Grand Opera House (added 1986 – Building – #80001474)
Also known as Grand Theater
Shawnee County – 615 Jackson St., Topeka
(10 acres, 1 building)
Historic Significance: Event
Area of Significance: Entertainment/Recreation
Period of Significance: 1900-1924
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Theater
Current Function: Recreation And Culture, Vacant/Not In Use
The roof collapsed in September 2004 during a show:
MILL VALLEY
The show must go on
Roof collapse forces film festival into different digs
Peter Fimrite, Chronicle Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
If town pride could be measured, the meter dipped recently in Mill Valley.
This normally carefree hamlet at the base of Mount Tamalpais was jolted last month when the ceiling of the classic Sequoia Theatre collapsed during a bargain matinee.
It was a rude awakening for the 40 or so people watching “Garden State” – – especially the three patrons who were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. But it was the town itself that really took it on the noggin. As workers sifted through the tons of plaster and lath that cascaded onto the seats, it quickly became clear that the leafy suburb’s signature event, the Mill Valley Film Festival, would have to pack up and move — to San Rafael, no less.
Sure, there will be some receptions in Mill Valley, and a movie or two at the newly revitalized 142 Throckmorton Theatre, known locally by its former moniker, the Odd Fellows Hall. But the majority of the glitterati of filmdom will be congregating elsewhere during the festival Oct. 7-17.
Since this is a town that sees itself as the cultural capital and the unofficial arbiter of good taste in Marin County, it was hard to take.
“It’s a blow that the film festival won’t be here,” said Don Hunter, Mill Valley’s city manager. “It’s only (a short) event, so it’s not a big financial blow, but from the perspective of what it does to the wholeness of the community, it hurts. The film festival is part of the life of the community. We look forward to it like we look forward to the Dipsea (hike and run) race every year.”
In front of the shuttered theater, Mill Valley residents echoed Hunter’s sentiments.
“It’s absolutely, totally an essential part of the community,” said Liz Levy, 58. “It’s devastating for Mill Valley folks that the film festival won’t be here this year.”
“The film festival is a very unusual thing in this town — it resonates in the community. It is a special thing for Mill Valley, and to not have it this year is a loss,” said Steve Coleman, a theater set designer, as he looked over a sign announcing the festival’s departure to San Rafael. Mill Valley, as much as any suburb of San Francisco, has tried, with debatable success, to hold on to its small-town roots. The 13,800 residents have fought against development with intensity, even as the median price of a home soared into the stratosphere and boutique shops pushed out many resident-serving businesses.
Once an oasis for artists, writers and bohemians, little Mill Valley may not be so homey anymore, but the townsfolk managed at least to preserve its small-town feel. Many of the original downtown buildings are still standing, and a European-style town square was built around the old train depot to complement them.
The focal point of it all is, and always has been, the Sequoia Theatre.
Built eight months before the stock market crashed in 1929, the Sequoia was raised in grand style at a cost of $100,000, plus another $25,000 for the plush furnishings.
Opening night drew 1,200 people to each of two showings. It was one of the largest audiences ever assembled in Mill Valley. The town’s population was just under 4,000 at the time.
The show included the films “Uncle Tom” and “The Kid’s Clever” (“a riot of laughs throughout,” stated the program), a sports review by Grantland Rice, plus vaudeville acts and speeches. Gertrude Lynne played the “mammoth” Wurlitzer organ.
In addition to silent, and later, sound films, the Sequoia routinely featured vaudeville-style acts and live musical entertainment on its full stage between shows.
The theater was turned into a twin theater in 1975. Repairs were made in 1991 and the theater, with a capacity of 650 seats, was renovated again in 1999.
Over the years, the pressure mounted to close the theater as more multiplex theaters were built in shopping malls. Unlike many other historic theaters, however, the Sequoia survived.
“A theater is important in a town, and Mill Valley saved its theater,” said Barry Spitz, author of the history book “Mill Valley, The Early Years.” “Despite the rise of VCRs and computer games, people still love to go to the movies. There’s nothing like walking to a grand old neighborhood theater, and I don’t think that’s going to change.”
The collapse of a 25-foot-by-25-foot section of the ceiling on Aug. 16 happened because the metal lath and plaster had been weakened by water that had leaked years earlier through the attic, according to two engineering reports.
Century Theatres, which operates the Sequoia, did not give a date when the movie house will reopen, but it is expected to be ready for the 2005 film festival.
Mark Fishkin, who founded the Mill Valley Film Festival in 1978, said the Smith Rafael Film Center and two screens at the Regency Theaters in San Rafael will be used. The old Odd Fellows Hall — which was Mill Valley’s first theater, predating the Sequoia, and was once named the Hub Theatre — will also have screenings, Fishkin said. It was the primary venue for the film festival when it started in 1978.
Nevertheless, Fishkin said, the festival will not be the same this year without Mill Valley and its signature movie house playing a primary role.
“The importance of Mill Valley is extraordinary. It’s the home of the festival,” Fishkin said. “Even the most jaded Hollywood producer, after 12 hours in Mill Valley, lets down his guard. But this year is an anomaly. We’ll be back in Mill Valley in 2005.”
Named for the Western movie star who was born in this southeastern Arizona town, the classic art deco building was constructed in the late 1800s. Originally called the Mystic, it has been a theater since 1927 and at one time hosted live stage productions.
When movies took over, the theater had a single screen and a balcony, but in recent years has been converted into a twin screen theater. In the smaller theater, the images theatergoers see on the screen are produced by a Motiograph 35 mm projector, made about 1935. It is the oldest operating movie projector in the state of Arizona. The building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Take the time to visit the Rex Allen Museum next door. Early photos, elaborate costumes and posters from some of the 19 movies Allen made for Republic Pictures between 1950 and 1954 trace his career.
Fountain Hill Opera House (added 1987 – Building – #79002306)
Also known as Globe Theatre;Grand Opera House
405 Wyandotte St., Bethlehem
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Unknown
Architectural Style: No Style Listed
Area of Significance: Architecture
Period of Significance: 1875-1899
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Domestic, Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Hotel, Theater
Current Function: Domestic, Recreation And Culture
Current Sub-function: Multiple Dwelling, Theater
There was an interview in the LA Times today with a Mr. Deramo, a chamber of commerce official. He discussed the possible purchase of the building by the city, but for a youth center, not a live theater. That would mean extensive remodeling and gutting of the interior, if it hasn’t been gutted already.
Here is an 1892 print of the Opera House (which is for sale, to be fair):
http://www.printsoldandrare.com/kansas/011ks.jpg
Here is a photo of the interior:
View link
Here is a small photo of the interior:
View link
Here is the landmark information:
Grand Opera House (added 1986 – Building – #80001474)
Also known as Grand Theater
Shawnee County – 615 Jackson St., Topeka
(10 acres, 1 building)
Historic Significance: Event
Area of Significance: Entertainment/Recreation
Period of Significance: 1900-1924
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Theater
Current Function: Recreation And Culture, Vacant/Not In Use
Patsy is correct. The State Theater is in Greenvile, NC.
Here is an interesting link with a history of theaters in Akron:
View link
Here is a color photo:
View link
The roof collapsed in September 2004 during a show:
MILL VALLEY
The show must go on
Roof collapse forces film festival into different digs
Peter Fimrite, Chronicle Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
If town pride could be measured, the meter dipped recently in Mill Valley.
This normally carefree hamlet at the base of Mount Tamalpais was jolted last month when the ceiling of the classic Sequoia Theatre collapsed during a bargain matinee.
It was a rude awakening for the 40 or so people watching “Garden State” – – especially the three patrons who were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. But it was the town itself that really took it on the noggin. As workers sifted through the tons of plaster and lath that cascaded onto the seats, it quickly became clear that the leafy suburb’s signature event, the Mill Valley Film Festival, would have to pack up and move — to San Rafael, no less.
Sure, there will be some receptions in Mill Valley, and a movie or two at the newly revitalized 142 Throckmorton Theatre, known locally by its former moniker, the Odd Fellows Hall. But the majority of the glitterati of filmdom will be congregating elsewhere during the festival Oct. 7-17.
Since this is a town that sees itself as the cultural capital and the unofficial arbiter of good taste in Marin County, it was hard to take.
“It’s a blow that the film festival won’t be here,” said Don Hunter, Mill Valley’s city manager. “It’s only (a short) event, so it’s not a big financial blow, but from the perspective of what it does to the wholeness of the community, it hurts. The film festival is part of the life of the community. We look forward to it like we look forward to the Dipsea (hike and run) race every year.”
In front of the shuttered theater, Mill Valley residents echoed Hunter’s sentiments.
“It’s absolutely, totally an essential part of the community,” said Liz Levy, 58. “It’s devastating for Mill Valley folks that the film festival won’t be here this year.”
“The film festival is a very unusual thing in this town — it resonates in the community. It is a special thing for Mill Valley, and to not have it this year is a loss,” said Steve Coleman, a theater set designer, as he looked over a sign announcing the festival’s departure to San Rafael. Mill Valley, as much as any suburb of San Francisco, has tried, with debatable success, to hold on to its small-town roots. The 13,800 residents have fought against development with intensity, even as the median price of a home soared into the stratosphere and boutique shops pushed out many resident-serving businesses.
Once an oasis for artists, writers and bohemians, little Mill Valley may not be so homey anymore, but the townsfolk managed at least to preserve its small-town feel. Many of the original downtown buildings are still standing, and a European-style town square was built around the old train depot to complement them.
The focal point of it all is, and always has been, the Sequoia Theatre.
Built eight months before the stock market crashed in 1929, the Sequoia was raised in grand style at a cost of $100,000, plus another $25,000 for the plush furnishings.
Opening night drew 1,200 people to each of two showings. It was one of the largest audiences ever assembled in Mill Valley. The town’s population was just under 4,000 at the time.
The show included the films “Uncle Tom” and “The Kid’s Clever” (“a riot of laughs throughout,” stated the program), a sports review by Grantland Rice, plus vaudeville acts and speeches. Gertrude Lynne played the “mammoth” Wurlitzer organ.
In addition to silent, and later, sound films, the Sequoia routinely featured vaudeville-style acts and live musical entertainment on its full stage between shows.
The theater was turned into a twin theater in 1975. Repairs were made in 1991 and the theater, with a capacity of 650 seats, was renovated again in 1999.
Over the years, the pressure mounted to close the theater as more multiplex theaters were built in shopping malls. Unlike many other historic theaters, however, the Sequoia survived.
“A theater is important in a town, and Mill Valley saved its theater,” said Barry Spitz, author of the history book “Mill Valley, The Early Years.” “Despite the rise of VCRs and computer games, people still love to go to the movies. There’s nothing like walking to a grand old neighborhood theater, and I don’t think that’s going to change.”
The collapse of a 25-foot-by-25-foot section of the ceiling on Aug. 16 happened because the metal lath and plaster had been weakened by water that had leaked years earlier through the attic, according to two engineering reports.
Century Theatres, which operates the Sequoia, did not give a date when the movie house will reopen, but it is expected to be ready for the 2005 film festival.
Mark Fishkin, who founded the Mill Valley Film Festival in 1978, said the Smith Rafael Film Center and two screens at the Regency Theaters in San Rafael will be used. The old Odd Fellows Hall — which was Mill Valley’s first theater, predating the Sequoia, and was once named the Hub Theatre — will also have screenings, Fishkin said. It was the primary venue for the film festival when it started in 1978.
Nevertheless, Fishkin said, the festival will not be the same this year without Mill Valley and its signature movie house playing a primary role.
“The importance of Mill Valley is extraordinary. It’s the home of the festival,” Fishkin said. “Even the most jaded Hollywood producer, after 12 hours in Mill Valley, lets down his guard. But this year is an anomaly. We’ll be back in Mill Valley in 2005.”
Here is another link:
http://www.noehill.com/sanmateo/nat1994000431.asp
Here is an interesting site regarding the history of theaters in Akron:
View link
From ahwatukee.com:
Rex Allen Theater
130 N. Railroad Ave., Willcox
(520) 384-4244
Named for the Western movie star who was born in this southeastern Arizona town, the classic art deco building was constructed in the late 1800s. Originally called the Mystic, it has been a theater since 1927 and at one time hosted live stage productions.
When movies took over, the theater had a single screen and a balcony, but in recent years has been converted into a twin screen theater. In the smaller theater, the images theatergoers see on the screen are produced by a Motiograph 35 mm projector, made about 1935. It is the oldest operating movie projector in the state of Arizona. The building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Take the time to visit the Rex Allen Museum next door. Early photos, elaborate costumes and posters from some of the 19 movies Allen made for Republic Pictures between 1950 and 1954 trace his career.
Now playing, Beauty Shop and Guess Who.
Here is the information on landmark status:
Fountain Hill Opera House (added 1987 – Building – #79002306)
Also known as Globe Theatre;Grand Opera House
405 Wyandotte St., Bethlehem
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Unknown
Architectural Style: No Style Listed
Area of Significance: Architecture
Period of Significance: 1875-1899
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Domestic, Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Hotel, Theater
Current Function: Domestic, Recreation And Culture
Current Sub-function: Multiple Dwelling, Theater
Here is a link with some contemporary photos:
View link
Here is a press release from last November:
View link
Here is a link with a wealth of information:
http://www.battersbyornamental.com/empire1.htm
Under what listing would I find the Empire Theater in Leicester Square?
Here is another link with photos:
http://www.wjhw.com/empire_sa.html
Here is another link:
http://www.newberrycounty.net/Contents.htm
Here is another photo:
http://flickr.com/photos/bunchofpants/68319285/
Here is another photo:
http://flickr.com/photos/21067993@N00/56632701/
Here is a more recent photo:
http://flickr.com/photos/sh/345402/
There was an interview in the LA Times today with a Mr. Deramo, a chamber of commerce official. He discussed the possible purchase of the building by the city, but for a youth center, not a live theater. That would mean extensive remodeling and gutting of the interior, if it hasn’t been gutted already.
Here is a link with information on the Arcada:
http://www.silentfilmchicago.com/Theatres.htm
Here is another link for the Pickwick:
http://www.silentfilmchicago.com/Theatres.htm
Here is a photo:
View link
And a link with a photo of the theater:
http://www.gacklend.com/business.htm