Still no reply from Organ Supply Industries so may give them a phone call since they have an 800 number on their website. On the site there is a message from the president so will ask to speak with him. Stay tuned.
I just sent Organ Supply Industries an email about the organ that was once in the Paramount Theatre and will await a reply. If I don’t hear from OSI in a few days (or hours), I will give them a phone call. Stay organ tuned!
I would like to know how it came to be that the Paramount was allowed to be sold? After viewing the b/w interior photos on the freenet site I am truly amazed that this Lempert theatre with such rich history was drastically converted.
This link shows what is at the former Paramount Theatre location today and was the Nemmer Furniture location until the building was converted into condos by a local developer.
Below are the words in a recent email sent to me from a local Buffalo resident:
I would have to do some digging to see what address the Paramount Theater used. It became Nemmer Furniture, and then was vacant for many years before Doug Swift bought it and turned it into City Centre Condos. Yes, we did discuss this a while ago, and I think I forwarded Doug’s reply to saythat there was basically nothing left of the theater, but he did manage tosalvage some columns and the ticket booth.
T.M.S.: Below is an email that I rec’d with a contactphone number. Hope this helps…keep us posted. Thanks.
The phone number on the marquee is 217/549-3000. We are delighted someone is at least interested in it. It is an historical landmark here and everyone would dearly like someone to take it and get it back to working condition.
T.M.S.: Try this link which is the Chamber of Commerce site for Effingham. They might be able to help you locate someone connected to the Heart Theatre.
“….an organist at the console of the Paramount Nashville Wurlitzer….” These few words are nice to read and do so wish the theatre, an organist and that Wurlitzer were still in existence in that theatre in TN!
photographz: Yes, this is very true, but that didn’t happen and it is still around for us and future generations to enjoy. If you haven’t attended one of their organ recitals held each month, please treat yourself to a wonderful evening at the beautiful Riviera! One of the most special and visual aspects are the interior stained glass doors leading into the lobby with the letter R in the center of each door.
I know a man by the name of Mike Yeager who owns Mid-America Enterprises. He should be contacted by someone in Effingham about purchasing this theatre in conjunction with his Corvette business. During his Fun Fest weekend over Labor Day weekend he could run the Corvette themed movie, Corvette Summer with Annie Potts. I don’t want to read that this hometown art deco theatre was demolished because nobody cared or took the time to find a possible buyer! Mike Yeager is that possible buyer and lives in the community!
photographz: Thanks for the photosgraphs and if you have other theatre related photos as they become available, please post on their respective sites. I’m from that part of the world and could give other photo suggestions for your portfolio. I can be reached via email at
Thoms2: Interesting to read in your Dec. 6 2007 post that Statesville had a Woolworth’s as so many towns did years ago. Perhaps “JFP in NC” can give us the name of that other theatre “on S. Central between E. Broad and E. Front”.
Thanks for your insightful post from beginning to end!
Still no reply from Organ Supply Industries so may give them a phone call since they have an 800 number on their website. On the site there is a message from the president so will ask to speak with him. Stay tuned.
I just sent Organ Supply Industries an email about the organ that was once in the Paramount Theatre and will await a reply. If I don’t hear from OSI in a few days (or hours), I will give them a phone call. Stay organ tuned!
Thanks men for your posts and organ information. I just might contact Organ Supply Industries and see what they have to say to me.
And where in Erie PA is the original Paramount Theatre organ? I would love to see and hear it IF it isn’t in a private home!
I would like to know how it came to be that the Paramount was allowed to be sold? After viewing the b/w interior photos on the freenet site I am truly amazed that this Lempert theatre with such rich history was drastically converted.
This link shows what is at the former Paramount Theatre location today and was the Nemmer Furniture location until the building was converted into condos by a local developer.
http://www.cityviewbuffalo.com/citycentre.html
Below are the words in a recent email sent to me from a local Buffalo resident:
I would have to do some digging to see what address the Paramount Theater used. It became Nemmer Furniture, and then was vacant for many years before Doug Swift bought it and turned it into City Centre Condos. Yes, we did discuss this a while ago, and I think I forwarded Doug’s reply to saythat there was basically nothing left of the theater, but he did manage tosalvage some columns and the ticket booth.
It never became a parking lot.
This is a special theatre and one that was saved by the late Reginald Lenna and his generous contribution. Thanks Reg.
T.M.S.: Below is an email that I rec’d with a contactphone number. Hope this helps…keep us posted. Thanks.
The phone number on the marquee is 217/549-3000. We are delighted someone is at least interested in it. It is an historical landmark here and everyone would dearly like someone to take it and get it back to working condition.
Pat Copple
Program Coordinator
LOUB: Great improvements have been made in restoring the original look of this theatre in downtown Buffalo.
Lost Memory: Your “another angle” photo is spectacular! Thanks for sharing…again!
LOUB: Thanks so much for these photos as I have never seen them before!
I’m somewhat familiar with this theatre south of Buffalo. It has an interesting history.
T.M.S.: Try this link which is the Chamber of Commerce site for Effingham. They might be able to help you locate someone connected to the Heart Theatre.
http://www.effinghamchamber.org/
Justin: Yes, “one of the best kept secrets on the web”! And us, CT members have always known that “our” site was one of the “best bets on the web”.
“….an organist at the console of the Paramount Nashville Wurlitzer….” These few words are nice to read and do so wish the theatre, an organist and that Wurlitzer were still in existence in that theatre in TN!
photographz: Yes, this is very true, but that didn’t happen and it is still around for us and future generations to enjoy. If you haven’t attended one of their organ recitals held each month, please treat yourself to a wonderful evening at the beautiful Riviera! One of the most special and visual aspects are the interior stained glass doors leading into the lobby with the letter R in the center of each door.
I know a man by the name of Mike Yeager who owns Mid-America Enterprises. He should be contacted by someone in Effingham about purchasing this theatre in conjunction with his Corvette business. During his Fun Fest weekend over Labor Day weekend he could run the Corvette themed movie, Corvette Summer with Annie Potts. I don’t want to read that this hometown art deco theatre was demolished because nobody cared or took the time to find a possible buyer! Mike Yeager is that possible buyer and lives in the community!
photographz: There is a drive-in located in Corry PA that is still operational and very original!
photographz: I responded to you on the Grandview link to your photos so if you wish to contact me my email is
photographz: Thanks for the photosgraphs and if you have other theatre related photos as they become available, please post on their respective sites. I’m from that part of the world and could give other photo suggestions for your portfolio. I can be reached via email at
And it has some historically beautiful homes. One of them was on a recent holiday house tour.
Thoms2: Interesting to read in your Dec. 6 2007 post that Statesville had a Woolworth’s as so many towns did years ago. Perhaps “JFP in NC” can give us the name of that other theatre “on S. Central between E. Broad and E. Front”.
Any additional interior photos of the Playhouse Theatre?