My hometown had a DeAngelis designed theatre, the Grand/Westfield NY. Sadly, it was demolished so there aren’t many DeAngelis theatres still open or still standing of the 18 DeAngelis designed theatres listed under his name. Maybe there is hope for this one though the Granada in Beaver Falls PA is about to come down on December 30, 2009! What a sad note to end 2009 on!
David: I just found the flickr photos and am truly amazed after seeing them. I just can’t believe that Beaver Falls PA would adapt an urban renewal 1970’s mentality! Someone needs to contact someone who can step up to the plate and save this cinema treasure as December 30 is just around the corner!
And in this day and age, I can’t believe that Beaver Falls has chosen to bring this theatre down with its gorgeous facade like it was the 1970’s with 1970’s theatre mentality! Shame! Shame!
Sad to read that this theatre will be demolished. The architect, Michael DeAngelis is the same architect who designed my former hometown theatre in Westfield NY…the Grand Theatre. Though Beaver Falls City Administrator, Steve Johnson is quoted as saying…“It would be cheaper to build a new building”….it wouldn’t be the same, Mr. Johnson!
In the above 1988 photo posted in April ‘09 it shows a completely different facade with NO marquee yet in more recent photos there is a very nice marquee WITH CLOCK so my question is…..did it become a theatre again after it was a jewelry store and before it became an antique/collectibles store? Someone from the area will have the answer, I hope. Let’s hope that it becomes a theatre once again for the fine folks of Plant City!
This theatre is featured in the current issue of Hemmings Motor News (www.hemmings.com) with a photo and the following information: Beautiful 1939 Art Deco Theatre (non-functional), would make a great car museum, residence or antique shop, over 1,000 ft. of neon on facade, 5,000 s/f ground floor, 2,000 s/f balcony, 1,500 s/f lobby is air conditioned, elegantly finished with fine woodwork and ceiling fans, lobby also includes nostalgic gas station facade and 50s soda fountain facade, 20 miles east of Tampa, FL, $285,000. Cecil, 813-621-2220 or 813-312-1701, FL
If anyone calls these numbers and speaks with Cecil, please tell this person you saw the ad on Cinema Treasures. Personally I would hope that a cinema buff would purchase this art deco treasure and return it to a cinema! And if anyone who lives in or near Plant City is familiar with the State please post your thoughts. Thanks.
I went by this theatre tonight enroute to see Christmastown USA…McAdenville NC. The sign said…Closed for the holidays so I knew it wasn’t closed, for good…only for the holidays! Great to read that it opened in 1946 and to see that it is still open and showing movies. Congratulations!
The card shows it has a red brick building, but the photos posted above shows the brick having been painted a white or light blue color. Such a shame to lose this one for a PARKING LOT? Shameful Chagrin!
I just received a lovely Christmas card depicting this former theatre. It was a lovely theatre and one that should have been preserved for future generations!
winter garden: The size of the group isn’t important it is who you have in that group that will make the difference. A civic organization needs to be founded to get behind this effort! Many times it is simply called Friends of…..and in this case it would be Friends of the Winter Garden. This group would reach out to the community to raise much needed interest and most importantly, funds. I’m sure there are many residents who recall going to the WG to see their first movie and have many memories they could share which would help raise interest.
winter garden: I have received word from a friend in Jamestown via email that the theatre is to be demolished so please act quickly to at least be given 60 days to come up with a plan!
rvb: Cute story and thanks for sharing as I’m quite sure many of us have met and know many former Rockettes. They are a special group of women who bring such joy to RCMH holiday audiences each year! I’ve seen the show in Charlotte and in Buffalo, but never in NYC so maybe someday.
Many former RCMH Rockettes were interviewed and one was almost brought to tears when she recalled the possibility of this great theatre closing. In fact, a former Rockette lives in my hometown in western NYS….Emma Bishop. Since gracing the RCMH stage she has returned home to teach dance.
I just watched a DVD about the history of RCMH. It’s a must-see and can ordered through Time/Life. It was a bonus DVD that came with the Christmas Spectacular DVD celebrating its 75th year and featured Ross Melnick, Theatre Historian and co-creator of Cinema Treasures! Thanks Ross!
Mike: Thanks for your additional input on this drive-in from the past that is still with us as so many aren’t anymore.
My hometown had a DeAngelis designed theatre, the Grand/Westfield NY. Sadly, it was demolished so there aren’t many DeAngelis theatres still open or still standing of the 18 DeAngelis designed theatres listed under his name. Maybe there is hope for this one though the Granada in Beaver Falls PA is about to come down on December 30, 2009! What a sad note to end 2009 on!
Could this theatre possibly be resurrected and made into a theatre again or did the electrical supply warehouse folks level the floor, etc.??
David: I just found the flickr photos and am truly amazed after seeing them. I just can’t believe that Beaver Falls PA would adapt an urban renewal 1970’s mentality! Someone needs to contact someone who can step up to the plate and save this cinema treasure as December 30 is just around the corner!
And in this day and age, I can’t believe that Beaver Falls has chosen to bring this theatre down with its gorgeous facade like it was the 1970’s with 1970’s theatre mentality! Shame! Shame!
Sad to read that this theatre will be demolished. The architect, Michael DeAngelis is the same architect who designed my former hometown theatre in Westfield NY…the Grand Theatre. Though Beaver Falls City Administrator, Steve Johnson is quoted as saying…“It would be cheaper to build a new building”….it wouldn’t be the same, Mr. Johnson!
The Hemmings ad is in the back of the magazine/real estate section.
In the above 1988 photo posted in April ‘09 it shows a completely different facade with NO marquee yet in more recent photos there is a very nice marquee WITH CLOCK so my question is…..did it become a theatre again after it was a jewelry store and before it became an antique/collectibles store? Someone from the area will have the answer, I hope. Let’s hope that it becomes a theatre once again for the fine folks of Plant City!
This theatre is featured in the current issue of Hemmings Motor News (www.hemmings.com) with a photo and the following information: Beautiful 1939 Art Deco Theatre (non-functional), would make a great car museum, residence or antique shop, over 1,000 ft. of neon on facade, 5,000 s/f ground floor, 2,000 s/f balcony, 1,500 s/f lobby is air conditioned, elegantly finished with fine woodwork and ceiling fans, lobby also includes nostalgic gas station facade and 50s soda fountain facade, 20 miles east of Tampa, FL, $285,000. Cecil, 813-621-2220 or 813-312-1701, FL
If anyone calls these numbers and speaks with Cecil, please tell this person you saw the ad on Cinema Treasures. Personally I would hope that a cinema buff would purchase this art deco treasure and return it to a cinema! And if anyone who lives in or near Plant City is familiar with the State please post your thoughts. Thanks.
Joe: The Jordan model photo was fascinating to see! It’s just a shame the community doesn’t still have this lovely art moderne theatre.
I went by this theatre tonight enroute to see Christmastown USA…McAdenville NC. The sign said…Closed for the holidays so I knew it wasn’t closed, for good…only for the holidays! Great to read that it opened in 1946 and to see that it is still open and showing movies. Congratulations!
The card shows it has a red brick building, but the photos posted above shows the brick having been painted a white or light blue color. Such a shame to lose this one for a PARKING LOT? Shameful Chagrin!
I just received a lovely Christmas card depicting this former theatre. It was a lovely theatre and one that should have been preserved for future generations!
I will sign the petition, too and would suggest to any fellow CT member viewing this link to do so as well. Thanks so much.
winter garden: The size of the group isn’t important it is who you have in that group that will make the difference. A civic organization needs to be founded to get behind this effort! Many times it is simply called Friends of…..and in this case it would be Friends of the Winter Garden. This group would reach out to the community to raise much needed interest and most importantly, funds. I’m sure there are many residents who recall going to the WG to see their first movie and have many memories they could share which would help raise interest.
winter garden: I have received word from a friend in Jamestown via email that the theatre is to be demolished so please act quickly to at least be given 60 days to come up with a plan!
I see that I posted my boxoffice magazine request back in June so patience is a virtue. Happy Holidays.
Joe: Thanks so much as that site is most interesting!
rvb: More great RCMH memories! They are very special memories and thanks again for sharing!
rvb: Cute story and thanks for sharing as I’m quite sure many of us have met and know many former Rockettes. They are a special group of women who bring such joy to RCMH holiday audiences each year! I’ve seen the show in Charlotte and in Buffalo, but never in NYC so maybe someday.
Many former RCMH Rockettes were interviewed and one was almost brought to tears when she recalled the possibility of this great theatre closing. In fact, a former Rockette lives in my hometown in western NYS….Emma Bishop. Since gracing the RCMH stage she has returned home to teach dance.
I just watched a DVD about the history of RCMH. It’s a must-see and can ordered through Time/Life. It was a bonus DVD that came with the Christmas Spectacular DVD celebrating its 75th year and featured Ross Melnick, Theatre Historian and co-creator of Cinema Treasures! Thanks Ross!
And do you have a group that has been formed to work with you?
saving winter garden: Very nice website!
Good luck and keep us posted on all developments and details.