Bates Theatre

N. Otsego Street and W. Main Street,
Mohawk, NY 13407

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Additional Info

Previous Names: Varley Hall, Bates Opera House

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1916 postcard via eBay.

Originally an Odd Fellows Hall. The 800-seat Bates Opera House was opened in 1914. Still in operation in 1930 when it was listed with 518-seats. It had closed by 1932 and was converted into a skating rink. It was demolished in 1935.

Contributed by David Zornig

Recent comments (view all 1 comments)

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on October 7, 2021 at 6:44 pm

A look back at some events in the Mohawk Valley, published in 2010 (Utica Observer-Dispatch), had this to say of the Bates Theatre:

“1935, 75 years ago

“Historic landmark razed

“The Bates Theater building in Mohawk – the village’s recreational center since 1845 – is razed.

“The brick building, with a seating capacity of 1,000, was built by the Hendrick Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. It not only served as the order’s meeting hall, but also had a large stage and was used as an opera house.

“It had various names through the years – including Varley Hall after one of its owners, Thomas Varley – and in 1914, Bates transformed it into a movie house. The last time the building was used was four months ago when it was a skating rink.”

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