These theatres were before my time though it is my understanding that the May Theatre and the Carlson (Swetland Opera House) were 2 separate theatres on Erie Street. Interesting to read about the flat flooring as the Swetland was turned into apartments years ago. Mayville is the county seat and Erie Street is the main street that travels North to South giving travelers a view of nearby Chautauqua Lake. This lake is not part of the Finger Lakes. And yes, the May Theatre should have its own page on CT. I have always wanted to enter the former Swetland building as someone’s apt. must be part of the auditorium. And there had to have been a stage. The Blatt Bros. mentioned also owned The Grand Theatre in nearby Westfield NY. The Grand is listed on CT. It was art deco in design and the architect was Michael DeAngelis.
Michael DeAngelis designed my hometown theatre, the art deco Grand Theatre in Westfield NY. It was demolished after 40 years due to it closing and subsequent neglect. It had a curved marquee. My husband and I are hoping to have a Remembering the Grand this Fall with collected menorabilia donated by locals as there was an auction prior to demolition. The letter R was located right in the town so it will be the lighted featured piece. I found 500 tickets on eBay so a ticket will be given to attendees upon entering the exhibit. If you live in Western NYS, and are interested, my email is
The Grand in Wellsville is in a quaint central NYS town. Does anyone know the current status of this theatre? When last I visited the Grand had been twinned with the balcony area enclosed to show another movie.
Pleased to read that its Wurlitzer is still there and operational. They were built in North Tonawanda NY with the demonstration organ in the Riviera Theatre in NT for prospective buyers. There is a Wurlitzer in most surviving theatres in the Buffalo NY area.
Welcome to CT. I think whoever added this theatre wrote the historical piece. Not sure if it can be or should be changed though you certainly can add current information in your posts going forward.
Wish I could remember the theatre buff I corresponded with years ago re: the Dattola. This theatre is definitely art moderne with its art deco exterior design.
Found a 2009 article that mentions developer, Steve Kubrick by googling the words .. Dattola Theatre. He didn’t purchase the theatre though was willing to get involved in getting the theatre up and running again.
Coudersports is also known for the name, Eliot Ness. He lived the last 2 years of his life there. A book entitled Eliot Ness The Real Story was written by Paul Heimel. Paul was born and raised in the small town. He also helped write the history of the theatre on their website.
These theatres were before my time though it is my understanding that the May Theatre and the Carlson (Swetland Opera House) were 2 separate theatres on Erie Street. Interesting to read about the flat flooring as the Swetland was turned into apartments years ago. Mayville is the county seat and Erie Street is the main street that travels North to South giving travelers a view of nearby Chautauqua Lake. This lake is not part of the Finger Lakes. And yes, the May Theatre should have its own page on CT. I have always wanted to enter the former Swetland building as someone’s apt. must be part of the auditorium. And there had to have been a stage. The Blatt Bros. mentioned also owned The Grand Theatre in nearby Westfield NY. The Grand is listed on CT. It was art deco in design and the architect was Michael DeAngelis.
Michael DeAngelis designed my hometown theatre, the art deco Grand Theatre in Westfield NY. It was demolished after 40 years due to it closing and subsequent neglect. It had a curved marquee. My husband and I are hoping to have a Remembering the Grand this Fall with collected menorabilia donated by locals as there was an auction prior to demolition. The letter R was located right in the town so it will be the lighted featured piece. I found 500 tickets on eBay so a ticket will be given to attendees upon entering the exhibit. If you live in Western NYS, and are interested, my email is
Whatever happened to the Moller organ?
I hope you can arrange to get those 2 pieces of artwork from the Strand done by your grandfather. How did you learn who had them?
Sadly, theatres across the country are now closed due to COVID-19.
The Grand in Wellsville is in a quaint central NYS town. Does anyone know the current status of this theatre? When last I visited the Grand had been twinned with the balcony area enclosed to show another movie.
Pleased to read that its Wurlitzer is still there and operational. They were built in North Tonawanda NY with the demonstration organ in the Riviera Theatre in NT for prospective buyers. There is a Wurlitzer in most surviving theatres in the Buffalo NY area.
If you have more information re: plans in ‘85 to reopen the Grand, please send to and title it Grand Theatre. Thanks.
What is the latest?
Welcome to CT. I think whoever added this theatre wrote the historical piece. Not sure if it can be or should be changed though you certainly can add current information in your posts going forward.
Music to my ears.
Will this theatre ever see a rebirth?
I do not recall these lights in the art deco Grand Theatre of my era.
Still hoping to see the light fixture photo. Have theatre info though after putting it in clipboard I can’t paste it here.
I see 2 more marquees .. the Circle and the Paramount. Talk about a theatre district! What happened to those theatres?
..glowed in the dark..
The 2 round windows above the marquee and ticket kios are distinctive DeAngelis design features.
Wish I could remember the theatre buff I corresponded with years ago re: the Dattola. This theatre is definitely art moderne with its art deco exterior design.
From the photos it looks like the designer might have been Michael DeAngelis.
Found a 2009 article that mentions developer, Steve Kubrick by googling the words .. Dattola Theatre. He didn’t purchase the theatre though was willing to get involved in getting the theatre up and running again.
What is the current status of this theatre?
This theatre built in the 20s needs to be saved and restored.
Coudersports is also known for the name, Eliot Ness. He lived the last 2 years of his life there. A book entitled Eliot Ness The Real Story was written by Paul Heimel. Paul was born and raised in the small town. He also helped write the history of the theatre on their website.
Classic example of a small town theatre treasure. Thank you John Regis.
Most major cities have made terrible theatre decisions.