Correction: I see that it is demolished..had forgotten since not reading about this theatre in awhile. There was a theatre in NF that was being restored by a gentleman so perhaps LOUB can clear this up.
The Melba is not listed on CT, but it is listed on Cinema Tour with no information other than it is supposedly “closed” so hopefully it hasn’t been demolished.
Can anyone tell me whether the Melba Theatre in Birmingham still exists today as I have read that it is “closed” on Cinema Tour and elsewhere that it was demolished? It premiered the movie, To Kill A Mockingbird with Scout (Mary Badlam) and Jem (Philip Alford) as they were both Birmingham residents at the time the movie was filmed in Los Angeles CA.
LM: Great photos! Does make me recall when I went to this theate during my life in the Sunshine State. And I do wonder if the Lyric Theatre Robert-Morton organ was white?
To have an original Eberson/atmospheric still standing in the midst of Flint is more than most communities have in their downtown areas so I vote to have this theatre restored somehow, someway! It can be done with a few good supporters and organizers. And having UM involved is an asset for the good of the cause. We’re not in the age of “urban renewal” anymore, thank goodness, so a renovation focus needs to be on this theatre!
$40 million seemed high to me, too! Though I do hope that through State grants, etc., UM can restore this theatre because…it is what it is…an Eberson/atmospheric and as you say “one of the few remaining in Michigan”.
The April 22, 2006 link doesn’t work anymore so can we confirm that this theatre was demolished? If so, the status needs to be changed from closed to demolished.
SchineHistorian: That’s wonderful….read that bit of information over on the Hamilton Theatre link. I have now sent an email to my neighbor with a marquee photo of the theatre provided on CT.
SchineHistorian: Interesting to read that the Hamilton Theatre in Hamilton NY was purchased by Colgate. I have a neighbor who graduated from that college so will have to ask him about it.
That vertical marquee with the name Don Gibson, in small writing, was not even there so it had been taken down by someone. The only marquee still there was the horizontal marquee with the words..“Now Showing…Patton”. I don’t know when that movie was shown or why it would still be up there on the marquee??
The March 2, 2007 demo photos are beyond words of disappointment!
LOUB: Thank you and yes the man’s name was John McNab.
Correction: I see that it is demolished..had forgotten since not reading about this theatre in awhile. There was a theatre in NF that was being restored by a gentleman so perhaps LOUB can clear this up.
What is the status of this theatre that was being restored by a man who died about a year or so ago?
Lost: Yes, it does and thank you for posting about this theatre which has an important connection to the classic movie, To Kill A Mockingbird.
The Melba is not listed on CT, but it is listed on Cinema Tour with no information other than it is supposedly “closed” so hopefully it hasn’t been demolished.
Can anyone tell me whether the Melba Theatre in Birmingham still exists today as I have read that it is “closed” on Cinema Tour and elsewhere that it was demolished? It premiered the movie, To Kill A Mockingbird with Scout (Mary Badlam) and Jem (Philip Alford) as they were both Birmingham residents at the time the movie was filmed in Los Angeles CA.
Great photo and will forward it to a friend of mine whose daughter will be attending Hope College in Holland MI next Fall.
A friend of mine called me today and told me that she and her husband plus another couple recently took a tour of this small town theatre.
LM: Great photos! Does make me recall when I went to this theate during my life in the Sunshine State. And I do wonder if the Lyric Theatre Robert-Morton organ was white?
In the recent Charlotte Observer (Feb. 13th) there is an article entitled A Gem of a Deal: Free Movies.
View link
FSBO: Yes, truly amazing as I have been to this theatre…saw and heard the famous Rosa Rio play the theatre’s organ prior to Valentine’s Day last year.
Very nice photo. I have friends who live in Normal so I’m sure they can attest to this theatre’s presence in that city.
To have an original Eberson/atmospheric still standing in the midst of Flint is more than most communities have in their downtown areas so I vote to have this theatre restored somehow, someway! It can be done with a few good supporters and organizers. And having UM involved is an asset for the good of the cause. We’re not in the age of “urban renewal” anymore, thank goodness, so a renovation focus needs to be on this theatre!
$40 million seemed high to me, too! Though I do hope that through State grants, etc., UM can restore this theatre because…it is what it is…an Eberson/atmospheric and as you say “one of the few remaining in Michigan”.
The April 22, 2006 link doesn’t work anymore so can we confirm that this theatre was demolished? If so, the status needs to be changed from closed to demolished.
SchineHistorian: That’s wonderful….read that bit of information over on the Hamilton Theatre link. I have now sent an email to my neighbor with a marquee photo of the theatre provided on CT.
My neighbor may have graduated from the Class of 1956 so will have to ask if it was his class who donated the marquee.
LM: Would love to see some interior photos of this theatre!
SchineHistorian: Interesting to read that the Hamilton Theatre in Hamilton NY was purchased by Colgate. I have a neighbor who graduated from that college so will have to ask him about it.
Corrected site for UM article.
View link
Well, thank you from this Patsy! ;)
And it’s an Eberson/atmospheric theatre! A well-worth project!
Glad to read this UM news in regards to the Capitol Theatre!
That vertical marquee with the name Don Gibson, in small writing, was not even there so it had been taken down by someone. The only marquee still there was the horizontal marquee with the words..“Now Showing…Patton”. I don’t know when that movie was shown or why it would still be up there on the marquee??