Penn Theatre

We have the wrong opening year for this house. This web page, which has a brief history of the house, a couple of photos, and several ads, says that it opened in April, 1920. Architects were C. C. and A. L. Thayer. An item about the proposed house appeared in the August 2, 1919 issue of Exhibitors Herald

“Newcastle, Pa, to have $225,000 Film House

“NEWCASTLE, PA.— The West Penn Photoplay company has just announced the details of a new theatre to be built on North Mercer Street at a cost of $225,000.00. The plans, now in the hands of the architects, have just been made public. January 1, 1920, will mark the opening of the new house, it is claimed by C. C. Thayer, the architect, who toured the country inspecting the leading theatres in order that the best and most up-to-date features might be incorporated.

“The building will measure 60 by 160 feet, will seat 1600 people, and is equipped with every comfort and convenience that can be installed. A contest soon to be opened will give the public an opportunity to christen the playhouse.”

I was releif projectionist at almost every new castle theater, including the penn from 1956 on (hilander,state,victor,supercastle drive in) my father was chief projectioist at the penn theater for almost 40 years retiring when it closed.I saw or ran almost every movie that played there. I don’t remember the tiffney chandelers but do remember the giant statue of william penn setting on top of rhe marque. The cinemascope screen was large but not wall to wall as exit doors to the left & right limited size. the giant panoramic screen was not so giant for the same reason.Penn, unlike the hilander, had 3 track stereo magnetic sound but never added surround speakers.the hilander has full stereo. leo mickey was an outstanding manager. The penn had one of the largest and most comfortable projection roome i ever saw. tooooo bad it had to be torn down. it could be a fine 4-plex today and a spark plug for downtown.

I think a reunion of sorts is long overdue for former theatre people in the W3estern PA area. Our numbers are dwindling.