This theatre is featured in a small postcard photo within the pages of Remembering Charlotte. “Stars and constellations were wondrously projected onto the ceiling. Its narrow entrance wedged between the Bank of Charlotte and Tate-Brown Co. did not deter moviegoers. The Imperial was one of four or five profitable theaters within two blocks of the Square before suburban theaters opened.” Then in the ‘urban renewal 60’s, it was demolished due to suburban theaters. Such a shame. Fortunately, the City of Charlotte still has the Carolina Theatre, but it needs to be completely restored.
The word “reluctant” is an interesting choice as the university Provost should realize the importance of this former theatre that could be used by the university for performances. I plan to write Gale Stevens Haynes and do hope that other CT members will choose to do so also.
To allow this theatre to be leveled is just beyond my level of comprehension after looking through all of the December 26, 2006 photos! Such a shame Nashville as the decor is so much “Nashville” in its design motif.
Again, I and many other CT members are reminded of the beauty of this theatre. One only has to look at the Jack Coursey post of December 26, 2006 to see that a major theatre demolition occurred in the late 70’s.
Paul K: I, too, would like these inquiries answered as it’s a shame that the City of Nashville lost this special theatre to a highrise building. I would have thought that it being Nashville, Music City USA they would be more mindful of a great concert venue like this one WAS.
Lost Memory: Thanks for the photos. I can only imagine how wonderful a Steve Lippia concert would have been in that theatre in December as I saw him in another city. He sounds like Frank Sinatra so his concert was titled………Simply Sinatra. www.stevelippia.com
ERD: A student center would be nice, but returning it to a theatre again would be even nicer as so much of it is still there except for the seats, of course.
Also, I have met Barb Hauck through her connection to the Warner Theatre and the Erie Philharmonic office. She gave my husband and I a tour of the Warner a few summers ago which I will never forget and will always be grateful for her kind gesture towards us. We bought a Warner Theatre poster and have it framed in our home. We also attended our first Erie Philharmonic concert this past September and look forward to the next one at the Pepsi Amphitheatre along the shores of Lake Erie. I look forward to continuing our conversation with email.
“…..an emblem on the front that has the WB logo, but it’s a little different than the one we are all used to seeing.” Could you describe this logo on the glasses or send me a photo via email? Thanks.
Joanne: My email is if you wish to scan a photo of these glasses. Thanks so much and it’s a joy to read your Warner memories. Suppose by now you have read Barb’s post concerning the barber and the former Mayor of Erie, Louis Tullio which resulted in the Warner being saved from the wrecking ball.
Joanne: What a beautiful story to read about your father and family who were and continue to be so devoted to the Warner Theatre. I’ve been the gal who is interested in knowing about a possible WB coat of arms as I met a theatre owner in Wellsville NY a few years ago that mentioned a coat of arms being in his theatre.
I love viewing the vintage post card of the art moderne Lake Theatre posted on Sept. 23, 2004. I wonder if the lobby was changed much after the renovations were made though I would certainly understand the auditorium floor being ‘flattened’ to create the museum space. Again, such a shame.
Tom N: Such a shame that the PBICA is now closed especially after the decision was made years ago to discontinue the theatre so now the residents of Lake Worth have neither!
Architorture: I would to have it confirmed whether this theatre is gone as the answer will result in a possible trip to Butler PA.
I hope this closing news is incorrect. I know a business man in Effingham who might have interest in keeping it open, but would have to inquire.
And yes, I hope that we can all view the photo of this theatre that is within the pages of “The Time of the Trolley”.
This theatre is featured in a small postcard photo within the pages of Remembering Charlotte. “Stars and constellations were wondrously projected onto the ceiling. Its narrow entrance wedged between the Bank of Charlotte and Tate-Brown Co. did not deter moviegoers. The Imperial was one of four or five profitable theaters within two blocks of the Square before suburban theaters opened.” Then in the ‘urban renewal 60’s, it was demolished due to suburban theaters. Such a shame. Fortunately, the City of Charlotte still has the Carolina Theatre, but it needs to be completely restored.
The word “reluctant” is an interesting choice as the university Provost should realize the importance of this former theatre that could be used by the university for performances. I plan to write Gale Stevens Haynes and do hope that other CT members will choose to do so also.
ken mc: Better late than never as they say.
And it’s a shame that the signage on the rear of the building has been painted over as that is an important piece of nostalgia and that theatre.
If it is closed, what happened to the unique ticket kios or is it still there?
To allow this theatre to be leveled is just beyond my level of comprehension after looking through all of the December 26, 2006 photos! Such a shame Nashville as the decor is so much “Nashville” in its design motif.
Again, I and many other CT members are reminded of the beauty of this theatre. One only has to look at the Jack Coursey post of December 26, 2006 to see that a major theatre demolition occurred in the late 70’s.
Paul K: I, too, would like these inquiries answered as it’s a shame that the City of Nashville lost this special theatre to a highrise building. I would have thought that it being Nashville, Music City USA they would be more mindful of a great concert venue like this one WAS.
Lost Memory: Thanks for the photos. I can only imagine how wonderful a Steve Lippia concert would have been in that theatre in December as I saw him in another city. He sounds like Frank Sinatra so his concert was titled………Simply Sinatra. www.stevelippia.com
ERD: A student center would be nice, but returning it to a theatre again would be even nicer as so much of it is still there except for the seats, of course.
rlvjr: If you go see Taylor Hicks at the Tampa, please let us know about that special concert in a special theatre.
Also, I have met Barb Hauck through her connection to the Warner Theatre and the Erie Philharmonic office. She gave my husband and I a tour of the Warner a few summers ago which I will never forget and will always be grateful for her kind gesture towards us. We bought a Warner Theatre poster and have it framed in our home. We also attended our first Erie Philharmonic concert this past September and look forward to the next one at the Pepsi Amphitheatre along the shores of Lake Erie. I look forward to continuing our conversation with email.
“…..an emblem on the front that has the WB logo, but it’s a little different than the one we are all used to seeing.” Could you describe this logo on the glasses or send me a photo via email? Thanks.
Joanne: My email is if you wish to scan a photo of these glasses. Thanks so much and it’s a joy to read your Warner memories. Suppose by now you have read Barb’s post concerning the barber and the former Mayor of Erie, Louis Tullio which resulted in the Warner being saved from the wrecking ball.
Joanne: What a beautiful story to read about your father and family who were and continue to be so devoted to the Warner Theatre. I’ve been the gal who is interested in knowing about a possible WB coat of arms as I met a theatre owner in Wellsville NY a few years ago that mentioned a coat of arms being in his theatre.
Lost Memory: What a beautiful photo of a restored Coronado. Congrats to the fine folks of Rockford Illinois!
First the Lake Theatre is changed and then the Paramount in Palm Beach. Such a shame.
Perhaps the high profile Mr. Montgomery could return it to a theatre as that just might succeed!
I love viewing the vintage post card of the art moderne Lake Theatre posted on Sept. 23, 2004. I wonder if the lobby was changed much after the renovations were made though I would certainly understand the auditorium floor being ‘flattened’ to create the museum space. Again, such a shame.
Tom N: Such a shame that the PBICA is now closed especially after the decision was made years ago to discontinue the theatre so now the residents of Lake Worth have neither!
I think Justin is into the new era of movie going and needs to see one of the classic old movie houses to perhaps broaden his view, imo.
In past years I’ve been to a Muvico theatre in south FL (City Place) and was not impressed.