The progression of neglect since the Towne & Country Players relinquished the Norwalk is very sad. Owning and running an historic theater of this magnitude is not for the faint of heart. Sadly, most people have stars in their eyes when they go into it and quickly lose interest when the amount of WORK becomes apparent. I have wonderful memories of touring this theater with Ron Koerper and it will always have a special place in my heart.
Yes, 50sSNIPES, it was truly miraculous! The large glass windows on the office portion of the building were blown out, but the new marquee was left untouched while a building across the street was leveled. There seems to be a protective spirit around that amazing theater. In fact, there always has been!
So many fine memories over the years at the Silent Film Festival. At least I got to fully enjoy it as a premiere film venue. Will always fondly recall what SF and the Castro used to be.
Is that drive time even possible? What did she do, stand on stage for 10-15 minutes and then dash off? But – Bette live on stage must have been quite a draw.
I was honored to be asked to supply this Letter to the Editor supporting the Friends of the Boyd Theater and their opposition to the demolition of the auditorium – a completely unacceptable plan for this grand and elegant theater! HOWEVER, the newspaper chose to edit my letter, and i felt left out some important points. Here then, if the entire letter that was sent to the newspaper, the Mayor’s office and all Council members:
“A great American city, steeped in layers of historical significance – yet Philadelphia seems poised to turn its back on one of the 20th century’s greatest monuments to American ingenuity. How can a city that claims to treasure the past even think of allowing the demolition of the Boyd Theater’s auditorium?
Has anyone who sits in judgement of this glorious theater walked through it? I have, and it took my breath away.
To destroy such an architectural and cultural treasure is unthinkable. The abundant gilding, the majestic arch of the ornate proscenium, the delicate Deco icons; they all speak to an era of elegance and beauty that no longer exists.
For 10 years I served as president of the national organization Theatre Historical Society of America and in that capacity traveled all over the United States visiting theaters and consulting on their preservation and reuse. In countless cities both large and small, historic theaters are being saved as cultural icons and as economic engines. But the value in these architectural wonders is in the wholeness of their design. The facade alone does not speak to the Boyd’s architectural merit. To destroy the auditorium is a completely unacceptable scenario for such an extraordinary theater.
It would be an embarrassment for the city of Philadelphia to allow any redevelopment of the Boyd to occur that does not honor and respect the entire building. The eyes of the national preservation community are upon you. Your decision will have long lasting consequences for the legend of Philadelphia’s next Historic Era.
Karen Colizzi Noonan, Immediate Past President Theatre Historical Society of America"
Just because someone loves it, doesn’t mean it will live forever. Let this be a cautionary tale for the Auburn Schine theater… time is NOT on your side!
Bucyrus Community Theatre too far gone to be saved (June 5, 2013)
BUCYRUS OH — Mayor Roger Moore informed Bucyrus City Council on Tuesday night that a downtown treasure soon will be torn down.
The board of directors met with city officials and have made the decision to terminate renovations of the Bucyrus Community Theatre.
“It is with deep regret that I must inform council and the citizens of this. It has come time to end the project,” Moore said.
Moore said the decision was based on many factors, most notably the severe deterioration of the structure and the lack of funding for the project.
Resident Joe Armbruster has spearheaded the renovation efforts the past 12 years.
“I must commend Joe and others. I know how he feels bad about not being able to complete it,” Moore said.
He added he hopes funding can be secured to demolish the building at 300 S. Sandusky Ave. “very soon.”
“A lot of people put their life and soul into the project. The building is just too far gone at this point,” Moore said.
One hurdle to funding the restoration was the exclusion of the building from the Bucyrus Historical District. Because it sits one block south of that district, the State of Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission would not release funding.
“I give Joe and the board five stars for being able to know when the time was right to make the final call on the curtain and end their efforts in restoring this building,” Moore said.
Just because someone loves it, doesn’t mean it will live forever. Let this be a cautionary tale for the Auburn NY Schine theater… time is NOT on your side!
Bucyrus Community Theatre too far gone to be saved
(June 5, 2013)
BUCYRUS — Mayor Roger Moore informed Bucyrus City Council on Tuesday night that a downtown treasure soon will be torn down.
The board of directors met with city officials and have made the decision to terminate renovations of the Bucyrus Community Theatre.
“It is with deep regret that I must inform council and the citizens of this. It has come time to end the project,” Moore said.
Moore said the decision was based on many factors, most notably the severe deterioration of the structure and the lack of funding for the project.
Resident Joe Armbruster has spearheaded the renovation efforts the past 12 years.
“I must commend Joe and others. I know how he feels bad about not being able to complete it,” Moore said.
He added he hopes funding can be secured to demolish the building at 300 S. Sandusky Ave. “very soon.”
“A lot of people put their life and soul into the project. The building is just too far gone at this point,” Moore said.
One hurdle to funding the restoration was the exclusion of the building from the Bucyrus Historical District. Because it sits one block south of that district, the State of Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission would not release funding.
“I give Joe and the board five stars for being able to know when the time was right to make the final call on the curtain and end their efforts in restoring this building,” Moore said.
I have just acquired a small eBay trinket from the Schine Quilna Theater. It advertises the film Ben Hur with Carmel Myers indicating the year would have been 1925. Does anyone know what years this theater would have been under the Schine chain?
What a thrill to see this theater highlighted in the Lifetime reality series Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition. Great views of the theater, despite the overwrought drama of the show itself. LA theater friends tell me that the show used the theater almost all summer long. BRAVO to Lifetime for using an historic theater as a backdrop for their show!
NOTICE! SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 1:00 – 3:00 Join together with concerned citizens and friends of the Auburn Schine Theater to celebrate her 74th birthday and rally to press the theater’s owners to move quickly, publicly and purposefully to protect this National Treasure! As one of Eberson’s only remaining Art Deco style theaters, this important structure deserves fiscally responsible, personally dedicated, honestly transparent and forward thinking leadership. If you believe this theater is truly endangered at this point, please join your voices on Sept 15. (Besides, there will be cake!)
Can anyone speak to the interior condition of this theater? Is any original decor or ornamentation left? Ken’s link is no longer working. Does anyone had interior photos?
I just noticed the error in the header for the Glove Theater. It was NOT built by the Schine brothers. From the Glove Theater website: The Glove Theatre was built October 9, 1914 and was owned by Dr. Henry Cady and George Dartch. The Glove was originally created to accommodate a variety of live performances such as opera, vaudeville shows and orchestral concerts. The theatre was purchased by Louis and J. Myer Schine and was converted into a vaudeville house in 1920.
I am surprised that as late as 1983 the Schine name was still on the marquee. Was it still there at demolition? There were very few buildings that retained the Schine name on their marquee.
Hey AlbanyGregg – Theatre Historical Society is planning their Conclave for the Albany/Berkshire area in 2013 – sounds like you would have a LOT of ideas for us! Email me at if you’d like to start a dialog on the “don’t miss” locations in your region! (Troy & Cohoes are on the “must see” list along with, obviously, the Palace)
The progression of neglect since the Towne & Country Players relinquished the Norwalk is very sad. Owning and running an historic theater of this magnitude is not for the faint of heart. Sadly, most people have stars in their eyes when they go into it and quickly lose interest when the amount of WORK becomes apparent. I have wonderful memories of touring this theater with Ron Koerper and it will always have a special place in my heart.
Yes, 50sSNIPES, it was truly miraculous! The large glass windows on the office portion of the building were blown out, but the new marquee was left untouched while a building across the street was leveled. There seems to be a protective spirit around that amazing theater. In fact, there always has been!
Joshke, I sent you an email - please get in touch with me! ~ Karen
Update: My current email address is
So many fine memories over the years at the Silent Film Festival. At least I got to fully enjoy it as a premiere film venue. Will always fondly recall what SF and the Castro used to be.
Is that drive time even possible? What did she do, stand on stage for 10-15 minutes and then dash off? But – Bette live on stage must have been quite a draw.
Does anyone have current interior photos of this theater? Their website is quite sparse!
Does anyone know when this theater was demolished?
Totally agree, Terry!
According to this poster, in 1964 the theater was part of the Schine Theater Circuit.
A SCHINE theater at one time! They sure had fantastic marquees.
GREAT photo!! :) And terrywade is so right.
$2.20?! Wow – I’ll take that seat :)
I was honored to be asked to supply this Letter to the Editor supporting the Friends of the Boyd Theater and their opposition to the demolition of the auditorium – a completely unacceptable plan for this grand and elegant theater! HOWEVER, the newspaper chose to edit my letter, and i felt left out some important points. Here then, if the entire letter that was sent to the newspaper, the Mayor’s office and all Council members:
“A great American city, steeped in layers of historical significance – yet Philadelphia seems poised to turn its back on one of the 20th century’s greatest monuments to American ingenuity. How can a city that claims to treasure the past even think of allowing the demolition of the Boyd Theater’s auditorium?
Has anyone who sits in judgement of this glorious theater walked through it? I have, and it took my breath away.
To destroy such an architectural and cultural treasure is unthinkable. The abundant gilding, the majestic arch of the ornate proscenium, the delicate Deco icons; they all speak to an era of elegance and beauty that no longer exists.
For 10 years I served as president of the national organization Theatre Historical Society of America and in that capacity traveled all over the United States visiting theaters and consulting on their preservation and reuse. In countless cities both large and small, historic theaters are being saved as cultural icons and as economic engines. But the value in these architectural wonders is in the wholeness of their design. The facade alone does not speak to the Boyd’s architectural merit. To destroy the auditorium is a completely unacceptable scenario for such an extraordinary theater.
It would be an embarrassment for the city of Philadelphia to allow any redevelopment of the Boyd to occur that does not honor and respect the entire building. The eyes of the national preservation community are upon you. Your decision will have long lasting consequences for the legend of Philadelphia’s next Historic Era.
Karen Colizzi Noonan,
Immediate Past President
Theatre Historical Society of America"
Just because someone loves it, doesn’t mean it will live forever. Let this be a cautionary tale for the Auburn Schine theater… time is NOT on your side!
Bucyrus Community Theatre too far gone to be saved (June 5, 2013)
BUCYRUS OH — Mayor Roger Moore informed Bucyrus City Council on Tuesday night that a downtown treasure soon will be torn down.
The board of directors met with city officials and have made the decision to terminate renovations of the Bucyrus Community Theatre.
“It is with deep regret that I must inform council and the citizens of this. It has come time to end the project,” Moore said.
Moore said the decision was based on many factors, most notably the severe deterioration of the structure and the lack of funding for the project.
Resident Joe Armbruster has spearheaded the renovation efforts the past 12 years.
“I must commend Joe and others. I know how he feels bad about not being able to complete it,” Moore said.
He added he hopes funding can be secured to demolish the building at 300 S. Sandusky Ave. “very soon.”
“A lot of people put their life and soul into the project. The building is just too far gone at this point,” Moore said.
One hurdle to funding the restoration was the exclusion of the building from the Bucyrus Historical District. Because it sits one block south of that district, the State of Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission would not release funding.
“I give Joe and the board five stars for being able to know when the time was right to make the final call on the curtain and end their efforts in restoring this building,” Moore said.
419-563-9225
See link for photo:
http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/article/20130604/NEWS01/306040022/Bucyrus-Community-Theatre-too-far-gone-saved
Just because someone loves it, doesn’t mean it will live forever. Let this be a cautionary tale for the Auburn NY Schine theater… time is NOT on your side!
Bucyrus Community Theatre too far gone to be saved (June 5, 2013)
BUCYRUS — Mayor Roger Moore informed Bucyrus City Council on Tuesday night that a downtown treasure soon will be torn down.
The board of directors met with city officials and have made the decision to terminate renovations of the Bucyrus Community Theatre.
“It is with deep regret that I must inform council and the citizens of this. It has come time to end the project,” Moore said.
Moore said the decision was based on many factors, most notably the severe deterioration of the structure and the lack of funding for the project.
Resident Joe Armbruster has spearheaded the renovation efforts the past 12 years.
“I must commend Joe and others. I know how he feels bad about not being able to complete it,” Moore said.
He added he hopes funding can be secured to demolish the building at 300 S. Sandusky Ave. “very soon.”
“A lot of people put their life and soul into the project. The building is just too far gone at this point,” Moore said.
One hurdle to funding the restoration was the exclusion of the building from the Bucyrus Historical District. Because it sits one block south of that district, the State of Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission would not release funding.
“I give Joe and the board five stars for being able to know when the time was right to make the final call on the curtain and end their efforts in restoring this building,” Moore said.
419-563-9225
See link for photo:
http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/article/20130604/NEWS01/306040022/Bucyrus-Community-Theatre-too-far-gone-saved
I have just acquired a small eBay trinket from the Schine Quilna Theater. It advertises the film Ben Hur with Carmel Myers indicating the year would have been 1925. Does anyone know what years this theater would have been under the Schine chain?
What a thrill to see this theater highlighted in the Lifetime reality series Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition. Great views of the theater, despite the overwrought drama of the show itself. LA theater friends tell me that the show used the theater almost all summer long. BRAVO to Lifetime for using an historic theater as a backdrop for their show!
NOTICE! SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 1:00 – 3:00 Join together with concerned citizens and friends of the Auburn Schine Theater to celebrate her 74th birthday and rally to press the theater’s owners to move quickly, publicly and purposefully to protect this National Treasure! As one of Eberson’s only remaining Art Deco style theaters, this important structure deserves fiscally responsible, personally dedicated, honestly transparent and forward thinking leadership. If you believe this theater is truly endangered at this point, please join your voices on Sept 15. (Besides, there will be cake!)
‘Psych’ star James Roday and Matt Shakman buy El Centro Theatre
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-cm-psych-star-james-roday-buys-historic-el-centro-theatre-20120603,0,3108052.story
Photo taken by Karen Colizzi Noonan
Can anyone speak to the interior condition of this theater? Is any original decor or ornamentation left? Ken’s link is no longer working. Does anyone had interior photos?
I just noticed the error in the header for the Glove Theater. It was NOT built by the Schine brothers. From the Glove Theater website: The Glove Theatre was built October 9, 1914 and was owned by Dr. Henry Cady and George Dartch. The Glove was originally created to accommodate a variety of live performances such as opera, vaudeville shows and orchestral concerts. The theatre was purchased by Louis and J. Myer Schine and was converted into a vaudeville house in 1920.
I am surprised that as late as 1983 the Schine name was still on the marquee. Was it still there at demolition? There were very few buildings that retained the Schine name on their marquee.
Hey AlbanyGregg – Theatre Historical Society is planning their Conclave for the Albany/Berkshire area in 2013 – sounds like you would have a LOT of ideas for us! Email me at if you’d like to start a dialog on the “don’t miss” locations in your region! (Troy & Cohoes are on the “must see” list along with, obviously, the Palace)