To expand on the church services. In 1954 the Rev. Dr. Carl F. Schultz, of the Federated Church of Hyannis began the services. Cars parked rears to the screen facing the projection booth. These services continued well into the 1980’s.
In later years those participating increased from a solist to a mini-choir. Singers, organist, and preacher climbed a ladder to the roof of the projection booth. In bad weather, a box truck was parked beside the booth, cargo door facing the screen. Again a ladder was used for those conducting the service to get into the box with door open.
I do not recall the concession ever being open during services.
On a personal note, I was very nervous on that ladder to the roof and truck!
Any native would never consider this a theater. As for earlier occupants of this building, a First National grocery store in the 1940’s (possibly earlier). In the 1950’s I recall it being Charlbet’s stationers (later moved across Main Street to what is now Alberto’s Restaurant.)
The Idle Hour Theater became the Center Theater during the 1930s.
From Hy FD website: Dec 23 ‘71 – A mid day fire heavily damaged the Center Theater on Main Street. July 2 '72 – A general alarm fire destroyed the previously damaged Center Theater on Main Street. Mutual aid responded from several communities to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
Here is a picture of the Centre Food Market c1950. To the immediate left a movie poster on the front of the theater can be seen. View link
To expand on the church services. In 1954 the Rev. Dr. Carl F. Schultz, of the Federated Church of Hyannis began the services. Cars parked rears to the screen facing the projection booth. These services continued well into the 1980’s.
In later years those participating increased from a solist to a mini-choir. Singers, organist, and preacher climbed a ladder to the roof of the projection booth. In bad weather, a box truck was parked beside the booth, cargo door facing the screen. Again a ladder was used for those conducting the service to get into the box with door open.
I do not recall the concession ever being open during services.
On a personal note, I was very nervous on that ladder to the roof and truck!
Any native would never consider this a theater. As for earlier occupants of this building, a First National grocery store in the 1940’s (possibly earlier). In the 1950’s I recall it being Charlbet’s stationers (later moved across Main Street to what is now Alberto’s Restaurant.)
I found an even better picture of the Center Theater c1950.
View link
The Idle Hour Theater became the Center Theater during the 1930s.
From Hy FD website: Dec 23 ‘71 – A mid day fire heavily damaged the Center Theater on Main Street. July 2 '72 – A general alarm fire destroyed the previously damaged Center Theater on Main Street. Mutual aid responded from several communities to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
Here is a picture of the Centre Food Market c1950. To the immediate left a movie poster on the front of the theater can be seen. View link