After viewing President Gerald R. Ford’s State Funeral and the funeral in his hometown I decided to see what theatres were and still are in Grand Rapids. This one and the Wealthy Theatre are very nice.
Your barber/Mayor Tullio story was quite interesting to read! I’m pleased that you decided to post it on CT. So I guess many thanks also should go to that infamous Erie barber, too! And going back to the Coat of Arms…I feel the reason that Cass couldn’t confirm nor deny the existence of a Coat of Arms is that her book dealt with the family history and not so much the theatres with her famous family name, Warner. I’m just glad that during her last visit to New Castle PA I told her about the Warner in Youngstown and the Warner in Erie. She and her secretary toured both of them and I feel that I was at least partially responsible for them going to Youngstown and to Erie that weekend last April to see these important Warner theatres. The Warner in Erie was special as it still bears the name Warner, thank goodness.
And please let me know if you come across anything in your Warner Theatre and Warner history, in general, research a Warner Coat of Arms. I was told by a theatre owner/manager that there was such a thing and that it was in certain Warner theatres perhaps above the proscenium though when I asked Cass Warner Sperling about this, she could not confirm nor deny.
Sorry for the typo error as I try to be accurate in my spelling before I submit my posts so should use the preview feature more often I guess. It should read….“interested in purchasing a copy of the Warner Theatre book and its rich history”.
That is wonderful news so keep CT informed of your progress. Do give me a call this summer if you still have my phone number as I’ll certainly be interested in purchasing a coy of the Warner Theatre book and its rich history. Thank goodness this Warner was spared the wrecking ball and we have that grand lady today on State Street in Erie PA. As I recall the late Mayor Tullio was instrumental in making sure the Warner wasn’t demolished. Thank you Mayor.
And last Spring I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Cass Warner Sperling, granddaughter of Harry Warner. She was in New Castle PA for the annual Harry Warner Silent Film Festival.
Warner Lady: Happy New Year to you and yours. Yes, I recall the tour you gave me and will always appreciate your kind gesture. Last summer I toured the former Warner in Youngstown, but was sad to see that the name Warner, marquee, etc. have been changed though tribute to the Warner Brothers is located in the median outside the front entrance.
Bill Snyder: I certainly have enjoyed looking at the many photos of your beautiful and grand lady, the Tennessee. Thank you for the Cinema Treasures open invitation as I, as a member, hope to take you up on that invite someday.
I was just asked about this theatre by a friend of mine who grew up in NYC and as a teenager went to the Murray the K shows. After viewing the many photos (some of which can’t be viewed though) I am sick that NYC allowed this theatre to be demolished for Consolidated Edison. Shame shame, NYC.
Another theatre in my research connected with the name Dipson. So many former Dipsons have been demolished or closed up to enter the mall cinema scene i.e. Wintergarden Theatre/Jamestown NY.
What a beautiful art deco building and such a shame that the community couldn’t make it work as a liver performance showcase as the exterior is certainly a showcase. The fact that it was operated by the Warner Brothers makes its importance to theatre history very special. Thank goodness that at least the art deco building still stands though not a theatre anymore. I may have to check out this one this summer. And I’m sure the floor was leveled if it is a furniture showroom today.
I hope the citizens of Hillsboro OR can restore this theatre for themselves and for future generations. Best wishes to all who are working towards this goal.
I just saw Dreamgirls with Beyonce and American Idol contestant, Jennifer Hudson who did a wonderful acting and singing job as she is up for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In the movie there is mention of the “Detroit Theatre” when the girls performed in what looked to be an old theatre with box seats, etc. so I wondered if it might be this one as there didn’t seem to be any theatre by that exact name listed elsewhere on CT.
After viewing President Gerald R. Ford’s State Funeral and the funeral in his hometown I decided to see what theatres were and still are in Grand Rapids. This one and the Wealthy Theatre are very nice.
Your barber/Mayor Tullio story was quite interesting to read! I’m pleased that you decided to post it on CT. So I guess many thanks also should go to that infamous Erie barber, too! And going back to the Coat of Arms…I feel the reason that Cass couldn’t confirm nor deny the existence of a Coat of Arms is that her book dealt with the family history and not so much the theatres with her famous family name, Warner. I’m just glad that during her last visit to New Castle PA I told her about the Warner in Youngstown and the Warner in Erie. She and her secretary toured both of them and I feel that I was at least partially responsible for them going to Youngstown and to Erie that weekend last April to see these important Warner theatres. The Warner in Erie was special as it still bears the name Warner, thank goodness.
The existence of a Warner Coat of Arms has eluded me for many years and it would be nice to know the real truth someday.
And please let me know if you come across anything in your Warner Theatre and Warner history, in general, research a Warner Coat of Arms. I was told by a theatre owner/manager that there was such a thing and that it was in certain Warner theatres perhaps above the proscenium though when I asked Cass Warner Sperling about this, she could not confirm nor deny.
Sorry for the typo error as I try to be accurate in my spelling before I submit my posts so should use the preview feature more often I guess. It should read….“interested in purchasing a copy of the Warner Theatre book and its rich history”.
That is wonderful news so keep CT informed of your progress. Do give me a call this summer if you still have my phone number as I’ll certainly be interested in purchasing a coy of the Warner Theatre book and its rich history. Thank goodness this Warner was spared the wrecking ball and we have that grand lady today on State Street in Erie PA. As I recall the late Mayor Tullio was instrumental in making sure the Warner wasn’t demolished. Thank you Mayor.
And last Spring I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Cass Warner Sperling, granddaughter of Harry Warner. She was in New Castle PA for the annual Harry Warner Silent Film Festival.
http://academics.sru.edu/warner/index.htm
When touring the Warner in Erie I so recall the Rapp and Rapp quote located in or near the manager’s office just off the lobby area.
Warner Lady: Happy New Year to you and yours. Yes, I recall the tour you gave me and will always appreciate your kind gesture. Last summer I toured the former Warner in Youngstown, but was sad to see that the name Warner, marquee, etc. have been changed though tribute to the Warner Brothers is located in the median outside the front entrance.
This theatre is truly a special atmospheric and is truly Rockford’s gem.
I was in Rockford Illinois many years ago, but didn’t know of this theatre as I didn’t have the old theatre ‘bug’ then, unfortunately.
I also have a friend who lives near Oil City who will be going to check out this former theatre for me.
I found it under mystery theatres. Thanks as it’s a great b/w photo with credit given to the person who identified the theatre.
tntim or Bill Snyder: Is there any way that one can purchase a video of the December 16th “Christmas at the Tennessee?
Bill Snyder: I certainly have enjoyed looking at the many photos of your beautiful and grand lady, the Tennessee. Thank you for the Cinema Treasures open invitation as I, as a member, hope to take you up on that invite someday.
I can’t seem to find the THSA vintage photo of the Latonia. Please advise. Thanks.
THIS post is “music to my ears”! I would love to think that the State could and would be renovated/restored! Good luck and keep us posted!
Thanks for at least this fabulous theatre has been preserved via photos though just not the same as having it with us today.
I was just asked about this theatre by a friend of mine who grew up in NYC and as a teenager went to the Murray the K shows. After viewing the many photos (some of which can’t be viewed though) I am sick that NYC allowed this theatre to be demolished for Consolidated Edison. Shame shame, NYC.
Another theatre in my research connected with the name Dipson. So many former Dipsons have been demolished or closed up to enter the mall cinema scene i.e. Wintergarden Theatre/Jamestown NY.
What a beautiful art deco building and such a shame that the community couldn’t make it work as a liver performance showcase as the exterior is certainly a showcase. The fact that it was operated by the Warner Brothers makes its importance to theatre history very special. Thank goodness that at least the art deco building still stands though not a theatre anymore. I may have to check out this one this summer. And I’m sure the floor was leveled if it is a furniture showroom today.
I hope the citizens of Hillsboro OR can restore this theatre for themselves and for future generations. Best wishes to all who are working towards this goal.
I have the CT book which, btw, is wonderful so will check out the page or pages on the Isis. Thanks.
I just saw Dreamgirls with Beyonce and American Idol contestant, Jennifer Hudson who did a wonderful acting and singing job as she is up for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In the movie there is mention of the “Detroit Theatre” when the girls performed in what looked to be an old theatre with box seats, etc. so I wondered if it might be this one as there didn’t seem to be any theatre by that exact name listed elsewhere on CT.
I see that a few of these photos were posted earlier on this link so that is where I saw them. Thanks again.