Karolcik Theater

I just wanted to add some more up-to-date and accurate information about the Karolcik. The Karolcik building was built in 1921. It is located about 35 miles south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the scenic Laurel Highlends town of Perryopolis, PA. It is thought that the Karolcik building once housed the Karolcik Theater, Karolcik’s food store, and Mrs. Hough’s Novelty store on the main level. The basement housed Harry Bell’s barber shop, the pool hall, and the bowling alley. The theater remained open until, I believe, the late 1970’s to early 1980’s. It was sold in 1989 and has been used as rental property ever since.

The correct address for the Karolcik Theater, pronounced “carol-check” is 315 South Liberty Street Perryopolis PA 15473. A google map search of the previously listed address of 115 S. Liberty location brings us to a pleasant view of the nearby woods, however a search with the correct address shows a beautifully laid out town and The Karolcik in the Southwest portion of the Town Circle. Often called “The Perry” by locals the Karolcik opened on Thanksgiving Day 1921. The Karolcik was a 400 wooden seat, single screen, family owned, red brick movie house in the center of Perryopolis, one of many small coal towns in Western PA. Built in 1921 by Mr. Michael Karolcik the building had a full bowling alley in the basement, along with a billiard room, a barber shop a grocery store and at one time a draft office during WW II. Presently there is only 1 tenant in the entire building, a quaint nostalgia shop specializing in concert posters, movies & rare music. The Karolcik is a unique beautiful building tucked away in this tiny Southwestern PA town, Unfortunately despite being listed on the National register for Historic buildings & appearing to be structurally sound and treasured by everyone in Perryopolis, there are no plans to restore this beautiful building to a functional entertainment venue of any kind. The Karolcik went dark in 1976. I made a few friends on this visit and plan to gather more information on a return trip soon .Photos added 04-02-19