Jeff D: The Cuillo Centre’s website should make mention of it having been the Florida Theater with a rich history in the downtown WPB area! I may send them an email if one is provided on the Cuillo Centre site!
I see that this theatre is listed as “closed/demolished”, but I was not aware that it had been demolished. In March of 2003 it was still standing and being used though not as a theatre.
Below is a reply to me from Carl Weese, photographer of the New York Times article:
It’s interesting that a lot of DI theaters tried the adult entertainment route in desperation but it essentially never worked. Some recent online research I did has turned up two DIs in Texas that advertise adult entertainment, but they certainly are the exception. From the beginning, my research has shown, successful DIs followed a “family entertainment” model. Not just movies suitable for kids, but playgrounds and other kid-oriented activities, and pricing structures that made a night at the DI about the most economical evening out available to a young family with kids. It’s still true I’ve found at theaters that continue to succeed. A nice touch I’ve encountered at quite a few theaters: in high summer when even the first show starts really late, they show a kid’s feature first and then something R-rated as the second feature, since the little kids have long ago gone to sleep in the cars…I’m not familiar with Cinema Treasures but will look into it. Thanks for getting in touch.—-Carl
A beautiful theatre exterior, but not sure what is going on with their marquee…is it or was it copper? BTW, it sure looks like former CT member, Lost Memory left his mark on this theatre link with his posts, exclusively! I, for one, miss him and wish he would return as he was a valued member!
This is a wonderful article with site to view many b/w drive-in photos by Carl Weese. I then went and viewed the many photos of white churches. Amazing collection of churches and drive-in theatres! The one with the screen seen among the trees was most striking though sad. Thank you Mr. Weese for your talented photograhic eye.
This may have been discussed, but now that I see the theatre had or has 4 screens I wonder if the renovation will return this theatre to a single screen format?
Joe: Always enjoy seeing the Boxoffice posts. Thanks for bringing them to Cinema Treasures! In the Spring I hope to see this theatre in the Pittsburgh area along with the site where the Granada recently stood and the Dattola in New Kensington which still stands and is being renovated.
Yet another 2007 photo posted on Nov. 14 2007 looks much better so somewhere along the way during that year improvements seem to have been made by someone or some organization!
Interesting to actually view a NRHP registration form yet this art moderne single screen theatre was demolished…go figure! It had a history of being the first run theatre in Spartansburg circa 1941 and yet it wasn’t saved!
Grand Theater: The May 1 2007 post doesn’t show any restoration photos and I’d like to see them and perhaps visit the Grand in 2010. BTW, my hometown theatre was also named the Grand.
Where is Greenville PA? I clicked on the name Jerome Landes and found that he was the architect for the Broad in Souderton PA and the Palace in Quakertown PA.
And after viewing a photo from the 40’s and then a photo from the 80’s I see the doors were changed just like was done to my hometown theatre. Amazing! Need to know if this theatre is still at 123 Main.
This one is listed as “closed”, but I just wonder how many of the 19 DeAngelis theatres listed on his architect link as “closed” are actually “demolished”? The Granada is listed as “closed” at the moment, but will be listed as “closed/demolished” soon as demolition was sadly begun on December 30, 2009.
Joe: Once again, the Boxoffice photos of this theatre are wonderful to see. And again, the half moon windows in the front doors that make full circles when closed are exactly like the door/window design in my hometown former theatre. If you find any other theatre designed by DeAngelis, please notify.
Joe: Thanks for the update on this one though I hope to visit Canandaigua in the Finger Lake Region of NYS this summer to see this former theatre. I wonder what the “business use” entails?
Jeff D: As a follow-up…..an email as been sent to Z. Phillips, Executive Director of the Cuillo Centre for the Arts.
Jeff D: The Cuillo Centre’s website should make mention of it having been the Florida Theater with a rich history in the downtown WPB area! I may send them an email if one is provided on the Cuillo Centre site!
I see that this theatre is listed as “closed/demolished”, but I was not aware that it had been demolished. In March of 2003 it was still standing and being used though not as a theatre.
Below is a reply to me from Carl Weese, photographer of the New York Times article:
It’s interesting that a lot of DI theaters tried the adult entertainment route in desperation but it essentially never worked. Some recent online research I did has turned up two DIs in Texas that advertise adult entertainment, but they certainly are the exception. From the beginning, my research has shown, successful DIs followed a “family entertainment” model. Not just movies suitable for kids, but playgrounds and other kid-oriented activities, and pricing structures that made a night at the DI about the most economical evening out available to a young family with kids. It’s still true I’ve found at theaters that continue to succeed. A nice touch I’ve encountered at quite a few theaters: in high summer when even the first show starts really late, they show a kid’s feature first and then something R-rated as the second feature, since the little kids have long ago gone to sleep in the cars…I’m not familiar with Cinema Treasures but will look into it. Thanks for getting in touch.—-Carl
CWalczak: You are most correct and thank you.
CWalczak: How did you find the story about Drive-In photographer, Carl Weese? I viewed his many b/w photos and then sent him an email.
A beautiful theatre exterior, but not sure what is going on with their marquee…is it or was it copper? BTW, it sure looks like former CT member, Lost Memory left his mark on this theatre link with his posts, exclusively! I, for one, miss him and wish he would return as he was a valued member!
This is a wonderful article with site to view many b/w drive-in photos by Carl Weese. I then went and viewed the many photos of white churches. Amazing collection of churches and drive-in theatres! The one with the screen seen among the trees was most striking though sad. Thank you Mr. Weese for your talented photograhic eye.
This may have been discussed, but now that I see the theatre had or has 4 screens I wonder if the renovation will return this theatre to a single screen format?
Joe: Always enjoy seeing the Boxoffice posts. Thanks for bringing them to Cinema Treasures! In the Spring I hope to see this theatre in the Pittsburgh area along with the site where the Granada recently stood and the Dattola in New Kensington which still stands and is being renovated.
PatriciaNC: Most interesting to see the architectural plans which one doesn’t see too often! Thanks.
Yet another 2007 photo posted on Nov. 14 2007 looks much better so somewhere along the way during that year improvements seem to have been made by someone or some organization!
Chuck: I have viewed many neglected marquees, but the one you posted Jan 12, 2010 tops them all!
Interesting to actually view a NRHP registration form yet this art moderne single screen theatre was demolished…go figure! It had a history of being the first run theatre in Spartansburg circa 1941 and yet it wasn’t saved!
This theatre has gone through some changes over the years, but glad to see that it is being renovated/restored with TLC.
I plan to see this former theatre/photography studio on Friday.
It’s The All Night Strut…sorry.
Grand Theater: The May 1 2007 post doesn’t show any restoration photos and I’d like to see them and perhaps visit the Grand in 2010. BTW, my hometown theatre was also named the Grand.
Where is Greenville PA? I clicked on the name Jerome Landes and found that he was the architect for the Broad in Souderton PA and the Palace in Quakertown PA.
Is the marquee still there? Probably not!
And after viewing a photo from the 40’s and then a photo from the 80’s I see the doors were changed just like was done to my hometown theatre. Amazing! Need to know if this theatre is still at 123 Main.
This one is listed as “closed”, but I just wonder how many of the 19 DeAngelis theatres listed on his architect link as “closed” are actually “demolished”? The Granada is listed as “closed” at the moment, but will be listed as “closed/demolished” soon as demolition was sadly begun on December 30, 2009.
Joe: Once again, the Boxoffice photos of this theatre are wonderful to see. And again, the half moon windows in the front doors that make full circles when closed are exactly like the door/window design in my hometown former theatre. If you find any other theatre designed by DeAngelis, please notify.
Joe: Thanks for the update on this one though I hope to visit Canandaigua in the Finger Lake Region of NYS this summer to see this former theatre. I wonder what the “business use” entails?
Joe: Sorry…see it now. And if you find any other theatres designed by DeAngelis, please advise via