Berberich Theatre

The San Jose Mercury News reported February 23, 1910, that a new $20,000 theatre would be built in Hollister across from city hall. The architect was William Binder of San Jose. History San Jose reports William Binder designed the Jose Theatre and nearly all the local movie houses in San Jose.

Sanborn Maps October 1910 show a Hollister Theatre across from town hall. Since it was labeled “From Plans”, the theatre wasn’t yet open or built.

Harry Berberich opened the theatre on December 3, 1910: “The opening of the new Berberich Theatre last night was a big success, socially and financially This handsome and modern little theatre represents an investment of about $30,000 and will comfortably seat 500 people”.

On June 13, 1912, it was reported the Berberich Theatre would be turned into a dance hall and the Opal Theatre would continue as a motion picture house.

The 1926 maps show the theatre renamed Woodmen’s Hall and by 1943 renamed again as Full Gospel Tabernacle.

Since Sanborn Maps listed the theatre as reinforced concrete and the view on Briggs Alley shows concrete, the Berberich Theatre may have been part of the future Granada Theatre. Adding to the puzzle, a color exterior photograph of the Berberich Theatre shows a more ornate design.

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