I managed this theater for a short time in 1973. We ran “American Graffiti” to packed houses. I still remember the laughter and footstomping to the music as it filled the theater.
This was a very beautiful little theater. It featured scenes along the walls that had small backlights. It also had an effects machine so that we could make “clouds” move across the ceiling and when the lights were dimmed, stars filled the night sky.
There was also an old organ in the pit at the foot of the stage.
At that time, the theater was owned by Western Mass Theater Associates, under the management of Nelson Wright Enterprises.
I was the manager of the Victory (and the Strand) around the corner back in 1973. I took over when Wright Enterprises bought out Western Mass Theater Associates. It was a beautiful theater. At that time we still were getting some good crowds.
We premiered “The Way We Were” in December 1973 and it was very successful.
Back then, downtown Holyoke was still a vibrant city, though on the decline. The city merchants tried their best to generate interest in shopping downtown, but to no avail.
I also remember a great little drugstore across the street that still served soda’s mixed from a fountain!
As for the Strand… it had seen better days and was mostly soft porn at that time.
I didn’t stay too long at the Victory (a few months I think). I was moved to the Calvin Theater in Northampton as we continued to clean up and at least put some fresh coats of paint on the new additions to Wright Enterprises.
I worked at this theater from 1966 until its closing and demolition. It was truly one of the most beautiful theaters I have ever seen. I was an usher (which meant seating people, keeping the place clean, especially polishing those big brass doors leading into the building – gallons of Noxon and tons of rags over the years).
We presented many first run movies right up until the end, including the RI premier of “Valley of the Dolls”, “Bonnie & Clyde”, “Oliver”, and one of my favorites “Madame X” with Lana Turner and Keir Dullea!
Valley of the Dolls was probably the most successful of all the runs since the theater’s reopening under Dario. I remember several weekends of sold out performances. I would have to lead the way to the upper balcony to those lucky (or unfortunate) enough to have this unique view. It was several flights of stairs with lots of jokes and a few stops to catch our breath as we made our way to the “nose bleed” section. From the upper balcony you were looking down at about a 30 degree angle at the screen.
The areas of the building the public didn’t get to see were the best. There was an animal holding area below the stage for the early vauldeville days. At one time there had been an elevator to bring animals up onto the stage. On the right side of the backstage area (in the back) was a stairway and small elevator that lead to dressing rooms.
The manager during this time was Al Rodrigues.
I remember the day they started to demolish the building and how I smiled when the wall crashed down on the Grace Church next door. The grand old lady wasn’t going down without a fight!
I managed this theater for a short time in 1973. We ran “American Graffiti” to packed houses. I still remember the laughter and footstomping to the music as it filled the theater.
This was a very beautiful little theater. It featured scenes along the walls that had small backlights. It also had an effects machine so that we could make “clouds” move across the ceiling and when the lights were dimmed, stars filled the night sky.
There was also an old organ in the pit at the foot of the stage.
At that time, the theater was owned by Western Mass Theater Associates, under the management of Nelson Wright Enterprises.
Steve,
I was the manager of the Victory (and the Strand) around the corner back in 1973. I took over when Wright Enterprises bought out Western Mass Theater Associates. It was a beautiful theater. At that time we still were getting some good crowds.
We premiered “The Way We Were” in December 1973 and it was very successful.
Back then, downtown Holyoke was still a vibrant city, though on the decline. The city merchants tried their best to generate interest in shopping downtown, but to no avail.
I also remember a great little drugstore across the street that still served soda’s mixed from a fountain!
As for the Strand… it had seen better days and was mostly soft porn at that time.
I didn’t stay too long at the Victory (a few months I think). I was moved to the Calvin Theater in Northampton as we continued to clean up and at least put some fresh coats of paint on the new additions to Wright Enterprises.
I worked at this theater from 1966 until its closing and demolition. It was truly one of the most beautiful theaters I have ever seen. I was an usher (which meant seating people, keeping the place clean, especially polishing those big brass doors leading into the building – gallons of Noxon and tons of rags over the years).
We presented many first run movies right up until the end, including the RI premier of “Valley of the Dolls”, “Bonnie & Clyde”, “Oliver”, and one of my favorites “Madame X” with Lana Turner and Keir Dullea!
Valley of the Dolls was probably the most successful of all the runs since the theater’s reopening under Dario. I remember several weekends of sold out performances. I would have to lead the way to the upper balcony to those lucky (or unfortunate) enough to have this unique view. It was several flights of stairs with lots of jokes and a few stops to catch our breath as we made our way to the “nose bleed” section. From the upper balcony you were looking down at about a 30 degree angle at the screen.
The areas of the building the public didn’t get to see were the best. There was an animal holding area below the stage for the early vauldeville days. At one time there had been an elevator to bring animals up onto the stage. On the right side of the backstage area (in the back) was a stairway and small elevator that lead to dressing rooms.
The manager during this time was Al Rodrigues.
I remember the day they started to demolish the building and how I smiled when the wall crashed down on the Grace Church next door. The grand old lady wasn’t going down without a fight!