This is disappointing. I did not have the chance to meet the Hunts. I’ve seen my business steadily increase in this economy. Hopefully, another operator can make a go of it. Always happy to advise!
I looked at the Shore’s page on this site and all of the current interior pictures are gone. I’d guess that the theater is rough inside with all of the comments in the discussion section.
The owner of the place, Horrace Bullard, of fried chicken fame bought alot of property in CI in the 70s. One of which was the famed Thunderbolt rollercoaster. There were several attempts to save that ride and relocate it but there was no interest on Bullard’s part.
Ultimately, the ride was taken by eminent domain and he got paid, what I believe, a nice sum for the beachfront property for a new baseball stadium.
Unfortunately for theater preservationist, Bullard is an investor who is well aware of the value of the real estate – especially now that CI may be entering a new era of development (loss of Astroland being an example). I do not think that any of us can argue that the “highest and best use” generating the highest fiscal return for the real estate is most likely not a theater.
It would take the City of New York to get on board and make this happen to save the Shore. I know nothing about NY politics except what the media tells us. Interested residents MUST stay on top of this review and do everything possible to save the Shore.
A restored Shore could fit in nicely with a revitalized CI. It’s a destination for many. Keep up the pressure before all of CI Historic Buildings are lost!
Yet another reason I have a ZERO tolerance policy on phones and any other personal electronic devices in my theater. The blue light is rude, disruptive, and ignorant to other patrons! First of all, pirating and bootlegging costs everyone money. But above that, IT’S RUDE!
My policy has an added benefit, teen control. Teens by far are the biggest offenders of this. They all know if we see them, they are OUT, no refund, no warning. PERIOD. The result is the most disruptive customers don’t frequent my theater, allowing my target market (adults and families) have a much more enjoyable time at the show. Those who do not want to abide by my policy can go to the multiplex. That’s best for all of us! ;)
Another benefit to a single screen theater, the bathrooms are at the back of the theater, not past 18 shoeboxes and past $12 popcorn!
Basic Entity Information
Entity Type FICTITIOUS NAME
Entity Name ELLIS THEATRE
Entity No. 2189072
Filing Date 08/29/1955 Letter of Consent No
Address UNKNOWN
PHILADELPHIA Pennsylvania USA
County Philadelphia Jurisdiction PA
Purpose –
Limited Authority No
Fictitious Owners
1 ABRAHAM M ELLIS
Instrument History
Doc Type Microfilm# Micro# Start Micro# End Filing Date Comments
Last full renovation was in 1966-7 when most of the original interior was covered with curtains and the lobby was updated with paneling and a drop ceiling. Re-Opened in January 1967 as the Valley Theatre, owner was Jacques H. Kline. Very successful for 20 years as the only theater in an immediate area of about 10,000.
Decline began in late 1980’s as roof began to fail. Closed in March 2004 and sold twice since closure. New owners are restoring and re-opening as second run motion picture venue.
Architect also was the construction manager on all of this projects. He also built the former Lyric Theatre in Quakertown PA (now Dimmig Appliance) and the still operating 1922 Broad Theatre in Souderton PA. Mr. Landes was a lifelong Souderton resident and former burgess of the Borough.
Here is some more history on the Erlen. My dad used to work in North Philly and he took me past the Erlen often. I was never in it however I know it was an Atmospheric Theatre. This info is from the City of Philadelphia:
12/13/84 AM Ellis Theatres sold property to United Gospel Network Corp for $50,000. Ellis Theatres held a mortgage in the amount of $40,000.
2/15/85 The church borrowed an additional $18,000 against the property.
7/18/85 The church borrowed an additional $24,500 against the property. Both 1985 notes were held by a private party.
1995-1996 The property was listed for sale with an asking price of $575,000 and $375,000
2002 – The property was on the market for $250,000
4/1/02 – The property goes to Sheriff Sale for non-payment of taxes. City buys the property for $800. City demolishes the structure as it is beyond repair.
Sorry for being a wart on the finger of failure!
Who in their right mind considers MEGAPLEXES, dvd, VOD, or any other half $ssed Shoe box experience the same as a fully functional Historic Theater?>
Instead of competing with the BlahBlahPlexes operators should focus on the Complete EXPERIENCE….from The Street, to the Exit to the Street….
It’s not hard, it just takes focus!!! (which many lack!)
I personally could care less about digital (along with most of my customers). These computers will be outdated in a few years…then want? More money?
I’ll put my Simplex XL35 up against this any day! Let’s see one of these digital’s going strong after almost 60 years!
I can say that my Christie lamphouse it a workhorse!
This is disappointing. I did not have the chance to meet the Hunts. I’ve seen my business steadily increase in this economy. Hopefully, another operator can make a go of it. Always happy to advise!
I looked at the Shore’s page on this site and all of the current interior pictures are gone. I’d guess that the theater is rough inside with all of the comments in the discussion section.
The owner of the place, Horrace Bullard, of fried chicken fame bought alot of property in CI in the 70s. One of which was the famed Thunderbolt rollercoaster. There were several attempts to save that ride and relocate it but there was no interest on Bullard’s part.
Ultimately, the ride was taken by eminent domain and he got paid, what I believe, a nice sum for the beachfront property for a new baseball stadium.
Unfortunately for theater preservationist, Bullard is an investor who is well aware of the value of the real estate – especially now that CI may be entering a new era of development (loss of Astroland being an example). I do not think that any of us can argue that the “highest and best use” generating the highest fiscal return for the real estate is most likely not a theater.
It would take the City of New York to get on board and make this happen to save the Shore. I know nothing about NY politics except what the media tells us. Interested residents MUST stay on top of this review and do everything possible to save the Shore.
A restored Shore could fit in nicely with a revitalized CI. It’s a destination for many. Keep up the pressure before all of CI Historic Buildings are lost!
Yet another reason I have a ZERO tolerance policy on phones and any other personal electronic devices in my theater. The blue light is rude, disruptive, and ignorant to other patrons! First of all, pirating and bootlegging costs everyone money. But above that, IT’S RUDE!
My policy has an added benefit, teen control. Teens by far are the biggest offenders of this. They all know if we see them, they are OUT, no refund, no warning. PERIOD. The result is the most disruptive customers don’t frequent my theater, allowing my target market (adults and families) have a much more enjoyable time at the show. Those who do not want to abide by my policy can go to the multiplex. That’s best for all of us! ;)
Another benefit to a single screen theater, the bathrooms are at the back of the theater, not past 18 shoeboxes and past $12 popcorn!
The 2/6 Marr and Colton, initally installed in the Rivoli, is now being installed in the Grand in East Greenville Pa (www.TheGrandTheater.org).
Thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Propst, we hope to have the instument playing Christmas 2006.
Here is the PA DOS info:
Entity Details
Basic Entity Information
Entity Type FICTITIOUS NAME
Entity Name ELLIS THEATRE
Entity No. 2189072
Filing Date 08/29/1955 Letter of Consent No
Address UNKNOWN
PHILADELPHIA Pennsylvania USA
County Philadelphia Jurisdiction PA
Purpose –
Limited Authority No
Fictitious Owners
1 ABRAHAM M ELLIS
Instrument History
Doc Type Microfilm# Micro# Start Micro# End Filing Date Comments
FICTITIOUS NAME 5524 797 0 08/29/1955
Updated info:
Opening June 2005 as the Grand Theater.
www.thegrandtheater.org
Style should read neoclassical.
Architect was Jerome S. Landes
Last full renovation was in 1966-7 when most of the original interior was covered with curtains and the lobby was updated with paneling and a drop ceiling. Re-Opened in January 1967 as the Valley Theatre, owner was Jacques H. Kline. Very successful for 20 years as the only theater in an immediate area of about 10,000.
Decline began in late 1980’s as roof began to fail. Closed in March 2004 and sold twice since closure. New owners are restoring and re-opening as second run motion picture venue.
Architect also was the construction manager on all of this projects. He also built the former Lyric Theatre in Quakertown PA (now Dimmig Appliance) and the still operating 1922 Broad Theatre in Souderton PA. Mr. Landes was a lifelong Souderton resident and former burgess of the Borough.
Here is some more history on the Erlen. My dad used to work in North Philly and he took me past the Erlen often. I was never in it however I know it was an Atmospheric Theatre. This info is from the City of Philadelphia:
12/13/84 AM Ellis Theatres sold property to United Gospel Network Corp for $50,000. Ellis Theatres held a mortgage in the amount of $40,000.
2/15/85 The church borrowed an additional $18,000 against the property.
7/18/85 The church borrowed an additional $24,500 against the property. Both 1985 notes were held by a private party.
1995-1996 The property was listed for sale with an asking price of $575,000 and $375,000
2002 – The property was on the market for $250,000
4/1/02 – The property goes to Sheriff Sale for non-payment of taxes. City buys the property for $800. City demolishes the structure as it is beyond repair.