I have many fond memories going to the Penn Theater back in the ‘40s—with my parents taking the family to see the vaudeville / movie performances of the day. Or my grandpa taking me on the laurel line downtown for a Saturday treat at the Penn. THAT was entertainment I shall never forget. Through the eyes of a child back then, the Penn was huge, with its multiple balconies, huge stage, glorious colored stage lighting and orchestra pit. It did have a house orchestra which had integrated into it a Hammond Organ. The many variety of acts (unicyclists, magicians like Blackstone, animal acts, etc.) were special treats to savor. And how can one ever forget the grand entrances and lobbies of those palaces of splendor where the outside world ceased to exist for the time you were there.
Sadly, never to be again.
There should be no reason at all to wonder why this theater was nicknamed the “Bucket” (not the Bucket Theater).
If anyone had ever been there to attend a movie way back in the ‘40s/early 50’s, the condition of the theater was atrocious at best. NO comparison to any of the other theaters in Wilkes-Barre in those times. As a youngster, I would go to visit my aunt in Lee Park, and at least once each time she would take me to a movie at the “Bucket”. The interior was not well maintained and the less than appealing odors drifting about while watching the film I’m sure provided inspiration for its nickname. One of the films I remember seeing there was the original version of “DR.NO”
I have many fond memories going to the Penn Theater back in the ‘40s—with my parents taking the family to see the vaudeville / movie performances of the day. Or my grandpa taking me on the laurel line downtown for a Saturday treat at the Penn. THAT was entertainment I shall never forget. Through the eyes of a child back then, the Penn was huge, with its multiple balconies, huge stage, glorious colored stage lighting and orchestra pit. It did have a house orchestra which had integrated into it a Hammond Organ. The many variety of acts (unicyclists, magicians like Blackstone, animal acts, etc.) were special treats to savor. And how can one ever forget the grand entrances and lobbies of those palaces of splendor where the outside world ceased to exist for the time you were there. Sadly, never to be again.
There should be no reason at all to wonder why this theater was nicknamed the “Bucket” (not the Bucket Theater). If anyone had ever been there to attend a movie way back in the ‘40s/early 50’s, the condition of the theater was atrocious at best. NO comparison to any of the other theaters in Wilkes-Barre in those times. As a youngster, I would go to visit my aunt in Lee Park, and at least once each time she would take me to a movie at the “Bucket”. The interior was not well maintained and the less than appealing odors drifting about while watching the film I’m sure provided inspiration for its nickname. One of the films I remember seeing there was the original version of “DR.NO”