“….an organist at the console of the Paramount Nashville Wurlitzer….” These few words are nice to read and do so wish the theatre, an organist and that Wurlitzer were still in existence in that theatre in TN!
photographz: Yes, this is very true, but that didn’t happen and it is still around for us and future generations to enjoy. If you haven’t attended one of their organ recitals held each month, please treat yourself to a wonderful evening at the beautiful Riviera! One of the most special and visual aspects are the interior stained glass doors leading into the lobby with the letter R in the center of each door.
I know a man by the name of Mike Yeager who owns Mid-America Enterprises. He should be contacted by someone in Effingham about purchasing this theatre in conjunction with his Corvette business. During his Fun Fest weekend over Labor Day weekend he could run the Corvette themed movie, Corvette Summer with Annie Potts. I don’t want to read that this hometown art deco theatre was demolished because nobody cared or took the time to find a possible buyer! Mike Yeager is that possible buyer and lives in the community!
photographz: Thanks for the photosgraphs and if you have other theatre related photos as they become available, please post on their respective sites. I’m from that part of the world and could give other photo suggestions for your portfolio. I can be reached via email at
Thoms2: Interesting to read in your Dec. 6 2007 post that Statesville had a Woolworth’s as so many towns did years ago. Perhaps “JFP in NC” can give us the name of that other theatre “on S. Central between E. Broad and E. Front”.
Yes, the Playhouse photos are very interesting and to think that Statesville demolished that building for a bank that ended up being abandoned is totally beyond words!
It’s been awhile since I visited this theatre link, but I am reminded of the wrong that was done to THIS beautiful art deco theatre in 1975. The folks of Phoenix should hang their hands in shame for destroying this Fox!
Joe L: This theatre is one of the special ones in the country and in western NYS. Thanks for the webcam provided by Taste on Main Street USA. In August (the last Sunday) you can now look at that webcam and see the Toy Fest classic car show!!
bbtommix: While in Pasadena make sure you tour the Gamble House located at 4 Westmoreland Place if you are into architectural design besides theatres. http://www.gamblehouse.org/
bbtommix: While in Pasadena make sure you tour the Gamble House located at 4 Westmoreland Place if you are into architectural design besides theatres. http://www.gamblehouse.org/
Great to read that “the chandelier lit up for the first time in decades.” Congratulations and I hope to make a trip to Oil City this summer to witness your continued progress!
Why don’t they broadcast the Oscars from a Shrine Auditorium or a Dorothy Chandler Pavilion anymore? Are these locations still standing and used in LA?
Ron: Thanks. And could you possibly tell me about the lavish brownstones along Commonwealth Avenue as my former junior college, Chamberlayne Junior College and dormitory was at 128 and immediate area/numbers. According to the internet a beautiful home is at 128 and on the market at $11K. I tried googling my alma mater and it goes to a college site in Newton Center MA. http://www.mountida.edu/
Justin: Yes, “one of the best kept secrets on the web”! And us, CT members have always known that “our” site was one of the “best bets on the web”.
“….an organist at the console of the Paramount Nashville Wurlitzer….” These few words are nice to read and do so wish the theatre, an organist and that Wurlitzer were still in existence in that theatre in TN!
photographz: Yes, this is very true, but that didn’t happen and it is still around for us and future generations to enjoy. If you haven’t attended one of their organ recitals held each month, please treat yourself to a wonderful evening at the beautiful Riviera! One of the most special and visual aspects are the interior stained glass doors leading into the lobby with the letter R in the center of each door.
I know a man by the name of Mike Yeager who owns Mid-America Enterprises. He should be contacted by someone in Effingham about purchasing this theatre in conjunction with his Corvette business. During his Fun Fest weekend over Labor Day weekend he could run the Corvette themed movie, Corvette Summer with Annie Potts. I don’t want to read that this hometown art deco theatre was demolished because nobody cared or took the time to find a possible buyer! Mike Yeager is that possible buyer and lives in the community!
photographz: There is a drive-in located in Corry PA that is still operational and very original!
photographz: I responded to you on the Grandview link to your photos so if you wish to contact me my email is
photographz: Thanks for the photosgraphs and if you have other theatre related photos as they become available, please post on their respective sites. I’m from that part of the world and could give other photo suggestions for your portfolio. I can be reached via email at
And it has some historically beautiful homes. One of them was on a recent holiday house tour.
Thoms2: Interesting to read in your Dec. 6 2007 post that Statesville had a Woolworth’s as so many towns did years ago. Perhaps “JFP in NC” can give us the name of that other theatre “on S. Central between E. Broad and E. Front”.
Any additional interior photos of the Playhouse Theatre?
Yes, the Playhouse photos are very interesting and to think that Statesville demolished that building for a bank that ended up being abandoned is totally beyond words!
Any photos of this theatre? And when was it twinned?
It’s been awhile since I visited this theatre link, but I am reminded of the wrong that was done to THIS beautiful art deco theatre in 1975. The folks of Phoenix should hang their hands in shame for destroying this Fox!
I would love to see a photo of this theatre when it opened in 1924. Interior photos of when it had a Wurlitzer would be special to view, too.
Joe L: This theatre is one of the special ones in the country and in western NYS. Thanks for the webcam provided by Taste on Main Street USA. In August (the last Sunday) you can now look at that webcam and see the Toy Fest classic car show!!
bbtommix: While in Pasadena make sure you tour the Gamble House located at 4 Westmoreland Place if you are into architectural design besides theatres. http://www.gamblehouse.org/
bbtommix: While in Pasadena make sure you tour the Gamble House located at 4 Westmoreland Place if you are into architectural design besides theatres. http://www.gamblehouse.org/
Any interior photos of this theatre?
Howard: Thanks for the clarification and the Oz Fun Facts.
Paul: Your March 10, 2005 post is most interesting in regards to the real first premiere was held for The Wizard of Oz due to Miss Margaret Hamilton.
Great to read that “the chandelier lit up for the first time in decades.” Congratulations and I hope to make a trip to Oil City this summer to witness your continued progress!
Why don’t they broadcast the Oscars from a Shrine Auditorium or a Dorothy Chandler Pavilion anymore? Are these locations still standing and used in LA?
It was $11 million which amazes me as I recall 128 being where the Chamberlayne Junior College President had his office.
Ron: Thanks so much as I will now email Mount Ida.
Ron: Thanks. And could you possibly tell me about the lavish brownstones along Commonwealth Avenue as my former junior college, Chamberlayne Junior College and dormitory was at 128 and immediate area/numbers. According to the internet a beautiful home is at 128 and on the market at $11K. I tried googling my alma mater and it goes to a college site in Newton Center MA. http://www.mountida.edu/