The Capitol Theatre, Milton, PA basic info has been submitted. Should be available soon.
Cinema Treasures is not currently accepting new photos. As soon as they get the new format up and running, I’ll be adding pictures and info on at least 6 theatres including the Cinema 5.State College.
Check out the Sheridan Square in Pittsburgh. I posted some info about the Variety Club which started there while showing WINGS.
I have several pictures and news clippomgs, including the original 1967 opening. I shall try to post them in a day or so. A 40 year reunion of former “Cinema Staff and Management” would be a great thing if it could be pulled off.
Yes indeed! I was 14 when I started my first job as an usher at the New Castle Victor theatre. Now at 64 I have very fond memories of conversations with projectionists, stage hands and managers in and about the Pittsburgh area. When many of us were in our teens and twenties, these dedicated people where in their fifties and sixties. Nothing was better than sharing a coffee or a beer with one of these people. Their stories of people and events from the early days of theatrical entertainment. It was a right of passage for those of us you still believed in the magic and future of “the business.â€
One of my favorite pieces of advice, when I was an Assistant Manager, was from an old projectionist who lectured me in the art of showmanship. He said: …â€remember kid, if you don’t want people to think this is second class grind house, ALWAYS close the curtain and bring up the footlights between the trailers and feature.â€
When people remember these picture palaces, it’s a shame that the dedicated managers, projectionists and other career folks often get forgotten and unmentioned. Big chains and moneyed people may have built most of the theatres we have all loved; but it was, indeed, the staff and management that brought the magic to life every day.
I will be adding the Capitol, Milton, in a few days, including photos. It was located on Broadway. About a year after I sold it, it burned to the ground. I think a park is on the former Capitol sight.
State College, PA is one of the best places to live in the east. I spent many happy years in “Happy Valley†operating theatres in Central PA. Hearing of the closing of the Cinema 6 is like hearing of the passing of an old friend.
When the “Cinemas†opened in the late 60’s, State College became a six screen town plus an additional pair of drive-in screens, Starlight D/I and Temple D/I. The indoor venues included the venerable Cathaum, State, Nittnay/Garden, and Twelvetrees/Flick. The Cinema One and Two was the first twin theatre to be built as a true multiplex in PA. It was originally design to be a “roadshow†theatre and a conventional screen with an opera drape type front curtain. Cinema one seated 1100 and Cinema Two accommodated 500. John “Jack Hogan and Merle Baker were the two main projectionist from the opening until Mr. Hogan unexpectedly died a couple years ago. Both auditoriums used shag carpeting for wall coverings and sound dampening. Cinema one had a few “lovers’ seats†which were big enough for two people to share.
Cinema 1 and 2 was originally supposed to be a Stanley Warner house; but was actually opened by Associated (Stern) Theatres of Pittsburgh. I took over management of the Cinemas and Flick in 1969 while supervising three theatres in Altoona and the first theatre I owned in Milton, PA.
A dozen people were trained at the Cinemas to become managers of Associated Theatres in the Pittsburgh. Others started their career at the Cinemas and went on to become manager/operators and union stage workers.
The Cinemas were noted for “old school†showmanship and promotions. One of my favorites was the “Diamonds Are Forever†release. Patrons were greeted by 007 music under the marquee and special marquee art work. A beautiful young lady in seductive “Bond-girl†attire greeted all patrons while a seemingly armed guard stood watch over a display of what was advertised as the “Worlds Largest Gems.†Lucky popcorn boxes contained coupons for small prizes. One box contained a real 1 ½ carat diamond! Yep, those were the days…for me at least.
More about State College theatres at another time.
I’m sorry to report that this little gem of a theatre of many names (Dome in the silent era, Paramount in the 40s, Vogue in the 50’s, New Vogue in the 60’s and Cinema in the 70’s and 80’s) was demolished, with little fanfare, last month, August, 2007. The building was nearly 100 years old.
Variety, the Children’s Charity was founded in Pittsburgh on October 10, 1927 when a group of eleven men involved in show business (mostly theatre managers) set up a social club which they named the “Variety Club”. No matter what chain or owner a manager might be affiliated with, it was very common in Pittsburgh, and other places I’m sure, to get together for late night refreshment and gab sessions after the theatre closed. This tradition lasted well into the 60’s when I was a Pittsburgh area manager with Associated Theatres.
As the story was handed down from manager to manafer over the years, Christmas Eve 1928, a small baby was left on a seat of the Sheridan Square theatre, showing WINGS with Lew Ayers, with a note reading:
“Please take care of my baby. Her name is Catherine. I can no longer take care of her. I have eight others. My husband is out of work. She was born on Thanksgiving Day. I have always heard of the goodness of showbusiness people and pray to God that you will look after her. Signed, a heartbroken mother."
Since efforts to trace the mother failed, the members of the Variety Club undertook to fund the child’s living expenses and education. Later the club decided to raise funds for other disadvantaged children.
To date the organization has grown to include chapters (or "tents” as they are termed by the organization) in 13 countries worldwide. Pittsburgh is known as “Tent One.†It was an honour to be a member of this great fraternity of theatrical managers!
I was in the Sheridan Square twice. By the late 60’s the bloom was off the rose, so to speak, at this very large and ornate theatre. Like the Fulton, Stanley, Penn, Warner, McKeesport Memoria; and others, the Sheridan Square was one of the grandest theatres of it’s time. A tragedy to have been permitted to fade and die.
By the way, Catherine grew up to be a well educated, successful woman.
Jack Oberleitner
BTW, as mentioned in various places, New Castle PA has a strong theatre and cinema history. While there have been ongoing attempts to recognize New Castle as the home of the Warner Brothers. There IS a display of sorts marking the original location of the first Warner theatre. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a “mini-cinema†at that site exhibiting free or low cost vintage pictures and a pictorial history of both the Warner Family and theatres as well as the theatrical history of New Castle? Could be a tourist stop…who knows.
Also, would anyone be interested in knowing why the theatre honoring there hometown was built in nearby Youngstown, Ohio instead of New Castle?
Originally, there were two theatres on Long Avenue in New Castle, The Baltimore Strand and Baltimore State. They were so named because they were built and originally operated by the Baltimore Family. The Strand was an early nickelodeon and never made the transition to “talkies.†The State; however, has survived almost 9 decades and a multitude of owners to, surprisingly, be the last operating theatre from “the good old days. The New Castle Playhouse, with which I was briefly associated in the late 50’s and early 60’s at the Crescent Theatre location, has done a wonderful job of preserving and renovating the theatre and an adjacent second auditorium for theatrical productions.
I happened to be in New Castle this past weekend and had the pleasure of seeing Man Of La Mancha at the Playhouse. Excellently staged with near flameless acting. People interested in preserving classic theatres in other communities would be well advised to look at what the New Castle Playhouse has accomplished at the site of the old State Theatre.
The Capitol Theatre, Milton, PA basic info has been submitted. Should be available soon.
Cinema Treasures is not currently accepting new photos. As soon as they get the new format up and running, I’ll be adding pictures and info on at least 6 theatres including the Cinema 5.State College.
Check out the Sheridan Square in Pittsburgh. I posted some info about the Variety Club which started there while showing WINGS.
CINEMA 2/5
State College, PA
First true multiplex in the USA
First automated projection on East Coast.
20 October 1967 – 20 December 2007
R. I. P.
Jarryd (and others)
I have several pictures and news clippomgs, including the original 1967 opening. I shall try to post them in a day or so. A 40 year reunion of former “Cinema Staff and Management” would be a great thing if it could be pulled off.
Jack
Yes indeed! I was 14 when I started my first job as an usher at the New Castle Victor theatre. Now at 64 I have very fond memories of conversations with projectionists, stage hands and managers in and about the Pittsburgh area. When many of us were in our teens and twenties, these dedicated people where in their fifties and sixties. Nothing was better than sharing a coffee or a beer with one of these people. Their stories of people and events from the early days of theatrical entertainment. It was a right of passage for those of us you still believed in the magic and future of “the business.â€
One of my favorite pieces of advice, when I was an Assistant Manager, was from an old projectionist who lectured me in the art of showmanship. He said: …â€remember kid, if you don’t want people to think this is second class grind house, ALWAYS close the curtain and bring up the footlights between the trailers and feature.â€
When people remember these picture palaces, it’s a shame that the dedicated managers, projectionists and other career folks often get forgotten and unmentioned. Big chains and moneyed people may have built most of the theatres we have all loved; but it was, indeed, the staff and management that brought the magic to life every day.
Never stop believing.
I will be adding the Capitol, Milton, in a few days, including photos. It was located on Broadway. About a year after I sold it, it burned to the ground. I think a park is on the former Capitol sight.
Ralph Pilo was the original manager at the Cinema One and Two.
State College, PA is one of the best places to live in the east. I spent many happy years in “Happy Valley†operating theatres in Central PA. Hearing of the closing of the Cinema 6 is like hearing of the passing of an old friend.
When the “Cinemas†opened in the late 60’s, State College became a six screen town plus an additional pair of drive-in screens, Starlight D/I and Temple D/I. The indoor venues included the venerable Cathaum, State, Nittnay/Garden, and Twelvetrees/Flick. The Cinema One and Two was the first twin theatre to be built as a true multiplex in PA. It was originally design to be a “roadshow†theatre and a conventional screen with an opera drape type front curtain. Cinema one seated 1100 and Cinema Two accommodated 500. John “Jack Hogan and Merle Baker were the two main projectionist from the opening until Mr. Hogan unexpectedly died a couple years ago. Both auditoriums used shag carpeting for wall coverings and sound dampening. Cinema one had a few “lovers’ seats†which were big enough for two people to share.
Cinema 1 and 2 was originally supposed to be a Stanley Warner house; but was actually opened by Associated (Stern) Theatres of Pittsburgh. I took over management of the Cinemas and Flick in 1969 while supervising three theatres in Altoona and the first theatre I owned in Milton, PA.
A dozen people were trained at the Cinemas to become managers of Associated Theatres in the Pittsburgh. Others started their career at the Cinemas and went on to become manager/operators and union stage workers.
The Cinemas were noted for “old school†showmanship and promotions. One of my favorites was the “Diamonds Are Forever†release. Patrons were greeted by 007 music under the marquee and special marquee art work. A beautiful young lady in seductive “Bond-girl†attire greeted all patrons while a seemingly armed guard stood watch over a display of what was advertised as the “Worlds Largest Gems.†Lucky popcorn boxes contained coupons for small prizes. One box contained a real 1 ½ carat diamond! Yep, those were the days…for me at least.
More about State College theatres at another time.
Jack Oberleitner
I’m sorry to report that this little gem of a theatre of many names (Dome in the silent era, Paramount in the 40s, Vogue in the 50’s, New Vogue in the 60’s and Cinema in the 70’s and 80’s) was demolished, with little fanfare, last month, August, 2007. The building was nearly 100 years old.
Variety, the Children’s Charity was founded in Pittsburgh on October 10, 1927 when a group of eleven men involved in show business (mostly theatre managers) set up a social club which they named the “Variety Club”. No matter what chain or owner a manager might be affiliated with, it was very common in Pittsburgh, and other places I’m sure, to get together for late night refreshment and gab sessions after the theatre closed. This tradition lasted well into the 60’s when I was a Pittsburgh area manager with Associated Theatres.
As the story was handed down from manager to manafer over the years, Christmas Eve 1928, a small baby was left on a seat of the Sheridan Square theatre, showing WINGS with Lew Ayers, with a note reading:
“Please take care of my baby. Her name is Catherine. I can no longer take care of her. I have eight others. My husband is out of work. She was born on Thanksgiving Day. I have always heard of the goodness of showbusiness people and pray to God that you will look after her. Signed, a heartbroken mother."
Since efforts to trace the mother failed, the members of the Variety Club undertook to fund the child’s living expenses and education. Later the club decided to raise funds for other disadvantaged children.
To date the organization has grown to include chapters (or "tents” as they are termed by the organization) in 13 countries worldwide. Pittsburgh is known as “Tent One.†It was an honour to be a member of this great fraternity of theatrical managers!
I was in the Sheridan Square twice. By the late 60’s the bloom was off the rose, so to speak, at this very large and ornate theatre. Like the Fulton, Stanley, Penn, Warner, McKeesport Memoria; and others, the Sheridan Square was one of the grandest theatres of it’s time. A tragedy to have been permitted to fade and die.
By the way, Catherine grew up to be a well educated, successful woman.
Jack Oberleitner
BTW, as mentioned in various places, New Castle PA has a strong theatre and cinema history. While there have been ongoing attempts to recognize New Castle as the home of the Warner Brothers. There IS a display of sorts marking the original location of the first Warner theatre. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a “mini-cinema†at that site exhibiting free or low cost vintage pictures and a pictorial history of both the Warner Family and theatres as well as the theatrical history of New Castle? Could be a tourist stop…who knows.
Also, would anyone be interested in knowing why the theatre honoring there hometown was built in nearby Youngstown, Ohio instead of New Castle?
Originally, there were two theatres on Long Avenue in New Castle, The Baltimore Strand and Baltimore State. They were so named because they were built and originally operated by the Baltimore Family. The Strand was an early nickelodeon and never made the transition to “talkies.†The State; however, has survived almost 9 decades and a multitude of owners to, surprisingly, be the last operating theatre from “the good old days. The New Castle Playhouse, with which I was briefly associated in the late 50’s and early 60’s at the Crescent Theatre location, has done a wonderful job of preserving and renovating the theatre and an adjacent second auditorium for theatrical productions.
I happened to be in New Castle this past weekend and had the pleasure of seeing Man Of La Mancha at the Playhouse. Excellently staged with near flameless acting. People interested in preserving classic theatres in other communities would be well advised to look at what the New Castle Playhouse has accomplished at the site of the old State Theatre.