Encore Theatre

Greetings Larry! I knew Ward F. Stoopes. Worked for him 7.5 years (1965-1972)first as janitor, candy counter sales and eventually became the projectionist when I was only 13 years old! Many stories/memories @ the old Encore. Hope connecting with you. John Baldini

Nice name.

Does anyone remember when Ward Stoopes owned and operated this theatre?? I’m sure he was the last operator of this wonderful little showhouse.

The Rev speaks:
http://tinyurl.com/5rfmj6

The Encore, was a beautiful theatre. It was one of a kind, with a projection system that was fully automated (dimmed the lights opened the curtains) with one of the very first automated platter systems, which became a white elephant, made by Bell and Howell. I saw the movie “The Other Side Of Midnight” there. Unfortunately for the theatre, it was in a area where the ground, that became saturated by the rains, would flood the interior of the theatre. Pumping system was too expensive to maintain, and horrible mold and mildew infested the place. Rev could not keep up with the insurance. The vertical “Encore” sign had like a 1880’s saloon style look. There were train tracks nearby and the Theatre would rumble a little. Magnificent interior with gold grilles, and busts of ladies everywhere. Seating was very comfortable.

Architects were Reid Bros.

At some point under the “Rev’s” occupancy of the building, the old paint job was covered up with the abovementioned sky and clouds look, and the walls repainted white, blue, and purple. This had been after the Rev had been in the attic and stepped on a section of the ceiling and severely damaged it (as related by him to my friend who later salvaged items from the theatre). The cast plaster ornament was gold. During demolition it was possible to see that the original proscenium, organ grilles, and seats had survived up to the end.

The etched peach-mirrored vanity in the Ladies Lounge was salvaged just prior to demolition, as well as a few items of cast plaster.