Orpheum Theatre

The New Theatre launched to the public on October 13, 1911 after a preview opening the previous night. The opening show for Frank A. Shinabrook was a live performance by Madame Sherry. The theatre struggled for the next five years under a variety of operators. Next up was Charles Oelschalger who changed the name to the Franklin Theatre beginning at its opening on December 20, 1912. Oelschalger lowered the price point and added inexpensive films to four vaudeville acts. The Franklin Theatre closed on February 22, 1913 going dark. It was bought by W.P Britsch who converted it to the Orpheum Theatre.

The new Orpheum Theatre launched March 16, 1914 on W. King Street as a vaudeville house. Its high prices forced it to change pricing and got a new owner in April of 1914. The Orpheum Theatre would go out of business offered at a Sheriff’s Sale. But it would then get new ownership changing programming to motion pictures.

The Orpheum Theatre became the city’s leading venue for motion pictures surpassing the aging Rosedale Theatre. Its popularity took a toll on the aging Rosedale Theatre. But well after what turned out to be its final showing of “Flame of the Desert” on May 22, 1920, the Orpheum Theatre burned in the early hours of May 23, 1920. The theatre was destroyed and the building was demolished.

Chambersburg Theatre Co. announced plans for the new 1,040-seat Orpheum Theatre. They were drawn by architect H.G. Kilmer and the construction was set at $100,000. The plans were scrapped by the end of 1920 and the new Orpheum Theatre was never built.

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