It’s a shame to read that this theatre is no more. I found out about this theatre while researching the Town of Alhambra and the Pyrenees Castle which is owned by legendary music producer, Phil Spector who is on trial for murder in an LA courthouse on Court TV. Read there was a Temple Theatre, too.
If anyone can provide more information about this theatre, it would be much appreciated. When this theatre closed in the mid 1980’s it set empty and neglected which was a shame as the original auditorium could have been saved before the elements got to it. When a roof starts leaking then it’s a downhill slide for any future renovation/restoration. The good news is that the building was NOT torn down to make room for a PARKING LOT!
I wonder what happened to the Link organ? I recently met Matt’s father in the lobby during teen night and he showed me many photos of what the theatre looked like in the 20’s and the work his son and wife had to do to restore the roof and lobby ceiling. I still hope to get a tour and see the auditorium though a “room within a room” was built in the auditorium space. If I could get to, at least, see one of the wall cameos depicted in the auditorium photo posted by Bryan Krefft on October 20, 2005 that would be wonderful.
Congratulations and best wishes in your efforts. If I lived closer, I’d come and help though I have contacted someone I know in the Oil City area who might be interested as her family has theatre ownership history in western NYS.
sam_e: Oh, forgive me I was typing so fast I forgot to type the all important word….NORTH Tonawanda and I knew better as I’ve been to the Riviera Theatre in NORTH Tonawanda many times for their weekly Wurlitzer organ recitals. I believe that one in that theatre was used as the Wurlitzer demo when letting customers hear one of their mighty organs.
The art deco exterior is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Another building in many towns and cities across the country that were art deco in exterior design were the former Kress stores. Did Oil City have one? If the building still stands, you can tell by looking up and seeing the word, KRESS somewhere. If you go to www.roadsidearchitecture.com you can find a site that features former Kress buildings and many other interesting roadside architecture.
Indiana: Keep up your hopes to someday help with the restoration of this theatre. A good way to start is to contact those who are involved and offer whatever help you can in whatever way. Where is the chandelier now? If the space was a former furniture store, did they keep the chandelier hung or was it put into storage?
Paul: Thank you so very much for posting this familiar site with theater photos now! I didn’t realize that Brocton had a theatre so would like to learn more about that one with photos as to the location in the town. Also the era it existed.
drumboy: Great to read about the the Mighty Wurlitzer in the Tampa Theatre. I never knew there was an original silent version of Phantom. As you know the Mighty Wurlitzers were built in the Town of Tonawanda NY in the Buffalo NY area. The main administration building still stands with the word WURLITZER over the front door.
The video that is on the above website that I first viewed on the Theatre Historial Society of America (THSA)is very well done and I wish you continued success.
It’s a shame that the seating area was been leveled when it was turned into a furniture store in 1972, but the 800 bulb chandelier sounds spectacular. I’d love to see a photo of it along with interior photos of how it once looked. Does anyone know who the architect was? In my travels this summer, I hope to visit Oil City and this former art deco theatre.
DakRoland: Good luck with your research on this theatre and please post any and all early history information you have learned about this theatre. Thanks.
Tony: Thanks for the update and it is sad that the young professionals who are choosing to move downtown (which is being done in many metro areas now)can’t go see a movie in at least one movie palace from another era.
It’s a shame to read that this theatre is no more. I found out about this theatre while researching the Town of Alhambra and the Pyrenees Castle which is owned by legendary music producer, Phil Spector who is on trial for murder in an LA courthouse on Court TV. Read there was a Temple Theatre, too.
Linda: I hope to join you on May 19th! If others are in the Oil City area and are reading this…come join the effort!
If anyone can provide more information about this theatre, it would be much appreciated. When this theatre closed in the mid 1980’s it set empty and neglected which was a shame as the original auditorium could have been saved before the elements got to it. When a roof starts leaking then it’s a downhill slide for any future renovation/restoration. The good news is that the building was NOT torn down to make room for a PARKING LOT!
I wonder what happened to the Link organ? I recently met Matt’s father in the lobby during teen night and he showed me many photos of what the theatre looked like in the 20’s and the work his son and wife had to do to restore the roof and lobby ceiling. I still hope to get a tour and see the auditorium though a “room within a room” was built in the auditorium space. If I could get to, at least, see one of the wall cameos depicted in the auditorium photo posted by Bryan Krefft on October 20, 2005 that would be wonderful.
Would love to see a photo of this former theatre.
Congratulations and best wishes in your efforts. If I lived closer, I’d come and help though I have contacted someone I know in the Oil City area who might be interested as her family has theatre ownership history in western NYS.
“split down the middle”..it happens, but not what I personally want to read.
Irv: When you send me the photos please title the email GARDEN Theatre. Thanks.
Edith: No, I am not from the Coudersport or surrounding area.
Would love to see my current and past photos! Can you help Lost Memory?
Marlene: Thanks for this update!
Edith: So pleased that you found Cinema Treasures as it is a great site for those of us who love the old cinemas. Welcome.
Paul: Could you post the exact site(s) for seeing these above theatres on Google Earth? Especially the former drive-in in Westfield.
Guard: I truly hope it is the latter reason. Keep us posted.
Lost Memory: Thanks for the GREAT photo!
sam_e: Oh, forgive me I was typing so fast I forgot to type the all important word….NORTH Tonawanda and I knew better as I’ve been to the Riviera Theatre in NORTH Tonawanda many times for their weekly Wurlitzer organ recitals. I believe that one in that theatre was used as the Wurlitzer demo when letting customers hear one of their mighty organs.
The art deco exterior is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Another building in many towns and cities across the country that were art deco in exterior design were the former Kress stores. Did Oil City have one? If the building still stands, you can tell by looking up and seeing the word, KRESS somewhere. If you go to www.roadsidearchitecture.com you can find a site that features former Kress buildings and many other interesting roadside architecture.
Indiana: Keep up your hopes to someday help with the restoration of this theatre. A good way to start is to contact those who are involved and offer whatever help you can in whatever way. Where is the chandelier now? If the space was a former furniture store, did they keep the chandelier hung or was it put into storage?
Paul: Thank you so very much for posting this familiar site with theater photos now! I didn’t realize that Brocton had a theatre so would like to learn more about that one with photos as to the location in the town. Also the era it existed.
drumboy: Great to read about the the Mighty Wurlitzer in the Tampa Theatre. I never knew there was an original silent version of Phantom. As you know the Mighty Wurlitzers were built in the Town of Tonawanda NY in the Buffalo NY area. The main administration building still stands with the word WURLITZER over the front door.
The video that is on the above website that I first viewed on the Theatre Historial Society of America (THSA)is very well done and I wish you continued success.
It’s a shame that the seating area was been leveled when it was turned into a furniture store in 1972, but the 800 bulb chandelier sounds spectacular. I’d love to see a photo of it along with interior photos of how it once looked. Does anyone know who the architect was? In my travels this summer, I hope to visit Oil City and this former art deco theatre.
DakRoland: Good luck with your research on this theatre and please post any and all early history information you have learned about this theatre. Thanks.
Especially this one which had so much of a Nashville ‘feel’ and decor! To have brought this one down was truly a misguided mistake!
Tony: Thanks for the update and it is sad that the young professionals who are choosing to move downtown (which is being done in many metro areas now)can’t go see a movie in at least one movie palace from another era.