A non-theatre related question…..Is the name Crowell still a prominent name in Pittsburg Kansas? The reason I ask is there was a famous murder mystery non-fiction book written by Dominick Dunne entitled The Two Mrs. Grenviles that was based on the real name of Woodward and the famous murder surrounding that name in the 50’s. Mrs. Woodward’s former name was Crowell and she came from humble rural beginnings in Pittsburg Kansas. If someone wishes to expand on this, please email me at
“Most people here would rather spend more money on the local high school football team than a building of historical and cultural significance.” That is so unfortunate as local football teams come and go, but when an historical/cultural building is gone, it is gone forever!
For anyone in the Ft. Pierce area who wishes to experience the restored Sunrise Theatre click on Sunrise Theatre in blue below Related Websites and the upcoming performances are listed.
I’m surprised that the name Strand was changed and even more surprised that the community of Asheville would have had a porno theater! Thank goodness that is NOT the case today!
WDG: Happy New Year! I’ve just written and sent a letter to Mrs. Mascaro whose late husband, Bob was a former Grand theatre manager and I hope to meet with her this summer.
I have a digital photo of the Rodgers Theatre that is in Shelby NC and I will look to see if there are any physical design similarities. And the theatre in Shelby is not listed on CT.
“It closed in 1998 and recently has become in danger of being razed by the city of Anna despite its owner’s attempts at saving the Rodgers.” I hope the City of Anna doesn’t win the battle to raze the theatre and that the owner is able to save the Rodgers! Does the area have a local preservation group?
Ken: This theatre is very unique and should be restored. I believe it is featured in Popcorn Palaces. The very talented photographer, ‘agilitynut’ has traveled around the country taking many wonderful theatre photos as I have emailed her from time to time.
Ken: The last photo of the glass block stairway is really neat….have never seen that feature in any theatre that I have ever visited and I’ve visited more than a few since being bitten by the theatre buff ‘bug’!
Ken: None of the above sites “from a blog” seemed to work. I know of a theatre named Rodgers in Shelby NC…wonder if there is any connection? And I think that one is CT listed.
But they have a bank to put their money in now as the site is home to a PNC Bank! I am still hoping to see a photo of the Butler Theatre though my historical contacts in the town haven’t been much help to me.
Ken: Thanks…will do! And as you may know Butler PA had the Butler Theatre that was built by John Eberson! Unfortunately, it is gone and the folks of Butler are without this piece of rich theatre history!
Ken: Could that 1938 article be posted here if it isnt' too long? If it can be copied and sent, I’d provide my mailing address in an email as that information is on my CT profile page.
Ed: Thanks so much for replying to my organ inquiry. I’m not an organ society member, but do know several who are with MTOS (Metrolina Theatre Organ Society) in the Charlotte NC area. So sorry to hear about the Playhouse roof damage caused by hurricanes in FL as many theatres were destroyed or damaged along the MS coast and in N.O. If you go to the Sunrise Theatre CT link, you’ll learn about the restored 1923 theatre in Ft. Pierce FL. A good friend of mine sent me the 1/15/07 Palm Beach Post article as I didn’t realize this theatre ever existed. A member by the name of Paul Noble contributed the Sunrise to the CT list of theatres. Thank you Paul.
Jeff: Thanks for clearing up the architect dilemma as I was wondering about the J. McKay name mentioned by CT member, Lauren. Can you provide any information about the Tower organ?
Check out the neat b/w 50’s photo when clicking on Historic Tower Theater under Related Websites. I see a pipe organ and billowing are mentioned in the theatre description, but wonder if the organ is still intact at the Tower today?
Lost Memory: Can’t bring up the photo sites that you posted on Aug. 18 and Sept. 10.
A non-theatre related question…..Is the name Crowell still a prominent name in Pittsburg Kansas? The reason I ask is there was a famous murder mystery non-fiction book written by Dominick Dunne entitled The Two Mrs. Grenviles that was based on the real name of Woodward and the famous murder surrounding that name in the 50’s. Mrs. Woodward’s former name was Crowell and she came from humble rural beginnings in Pittsburg Kansas. If someone wishes to expand on this, please email me at
“Most people here would rather spend more money on the local high school football team than a building of historical and cultural significance.” That is so unfortunate as local football teams come and go, but when an historical/cultural building is gone, it is gone forever!
For anyone in the Ft. Pierce area who wishes to experience the restored Sunrise Theatre click on Sunrise Theatre in blue below Related Websites and the upcoming performances are listed.
I’m surprised that the name Strand was changed and even more surprised that the community of Asheville would have had a porno theater! Thank goodness that is NOT the case today!
WDG: Happy New Year! I’ve just written and sent a letter to Mrs. Mascaro whose late husband, Bob was a former Grand theatre manager and I hope to meet with her this summer.
I have a digital photo of the Rodgers Theatre that is in Shelby NC and I will look to see if there are any physical design similarities. And the theatre in Shelby is not listed on CT.
There must be a grass roots local group that has or can band together and save the art deco Rodgers!
“It closed in 1998 and recently has become in danger of being razed by the city of Anna despite its owner’s attempts at saving the Rodgers.” I hope the City of Anna doesn’t win the battle to raze the theatre and that the owner is able to save the Rodgers! Does the area have a local preservation group?
Chuck: Thanks…will do!
Ken: This theatre is very unique and should be restored. I believe it is featured in Popcorn Palaces. The very talented photographer, ‘agilitynut’ has traveled around the country taking many wonderful theatre photos as I have emailed her from time to time.
Ken: The last photo of the glass block stairway is really neat….have never seen that feature in any theatre that I have ever visited and I’ve visited more than a few since being bitten by the theatre buff ‘bug’!
Ken: None of the above sites “from a blog” seemed to work. I know of a theatre named Rodgers in Shelby NC…wonder if there is any connection? And I think that one is CT listed.
But they have a bank to put their money in now as the site is home to a PNC Bank! I am still hoping to see a photo of the Butler Theatre though my historical contacts in the town haven’t been much help to me.
Ken: Thanks…will do! And as you may know Butler PA had the Butler Theatre that was built by John Eberson! Unfortunately, it is gone and the folks of Butler are without this piece of rich theatre history!
Ken: Thanks….that is it!
Ok, suppose they have a website so will check that route. Thanks.
Ken: Could that 1938 article be posted here if it isnt' too long? If it can be copied and sent, I’d provide my mailing address in an email as that information is on my CT profile page.
OK and thanks for the informative post(s).
Ed: I’m also a good internet friend with Karen Noonan, THSA (Theatre Historical Society of America) president.
Ed: If you go to my profile page, you’ll find my email address.
Ed: Thanks so much for replying to my organ inquiry. I’m not an organ society member, but do know several who are with MTOS (Metrolina Theatre Organ Society) in the Charlotte NC area. So sorry to hear about the Playhouse roof damage caused by hurricanes in FL as many theatres were destroyed or damaged along the MS coast and in N.O. If you go to the Sunrise Theatre CT link, you’ll learn about the restored 1923 theatre in Ft. Pierce FL. A good friend of mine sent me the 1/15/07 Palm Beach Post article as I didn’t realize this theatre ever existed. A member by the name of Paul Noble contributed the Sunrise to the CT list of theatres. Thank you Paul.
Jeff: Thanks for clearing up the architect dilemma as I was wondering about the J. McKay name mentioned by CT member, Lauren. Can you provide any information about the Tower organ?
Check out the neat b/w 50’s photo when clicking on Historic Tower Theater under Related Websites. I see a pipe organ and billowing are mentioned in the theatre description, but wonder if the organ is still intact at the Tower today?
Good luck with your theatre for sale search.