastered in their movie theatre? How is that benefiting the public?
Well thanks for clearing that up because I knew that photo wasn’t the Fox Theatre in Pomona (it was always referred to as the “Fox” by area residents and staff). I served part of my I.A. apprenticeship there and have been following the remodeling on their website. I worked for several years as a projectionist at the State Theatre just up Garey street from the Fox. I started my theatre career as a young teen at the California Theatre (just down third street from the Fox and before it became the UA) and worked relief at the Sunkist Theatre on north Garey before leaving the area. The Fox is the only theatre left in downtown Pomona. How maddening that those punks who attended rave concerts at the Fox had to destroy it.
Oh great! Just what the L.A. area needs – another multiplex. And in an area that has a bar on just about every corner and the highest DUI rate in the country they’re going to get them plastered in their movie theatre? How is that benefiting the public?
“A 5-screen art deco theatre built in 1917”? There were no multi-screen theatres in 1917, which means they have probably taken a beautiful old theatre and cut it up. Never a good move in my book.
The owner showed me this theatre about 18 months ago. The roof is currently being supported by braces from the floor. The owner’s son has a barbershop in the same building and there are several other shop spaces. My guess it it would take about $1 million to restore it. However, since the only other theatre in Medford (pop. about 70,000) is a 15 screen CineMark Tinseltown this house could succeed as a combo film, live performance venue as it has a full fly stage. It’s about two miles from the multiplex. I believe classic, foreign and art house product would work best since none of those are being shown in the area. Frankly, if I had the means I’d do it. It could be restored to a beautiful art-deco palace.
I agree with Ken and I’m not sure the digital technology will be enought to draw and make the place successful. Regarding the drug store to theatre thing Coming Attractions Theatres put an 8 screener in a former Thrifty Drug Store building in Crescent City, California (on the coast just below the Oregon boarder).
I can’t tell you why the different theatre designs. (We have both a Tinseltown and The Movies in our area). But I can tell you that CineMark targets the same audience that the distributors are targeting and has absolutely no knowledge of the demographics in any given area. The company’s bookers do not seem to care or have any desire to be creative. It seems that they believe whatever goes over in LA, NY or Chicago will go over anywhere.
The last theatre I managed (in ‘06) has a roll-up (20 ft wide) screen that is lifted for live stage productions and the speakers are on wheels. It worked very well.
I worked the Crest as a relief man for the Sacramento IA local in the late 60s. At that time it had three projectors – two Century and a Simplex. I used to run the trailers and a short (Universal News or a cartoon, I can’t remember which). It was one of the prettiest theatres I ever worked.
I saw your ad in Boxoffice. I would need all kinds of help financing a purchase. While I have the experience and the vision I am not a man of means and have little net worth. Good luck with your sale and your health. You are in my prayers.
Sorry to hear of your problem. I saw your theatre a few months ago and was impressed with it. I am an “old showman” who started in the business as a young teen in 1945 and have owned and operated theatres in California, Oregon and Washington. I have a passion to return to the trade with a “family friendly” cinema. Sweethome would put us closer to our children. We currently live in Phoenix, OR (a Medford suburb). Is the theatre still available. If so would you consider a lease-option?
It’s exciting to see some of my past come back to life. I served my apprenticeship as a union projectionist at the Fox in 1950 and worked all the other theatres that were in downtown Pomona. They’ve done a wonderful job of restoration.
An outstanding job of restoration has been done on the Fox. After graduating from Pomona High School in ‘50 I served my apprenticeship as a union projectionist at the Fox. My father was the projectionist at the UA (formerly the California) and I was assigned to work the State. I also worked the Sunkist (Garey near Holt). Those three are now gone (the UA is a Mexican church). Pomona was a beautiful town. I hope the Fox restoration is the beginning of a downtown restoration. I left Pomona in the mid-'50s. I have classmates there still that tell me I don’t want to return to Pomona as it is now the crime capitol of east LA county.
Scott & Ziggy:
I was born in 1932 at the beginning of the Great Depression. My father was a projectionist and was never unemployed during the great depression making a whopping $20 a week. He told me the exhibition business was great as people held on to that dime to escape the problems they were experiencing.
Those that are interested are going to want photos of the booth and projection equipment, auditorium seating and screen, description of sound equipment (stereo surround, etc.), concession area, restrooms, heating and air conditioning. Also how does the competition in Winfield and Wichita effect business and is it available on a lease/option basis?
The Mack Theatre in McMinnville, Oregon. You might also search www.cinematour.com as many theatres in both states are listed there and many have photos.
Hey King:
Sorry ‘bout that. I re-posted on the right page (just one ahead of this) but I don’t know how to delete this one.
Oh great! Just what the L.A. area needs – another multiplex. And in an area that has a bar on just about every corner and the highest DUI rate in the country they’re going to get them plastered in their movie theatre? How is that benefiting the public?
Well thanks for clearing that up because I knew that photo wasn’t the Fox Theatre in Pomona (it was always referred to as the “Fox” by area residents and staff). I served part of my I.A. apprenticeship there and have been following the remodeling on their website. I worked for several years as a projectionist at the State Theatre just up Garey street from the Fox. I started my theatre career as a young teen at the California Theatre (just down third street from the Fox and before it became the UA) and worked relief at the Sunkist Theatre on north Garey before leaving the area. The Fox is the only theatre left in downtown Pomona. How maddening that those punks who attended rave concerts at the Fox had to destroy it.
Oh great! Just what the L.A. area needs – another multiplex. And in an area that has a bar on just about every corner and the highest DUI rate in the country they’re going to get them plastered in their movie theatre? How is that benefiting the public?
“A 5-screen art deco theatre built in 1917”? There were no multi-screen theatres in 1917, which means they have probably taken a beautiful old theatre and cut it up. Never a good move in my book.
The owner showed me this theatre about 18 months ago. The roof is currently being supported by braces from the floor. The owner’s son has a barbershop in the same building and there are several other shop spaces. My guess it it would take about $1 million to restore it. However, since the only other theatre in Medford (pop. about 70,000) is a 15 screen CineMark Tinseltown this house could succeed as a combo film, live performance venue as it has a full fly stage. It’s about two miles from the multiplex. I believe classic, foreign and art house product would work best since none of those are being shown in the area. Frankly, if I had the means I’d do it. It could be restored to a beautiful art-deco palace.
I agree with Ken and I’m not sure the digital technology will be enought to draw and make the place successful. Regarding the drug store to theatre thing Coming Attractions Theatres put an 8 screener in a former Thrifty Drug Store building in Crescent City, California (on the coast just below the Oregon boarder).
I can’t tell you why the different theatre designs. (We have both a Tinseltown and The Movies in our area). But I can tell you that CineMark targets the same audience that the distributors are targeting and has absolutely no knowledge of the demographics in any given area. The company’s bookers do not seem to care or have any desire to be creative. It seems that they believe whatever goes over in LA, NY or Chicago will go over anywhere.
The last theatre I managed (in ‘06) has a roll-up (20 ft wide) screen that is lifted for live stage productions and the speakers are on wheels. It worked very well.
I worked the Crest as a relief man for the Sacramento IA local in the late 60s. At that time it had three projectors – two Century and a Simplex. I used to run the trailers and a short (Universal News or a cartoon, I can’t remember which). It was one of the prettiest theatres I ever worked.
Thanks Mike:
I saw your ad in Boxoffice. I would need all kinds of help financing a purchase. While I have the experience and the vision I am not a man of means and have little net worth. Good luck with your sale and your health. You are in my prayers.
Hi Mike:
Sorry to hear of your problem. I saw your theatre a few months ago and was impressed with it. I am an “old showman” who started in the business as a young teen in 1945 and have owned and operated theatres in California, Oregon and Washington. I have a passion to return to the trade with a “family friendly” cinema. Sweethome would put us closer to our children. We currently live in Phoenix, OR (a Medford suburb). Is the theatre still available. If so would you consider a lease-option?