Classic Theatre
118 Iron Street,
Lehighton,
PA
18235
118 Iron Street,
Lehighton,
PA
18235
1 person
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Located at the corner of Iron Street and S. 1st Street and built on the site of the Lehighton Opera House (1888-1925). The Classic Theatre was opened on February 7, 1942 with Sterling Hayden in “Bahama Passage”. By 1950 it was operated by the A.M. Ellis Theaters Co. chain. It continued to operate into the 1960’s, closing on July 24, 1967 with Walt Disney’s animated feature “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. In August 2022 the vacant building has ‘Condemned’ notices on its doors.
Contributed by
Ken Roe
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Built on the site of the former Lehighton Opera House, which operated from March 1888 until 1925 and became a Palace Cabaret, the Classic Theatre opened its doors on February 7, 1942 with Sterling Hayden in “Bahama Passage” (unknown if extras added) and was first operated by Mrs. Andrew Bayer. A special performance of the Star-Spangled Banner as well as a grand opening deliverance by William H. Bayer, son of A.E. Bayer, was also presented. The first ever ticket that was given on grand opening day is Elizabeth Balliett of Route 3 Lehighton.
A little bit of the theater building’s information contain special emphasis placed on a paled-off rose terra cotta combined with a soft beige and a strong blue color tone. There are also separate entrance and exit doors, as well as the lobby being artistically faced with a terra cotta or ceramic tile in combinations of old gold, peach, cream, and blue colors.
The Classic Theatre closed for the final time on July 24, 1967 with Walt Disney’s “Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs”, leaving the Palm Theater and Mahoning Drive-In as the only movie theaters in the area.