Lincoln Theatre
386 St. Paul Street E,
St. Catharines,
ON
L2R 3N1
386 St. Paul Street E,
St. Catharines,
ON
L2R 3N1
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Some information about the Lincoln as of 1939 goes as follows: The original marquee is semi-circular topped by the light-up “Lincoln” letters. The front of the theater featured shiny vitrolite and glassy plates of multiple colors. The lobby featured green-neon showcases and thick wine-colored carpet leading into a spacious foyer. There were single indirect lights built into the ceiling. In a large basin is a fountain, aglow with hidden lights. One of the most unusual and unique things about the Lincoln Theatre is a small pond with several goldfish swimming unconcernedly located on the opposite side of the fountain and the restrooms.
Famous Players closed the Lincoln Theatre in January 1981, but reopened days later under independent operator. It ran a mix of various movie functions throughout the remainder of the early-1980s, but in early 1983, it was briefly renamed “Lincoln Cinema”. It closed in April 1983 and reopened in November 1983 by new ownership, and the theater’s original Lincoln Theatre returned.
The Lincoln closed for the final time on April 28, 1984 with “Strange Brew”.
Closed or stopped placing ads in the Standard in 1984.
Grand opening ad posted.
The Lincoln has since been extensively renovated and now serves as office space, as seen in its current Google Maps street view.
The article at http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/10/02/old-lincoln-theatres-silver-screen-gets-a-second-life suggests the theatre lasted until 1987.
Les Mitchell managed the big Capitol Theatre in St. Catharines and told me one time there was never a bigger prick than Roy Miller!
Roy Miller was in partnership with Famous until his death. His widow retained ownership of the building but Famous Players took over sole operations until Dec.31,1980 (side note to Dave Dymond:I managed this theatre from 1977 until the end of 1980
This theatre was a partnership between a lawyer, Mr. Fleming and Famous Players Canadian Corporation. The theatre’s Manager was a man named Roy Miller who took over the lawyer’s share when the lawyer passed on.
That photo probably has the correct date because the movie, On Golden Pond is dated 1981. After Famous Players closed the theatre at the end of 1980, the new building owner, Gary Clemenson of Gary’s Give Aways next door tried unsucessfully to run the theatre and show movies for a year or two.
The photo linked to in the post above is dated 1982 which suggests the 1980 closing date (mentioned in the intro at top of page) is incorrect.
:)
Would love to see a photo(s)!
The Lincoln was part of the Famous Players chain in 1963.
If this theatre is still standing today, maybe there is hope that one day it will be restored for the citizens of St. Catherines to enjoy once again. I have St. Catherine friends so will certainly get their thoughts on this theatre!