A gym would have bleacher seats, but to turn this space back into a theatre space the original or theatre like seats need to be purchased or brought back.
This is good news as it shows that the powers to be at the college are thinking about turning this space back into a theatre and never again a GYMNASIUM!
What is the current status of this theatre? And I agree what when the balcony was split the movie going experience at the Millwald would have been ruined. And how did it get the name…Millwald?
rmorton: The organ saga at that church thats like a confusing ordeal, but the part that really threw me were the words…“concrete bunker” and that “in 1967 the architect had left the organ chambers out of the plans…..”.
A day and moment of sadness on this Valentine’s Day. It’s always a shame to read about a 1926 landmark such as this now gone though I know the firefighters did their best under the worst of winter conditions. I don’t recall reading a cause so perhaps it will be determined in the near future.
Sure is nice to read so many interesting and informative posts here as it is a pleasure to have as a CT member, Thomas Lamb’s great grandson and namesake. I only wish we could all personally meet you. The one Lamb theatre that I have personally toured is the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse NY and it was simple breathtaking!
Lost Memory: I just went to look at the Enean after learning about the other Pittsburg CA theatre, the California. They are both in need of TLC so any updated information would be interesting to learn. The California was brought to my attention in regards to their former organ that is now for sale and needs restoration by a local church in that area. As I did more research I found my way to the Enean and it’s Pittsburg plight. The fact that some unauthorizied foreign car body repair shop was using the former theatre space is remarkable to me!
What happened that this theatre was allowed to just sit and be neglected? And what happened to the movie screen, projectors, seats, artwork? A b/w photo shows that the Califoria was completed stripped which is a crime. So when reading the words “extensive damage” that sets the tone and the very uphill battle the community is faced with today. What was the church plannning to do with the organ? When I read….“The organ is installed in a far less than desireable environment, but it remains largely intact” it made me wonder why they let it go to a “far less than desireable environment” condition!
On the CT home page there is a story about the organ that once resided at the California. The organ is for sale and it certainly would be nice if that organ could find its way back to the California and be a major part of the completed restoration project.
If there is a chance that the California Theatre in Pittsburg CA is going to be restored, then perhaps they would be most interested in purchasing their original organ back for a more complete restoration. IMO, if this theatre had this organ it should have it once again.
Since this theatre is connected to the name Eberson I was wondering when it was changed to a 7 screen cinema? And if there are any plans to return it to a single screen cinema? Sure would be nice.
The 1930’s photo of the Byrd with its vertical sign and beautiful marquee is not what is there now which is a shame.
A very sad commentary on an historical building.
This is a very sad commentary on an historical building.
Amen…end of theatre story!
A gym would have bleacher seats, but to turn this space back into a theatre space the original or theatre like seats need to be purchased or brought back.
This is good news as it shows that the powers to be at the college are thinking about turning this space back into a theatre and never again a GYMNASIUM!
What is the current status of this theatre? And I agree what when the balcony was split the movie going experience at the Millwald would have been ruined. And how did it get the name…Millwald?
“We have just made the best of it”. That’s all you can ask, I guess.
rmorton: The organ saga at that church thats like a confusing ordeal, but the part that really threw me were the words…“concrete bunker” and that “in 1967 the architect had left the organ chambers out of the plans…..”.
This newspaper story gives a photo of firefighters fighting the fire at 1 a.m.
View link
A day and moment of sadness on this Valentine’s Day. It’s always a shame to read about a 1926 landmark such as this now gone though I know the firefighters did their best under the worst of winter conditions. I don’t recall reading a cause so perhaps it will be determined in the near future.
Sure is nice to read so many interesting and informative posts here as it is a pleasure to have as a CT member, Thomas Lamb’s great grandson and namesake. I only wish we could all personally meet you. The one Lamb theatre that I have personally toured is the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse NY and it was simple breathtaking!
Lost Memory: I just went to look at the Enean after learning about the other Pittsburg CA theatre, the California. They are both in need of TLC so any updated information would be interesting to learn. The California was brought to my attention in regards to their former organ that is now for sale and needs restoration by a local church in that area. As I did more research I found my way to the Enean and it’s Pittsburg plight. The fact that some unauthorizied foreign car body repair shop was using the former theatre space is remarkable to me!
What happened that this theatre was allowed to just sit and be neglected? And what happened to the movie screen, projectors, seats, artwork? A b/w photo shows that the Califoria was completed stripped which is a crime. So when reading the words “extensive damage” that sets the tone and the very uphill battle the community is faced with today. What was the church plannning to do with the organ? When I read….“The organ is installed in a far less than desireable environment, but it remains largely intact” it made me wonder why they let it go to a “far less than desireable environment” condition!
On the CT home page there is a story about the organ that once resided at the California. The organ is for sale and it certainly would be nice if that organ could find its way back to the California and be a major part of the completed restoration project.
I love to see old theatres reunited with their original organs if at all possible.
If there is a chance that the California Theatre in Pittsburg CA is going to be restored, then perhaps they would be most interested in purchasing their original organ back for a more complete restoration. IMO, if this theatre had this organ it should have it once again.
kjosker: Thanks for these important photos. And I would now like to know what the overhead logo reads on that stage.
Thanks for the grand photos of this grand lady in Utica NY. I just love that grand “Titanic” stairway!
IMO, they were the same organization but I have read that a Mosque…Nation of Islam occupied it at one point in time.
Good guess and probably a correct guess. Thank you.
I wonder what C.O.G.I.C stands for?
Would love to see some interior photos of this ‘split’.
This theatre must be huge to have been split into SEVEN screens!
Since this theatre is connected to the name Eberson I was wondering when it was changed to a 7 screen cinema? And if there are any plans to return it to a single screen cinema? Sure would be nice.