Throughout its life, the Laurel was owned by: Mary Ernst, William Prutzman, George W. Bennethum, Al. H. Werner, and then eventually the Franklin Theatre Company. I may have missed one, though I believe that may be all. The Laurel would be known as the Palm and eventually the Rivoli.
Also, published in this same article, the location is described as “located on North Eleventh street beyond Buttonwood” This implies the location was not at 1108 Buttonwood, making 403-5 North 11th Street far more likely.
It also seems the Franklin Theatre Company controlled the Laurel for a time. A repair permit for “repairs to front of building” at 540-42 Laurel Street to Franklin Theatre Company was published in the May 5, 1928 issue of the Reading Eagle.
An article regarding the Franklin Circuit takeover from June 27, 1926 notes “The Queen Theatre was built and formerly operated by Walter C. Kantner, who is now devoting his entire time to a radio agency.”
It seems Kagen’s had their listed address as 641 Penn Street from a 1930s ad (available on eBay right now) which now seems to be walking space between buildings.
Joe, you would be correct in believing the auditorium is the eastern section. This is confirmed by a Patriot article from November 5, 1936. I will attach it, though the quality is certainly not fantastic.
The predecessor to Reading’s frequently referenced new Bijou.
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing this, DouglasM.
Joe, The Old Bijou was damaged in a fire along with the Keystone Hall on the morning of Thursday, April 19, 1900.
Throughout its life, the Laurel was owned by: Mary Ernst, William Prutzman, George W. Bennethum, Al. H. Werner, and then eventually the Franklin Theatre Company. I may have missed one, though I believe that may be all. The Laurel would be known as the Palm and eventually the Rivoli.
The Queen Theatre reopened after renovation under Franklin Theatre Company on August 14, 1926 showing “The Sea Beast” with John Barrymore.
Also, published in this same article, the location is described as “located on North Eleventh street beyond Buttonwood” This implies the location was not at 1108 Buttonwood, making 403-5 North 11th Street far more likely.
It also seems the Franklin Theatre Company controlled the Laurel for a time. A repair permit for “repairs to front of building” at 540-42 Laurel Street to Franklin Theatre Company was published in the May 5, 1928 issue of the Reading Eagle.
The Capitol Theatre and adjoining properties were razed beginning in January 1975, continuing through February. The rear was razed first.
An article regarding the Franklin Circuit takeover from June 27, 1926 notes “The Queen Theatre was built and formerly operated by Walter C. Kantner, who is now devoting his entire time to a radio agency.”
It seems Kagen’s had their listed address as 641 Penn Street from a 1930s ad (available on eBay right now) which now seems to be walking space between buildings.
Douglas, I would love if you could post a photo of the organ some day.
Joe, you would be correct in believing the auditorium is the eastern section. This is confirmed by a Patriot article from November 5, 1936. I will attach it, though the quality is certainly not fantastic.