Thanks, Joe. The full article about the razing of the old Burbank theater in 1920 confirms that the earlier building was demolished and the new Burbank built in its place. The history above suggests a remodel of the 19th century building, which does not appear to be the case.
Vokoban, I have my LAPL card. I’m at the Central Library right now. I would appreciate the information we discussed if you could e-mail it to me at Thanks.
A December 1915 article in the LA Times discusses the imminent opening of a new motion picture theater on the east side of Main between Fifth and Sixth. It was to be called the Sherman Theater after General Moses Sherman. It may never have been built, or it may be here under another name. It’s not the Burbank as that was already open in 1915. Do we have any other theaters on the east side of the block between Fifth and Sixth?
His name was the first strike (from the LA Times, 11/30/29):
Walter H. Tinklepaugh was named yesterday in a complaint charging robbery of the Golden Gate theater at Whittier and Atlantic Boulevards. Mr. Tinklepaugh was identified by Helen Weddle, cahier, as the man who robbed her on September 3 and 11th inst., of $102 ad $23, respectively.
No, it looked like they were pulling everything from the interior. I don’t get to that neighborhood much, so I don’t know what’s been done since October.
The theater was donated to the church for $100 in 2000 by John Loeks, owner of Jack Loeks Theaters, according to the church website: http://tinyurl.com/3y8o9l
Demolition was in July 2003, according to the Cincinnati Post:
Demolition should be completed by Friday on a former Over-the-Rhine movie theater that made headlines this year when a developer who had promised to renovate it skipped town after receiving a city loan.
The city hired a Green Township contractor this week to raze the Empire Theatre in the 1500 block of Vine Street after heavy rains over the weekend collapsed the roof of the 94-year-old structure.
“I would hope by Friday we’re hauling debris out,” said Tom McAlpin of Allgeier & Son Inc., the company demolishing the old theater.
Regal Cinemas to Close Theater in Fort Wayne, Ind.
The ax is about to fall on Regal Cinemas' largest Fort Wayne movie complex, Coventry 13 theaters.
The theaters near the Village at Coventry “will close on Feb. 7, unless they change their minds,” said Arthur Spirou, president and co- owner of Mallers-Spirou Enterprises, which leases the theaters to Regal.
Mallers-Spirou also leases Holiday 6 theaters near Northcrest Shopping Center to Regal, but that business “stays in place, as far as I know.”
How do you carry away a safe? Wouldn’t that be kind of obvious? This is from the LA Times, dated 10/24/22:
THEATER SAFE CARRIED AWAY
Daring Long Beach Theft Brings Arrests
Former Policeman Accused of Complicity
One of Trio Confesses, Say Officials
LONG BEACH, Oct. 23.—A former Long Beach police officer and two companions are being held by local police today following the looting of the box office of the Laughlin Theater early this morning and the carrying off of a safe containing nearly $1000.
Here’s that pesky Miller guy again. This is from the LA Times, dated 11/8/15:
The Alhambra Theater has been leased by the owners of Miller’s Theater and will be known in the future as Miller’s Hill Street Theater. It opened yesterday with the Fox production of “Sin.”
FORUM’S OPENING BRILLIANT
Carnival Spirit Prevails at New Theater as Stars and Social Leaders See “America”
FORUM MECCA IN FILM DEBUT
Another magnificent climax in bright light history of Los Angeles was attained last night. Far from the usual haunts of the playgoers, the Forum Theater, one of the most unusual of pioneering projects in construction and location, flung open its portals, and Pico and Norton streets, where the house is located, became a dazzling, glittering blazing focal point of interest.
NEW WARNER, BROTHERS' THEATER READY TO OPEN DOORS TO THE PUBLIC
Brilliant Premiere of “Glorious Betsy” Will Inaugurate Distinguished Addition to Hollywood White Way
Sea blue—terra cotta—gold—a triune harmony of color. Warner Brothers Theater—a picture house of distinction, and elaborate simplicity. This new home of motion pictures, located at Hollywood Boulevard and Wilcox avenue, will open Thursday evening, and from all indices of popular opinion will be the delight of the theatergoer.
If I come across anything definitive on the 601 address, I will let you know. I may have access to the LAT archives soon, as opposed to just the free stuff.
Thanks, Joe. The full article about the razing of the old Burbank theater in 1920 confirms that the earlier building was demolished and the new Burbank built in its place. The history above suggests a remodel of the 19th century building, which does not appear to be the case.
Vokoban, I have my LAPL card. I’m at the Central Library right now. I would appreciate the information we discussed if you could e-mail it to me at Thanks.
The address was 518 S. Main.
A December 1915 article in the LA Times discusses the imminent opening of a new motion picture theater on the east side of Main between Fifth and Sixth. It was to be called the Sherman Theater after General Moses Sherman. It may never have been built, or it may be here under another name. It’s not the Burbank as that was already open in 1915. Do we have any other theaters on the east side of the block between Fifth and Sixth?
His name was the first strike (from the LA Times, 11/30/29):
Walter H. Tinklepaugh was named yesterday in a complaint charging robbery of the Golden Gate theater at Whittier and Atlantic Boulevards. Mr. Tinklepaugh was identified by Helen Weddle, cahier, as the man who robbed her on September 3 and 11th inst., of $102 ad $23, respectively.
Here are some photos of the Paramount and Majestic. Addresses are 26 and 28 College, so I think they are different theaters:
http://tinyurl.com/2oylsm
http://tinyurl.com/2e7yrf
http://tinyurl.com/2nagfw
Here is another photo:
http://tinyurl.com/25e373
Here is another photo:
http://tinyurl.com/2wqnd2
No, it looked like they were pulling everything from the interior. I don’t get to that neighborhood much, so I don’t know what’s been done since October.
Here is a photo circa late 70s:
http://tinyurl.com/32muer
Here are some photos:
http://tinyurl.com/ynqeoa
http://tinyurl.com/2p9dyg
Here are a couple of photos:
http://tinyurl.com/3aog58
http://tinyurl.com/yw2wo7
There is a town in Pennsylvania called Bryn Mawr. I think the etymology is Welsh. I’m curious to know if this is some variation or totally unrelated.
Here is an undated photo. Note the law office directly above the theater. I hope they got a break on the rent:
http://tinyurl.com/yv9z43
The theater was donated to the church for $100 in 2000 by John Loeks, owner of Jack Loeks Theaters, according to the church website:
http://tinyurl.com/3y8o9l
Demolished in December 1983. There is a photo on this page:
http://tinyurl.com/2lo7ft
Demolition was in July 2003, according to the Cincinnati Post:
Demolition should be completed by Friday on a former Over-the-Rhine movie theater that made headlines this year when a developer who had promised to renovate it skipped town after receiving a city loan.
The city hired a Green Township contractor this week to raze the Empire Theatre in the 1500 block of Vine Street after heavy rains over the weekend collapsed the roof of the 94-year-old structure.
“I would hope by Friday we’re hauling debris out,” said Tom McAlpin of Allgeier & Son Inc., the company demolishing the old theater.
It is definitely possible. My mistake.
From the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, 1/25/02:
Regal Cinemas to Close Theater in Fort Wayne, Ind.
The ax is about to fall on Regal Cinemas' largest Fort Wayne movie complex, Coventry 13 theaters.
The theaters near the Village at Coventry “will close on Feb. 7, unless they change their minds,” said Arthur Spirou, president and co- owner of Mallers-Spirou Enterprises, which leases the theaters to Regal.
Mallers-Spirou also leases Holiday 6 theaters near Northcrest Shopping Center to Regal, but that business “stays in place, as far as I know.”
How do you carry away a safe? Wouldn’t that be kind of obvious? This is from the LA Times, dated 10/24/22:
THEATER SAFE CARRIED AWAY
Daring Long Beach Theft Brings Arrests
Former Policeman Accused of Complicity
One of Trio Confesses, Say Officials
LONG BEACH, Oct. 23.—A former Long Beach police officer and two companions are being held by local police today following the looting of the box office of the Laughlin Theater early this morning and the carrying off of a safe containing nearly $1000.
Here’s that pesky Miller guy again. This is from the LA Times, dated 11/8/15:
The Alhambra Theater has been leased by the owners of Miller’s Theater and will be known in the future as Miller’s Hill Street Theater. It opened yesterday with the Fox production of “Sin.”
Comfy chairs at the Warner:
http://jpg2.lapl.org/theater3/00015750.jpg
From the LA Times, 5/16/24:
FORUM’S OPENING BRILLIANT
Carnival Spirit Prevails at New Theater as Stars and Social Leaders See “America”
FORUM MECCA IN FILM DEBUT
Another magnificent climax in bright light history of Los Angeles was attained last night. Far from the usual haunts of the playgoers, the Forum Theater, one of the most unusual of pioneering projects in construction and location, flung open its portals, and Pico and Norton streets, where the house is located, became a dazzling, glittering blazing focal point of interest.
From the LA Times, 4/22/28:
NEW WARNER, BROTHERS' THEATER READY TO OPEN DOORS TO THE PUBLIC
Brilliant Premiere of “Glorious Betsy” Will Inaugurate Distinguished Addition to Hollywood White Way
Sea blue—terra cotta—gold—a triune harmony of color. Warner Brothers Theater—a picture house of distinction, and elaborate simplicity. This new home of motion pictures, located at Hollywood Boulevard and Wilcox avenue, will open Thursday evening, and from all indices of popular opinion will be the delight of the theatergoer.
If I come across anything definitive on the 601 address, I will let you know. I may have access to the LAT archives soon, as opposed to just the free stuff.