Rio Theatre
2711 River Road,
Camden,
NJ
08105
2711 River Road,
Camden,
NJ
08105
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Additional Info
Architects: William Harold Lee
Functions: Church
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Previous Names: Auditorium
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Opened prior to 1914 as the Auditorium. Located in the Cramer Hill section of Camden on River Road just north of N. 27th Street. In 1937 it was rebuilt for the Victoria Amusement Company in a Streamline Modern style to the plans of architect William Harold Lee. The Rio Theatre opened on November 23, 1938 with Bobby Breen in “Breaking the Ice”. It was closed March 17, 1963 with Connie Francis in “Follow the Boys”. It became a boys club, and has since been converted into a church.
Contributed by
Chuck Van Bibber
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Recent comments (view all 12 comments)
The RIO has for many years been the FAITH HOLY TEMPLE
CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST. Photos at this link:
http://www.dvrbs.com/CamdenNJ-MovieTheaters.htm
After the Rio closed before the Faith Holy Temple Church it was the
Cramer Hill Boy’s Club which i had many good years playing sports and
social gatherings.posted by Ted Pease ,
The Rio lasted until the early ‘60s as a theater.
The Rio was the site of my first movie experience – I remember going there with all my neighborhood friends from 25th Street to see ZORRO! I couldn’t have been more than 6 years old because we moved to Chicago in 1960. I also remember “going across a bridge” to Philadelphia, regularly accompanying an aunt to see films such as LIL' ABNER and BEN HUR. Does anyone know what cinema that might have been? It couldn’t have been far.
Rendering from 9-15-1937 The Exhibitor of what was desribed as the new 750 seat Rio Theatre
here’s the rendering:
View link
There weren’t any theaters left in Camden in the early 80s, when I lived in Philly. Has anyone built one since, maybe in the waterfront area?
No, there are no open movie theaters in Camden.
Here is a 1939 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/2r4cy7
Reopened as Rio on November 23rd, 1938.
Rio theatre opening Wed, Nov 23, 1938 – 16 · Courier-Post (Camden, Camden, New Jersey, United States of America) · Newspapers.com