Lost Memory: Thanks for posting the Star Beacon article which mentions the name of the City Manager, Anthony Cantagallo. I have written the journalist, Shelley Terry, who wrote the article to acquire Mr. Cantagallo’s email to show my support of returning the Senior Center into the Shea’s Theatre, again! When I get that email I will post it here for others to hopefully show their support, too! Through the CT membership we can and often times do make a difference!
I truly hope that the Senior Center moves and the building returns to a theater again! That would be a great idea though costly, I’m sure since the theatre floor space would have been leveled.
It’s a shame to read that this theatre is no more. I found out about this theatre while researching the Town of Alhambra and the Pyrenees Castle which is owned by legendary music producer, Phil Spector who is on trial for murder in an LA courthouse on Court TV. Read there was a Temple Theatre, too.
If anyone can provide more information about this theatre, it would be much appreciated. When this theatre closed in the mid 1980’s it set empty and neglected which was a shame as the original auditorium could have been saved before the elements got to it. When a roof starts leaking then it’s a downhill slide for any future renovation/restoration. The good news is that the building was NOT torn down to make room for a PARKING LOT!
I wonder what happened to the Link organ? I recently met Matt’s father in the lobby during teen night and he showed me many photos of what the theatre looked like in the 20’s and the work his son and wife had to do to restore the roof and lobby ceiling. I still hope to get a tour and see the auditorium though a “room within a room” was built in the auditorium space. If I could get to, at least, see one of the wall cameos depicted in the auditorium photo posted by Bryan Krefft on October 20, 2005 that would be wonderful.
Congratulations and best wishes in your efforts. If I lived closer, I’d come and help though I have contacted someone I know in the Oil City area who might be interested as her family has theatre ownership history in western NYS.
sam_e: Oh, forgive me I was typing so fast I forgot to type the all important word….NORTH Tonawanda and I knew better as I’ve been to the Riviera Theatre in NORTH Tonawanda many times for their weekly Wurlitzer organ recitals. I believe that one in that theatre was used as the Wurlitzer demo when letting customers hear one of their mighty organs.
The art deco exterior is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Another building in many towns and cities across the country that were art deco in exterior design were the former Kress stores. Did Oil City have one? If the building still stands, you can tell by looking up and seeing the word, KRESS somewhere. If you go to www.roadsidearchitecture.com you can find a site that features former Kress buildings and many other interesting roadside architecture.
I’ve never made it to this former theatre, but will try this summer and report back here.
ken mc: Interesting b/w photo…wonder if the windmill is still there?
Lost Memory: Thanks for posting the Star Beacon article which mentions the name of the City Manager, Anthony Cantagallo. I have written the journalist, Shelley Terry, who wrote the article to acquire Mr. Cantagallo’s email to show my support of returning the Senior Center into the Shea’s Theatre, again! When I get that email I will post it here for others to hopefully show their support, too! Through the CT membership we can and often times do make a difference!
I truly hope that the Senior Center moves and the building returns to a theater again! That would be a great idea though costly, I’m sure since the theatre floor space would have been leveled.
I visited the Senior Citizen website posted on April, but no photo.
Did this theatre ever have a marquee? Would love to see interior photos, too.
Joe: Thanks for the information on the Garfield/DuPuy castle connection. View link
It doesn’t look like CT has the Temple in Alhambra listed. Cinema Tour says it is closed so the town had 2 former theatres and one famous castle!
It’s a shame to read that this theatre is no more. I found out about this theatre while researching the Town of Alhambra and the Pyrenees Castle which is owned by legendary music producer, Phil Spector who is on trial for murder in an LA courthouse on Court TV. Read there was a Temple Theatre, too.
Linda: I hope to join you on May 19th! If others are in the Oil City area and are reading this…come join the effort!
If anyone can provide more information about this theatre, it would be much appreciated. When this theatre closed in the mid 1980’s it set empty and neglected which was a shame as the original auditorium could have been saved before the elements got to it. When a roof starts leaking then it’s a downhill slide for any future renovation/restoration. The good news is that the building was NOT torn down to make room for a PARKING LOT!
I wonder what happened to the Link organ? I recently met Matt’s father in the lobby during teen night and he showed me many photos of what the theatre looked like in the 20’s and the work his son and wife had to do to restore the roof and lobby ceiling. I still hope to get a tour and see the auditorium though a “room within a room” was built in the auditorium space. If I could get to, at least, see one of the wall cameos depicted in the auditorium photo posted by Bryan Krefft on October 20, 2005 that would be wonderful.
Would love to see a photo of this former theatre.
Congratulations and best wishes in your efforts. If I lived closer, I’d come and help though I have contacted someone I know in the Oil City area who might be interested as her family has theatre ownership history in western NYS.
“split down the middle”..it happens, but not what I personally want to read.
Irv: When you send me the photos please title the email GARDEN Theatre. Thanks.
Edith: No, I am not from the Coudersport or surrounding area.
Would love to see my current and past photos! Can you help Lost Memory?
Marlene: Thanks for this update!
Edith: So pleased that you found Cinema Treasures as it is a great site for those of us who love the old cinemas. Welcome.
Paul: Could you post the exact site(s) for seeing these above theatres on Google Earth? Especially the former drive-in in Westfield.
Guard: I truly hope it is the latter reason. Keep us posted.
Lost Memory: Thanks for the GREAT photo!
sam_e: Oh, forgive me I was typing so fast I forgot to type the all important word….NORTH Tonawanda and I knew better as I’ve been to the Riviera Theatre in NORTH Tonawanda many times for their weekly Wurlitzer organ recitals. I believe that one in that theatre was used as the Wurlitzer demo when letting customers hear one of their mighty organs.
The art deco exterior is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Another building in many towns and cities across the country that were art deco in exterior design were the former Kress stores. Did Oil City have one? If the building still stands, you can tell by looking up and seeing the word, KRESS somewhere. If you go to www.roadsidearchitecture.com you can find a site that features former Kress buildings and many other interesting roadside architecture.