Gerald, There was a Royal Theatre in Warwick, Rhode Island. I only saw one ad. It was in the Pawtuxet Valley business directory dated 1911 and after that the Royal was not mentioned anymore. I know where it was! Brian Edmund Guiot
Most of the photos were supplied by me in 2015. Glad that I could help~
Come visit my web site @Brian West Warwick & Coventry History
Brian Edmund Guiot
Will be adding more to this site very soon.
Hello, I have more photos of this theatre. Photos of the fire in 1910. Photos when they rebuilt the theatre and photos of when it was torn down for the second time. I have an interior photo too. Been collecting a lot of information on West Warwick theatres and I have tons of stuff to add.
I have info on other theaters that is not listed in the Natick village of Warwick pre 1913. I have photos of that too. Tell me how to install the photos. I did work on here in 2015, but I forgot how to add more info and photos. I have some real good stuff to add, please contact me. My phone number is 401-823-7499.
Brian Edmund Guiot
On Sept. 3, 1895, a deed to lot 22 originally belonged to A. K. Barns, A. F. Angel & Michael English, surveyed in 1872 was transferred to Mr. Amedee Archambault, the buyer, from Mrs. Michael English, the seller. On that lot stood a building that once housed the John B. Lemoine Providence Clothing Store. That very day Amedee transferred the title to his twin brother, Joseph, a liquor salesman & also brother of J. B. Archambault. Joseph remolded the building & on Feb 4, 1986, placed the property in the name of his wife, Virginia. On the street level of the building there was A. J. Vines Bar (I HAVE A PHOTO OF IT) as well as the Arctic Pool Room and bowling alleys. (I HAVE A PHOTO OF THAT ALSO).
On November 3, 1909 a fire started in the shoe shining parlor of the block. (I HAVE A PHOTO OF THAT ALSO). The next day the Entire Archambault building was destroyed at a loss of $ 17,000 dollars. Shortly afterwards Joseph Archambault began construction of a New Majestic Hotel. It was 75 feet in height and 5 stories tall. It was made of brick and was built to last a long time. In the heart of it was a movie theatre (I HAVE A PHOTO OF THAT ALSO). All around it were rooms to rent, there was a bowling alley in the basement & a bar & drug store on the street level.
Mr. Archambault leased the theatre to Coit & Drew Carson, who also operated the GEM THEATRE on the second floor of the St. Onge Store. When Joseph Archambault died on June 30, 1913, his wife sold the hotel to Helen Duckworth on July 15, 1920. She in turn, sold it on Nov. 12, 1921 to the Carson brothers subject to mortgages of record aggregating the amount of $ 52,000 dollars. After that it turned over to many hands.
During the 1990’s Mrs. Lumbardy purchased the building and she refurbished the beautiful large theatre, but there were not to many people coming to see the live shows. She put a lot of money into the theatre, but West Warwick was on it downside and she lost the building. She worked very hard, but….!
The Majestic Building was torn down in 1999. (I HAVE OPICTURES OF THAT ALSO). Now the area is now a park with a nice gazebo.
Story by Brian Edmund Guiot – Local Historian. I have many photographs to share. I don’t know how to place them on this page. Can someone contact me and I can send YOU the photographs and you can place them on this page. I am not a computer wizard!
Hello sir,
Can I e-mail you some super photographs and then you can place them on this webpage for me? I am not that good with computers! I have some super nice stuff to share with all concerned! The Odeon, The Majestic, The Place and Playhouse, Thornton’s and the rare Star Theatre.
Thank you! Brian Edmund Guiot – Local Historian E-mail me at
This is from the Warwick & West Warwick Business Directories. Note due to nasty politics the western part of Warwick split from Warwick in 1913. The new town was called West Warwick, Rhode Island as it is still today. The names of the streets changed after awhile. 1911 directory – James C. Thornton proprietor Thornton’s Theatre. John H. Thornton, manager Thornton’s Theatre and Liquors next door. Thornton’s Theatre located on Allen Street. Allen Street name was changed to Main Street… 1915 Business directory James C. proprietor of Thornton’s Theatre and also Thornton’s Garage. He lived on East Main Street Riverpoint very close to the theatre. John Thornton manager of the theatre and Liquor store. Owen B. Thornton treasurer of the theatre…1927 Owen B. Thornton Manager of the Thornton Theatre. Owen’s wife was Sarah E.. Theatre 1028 Main Street. 1929 Owen still the manager.
Note the building next to the Thornton’s Theatre a vacant run down building, used to be the former Omer Duquette V. F. W. Hall just caught on fire, a total loss on May 22, 2015.
The location of the Thornton’s Theatre is just a vacant lot with another vacant building on the opposite side of the building to where the Thornton’s Theater was. That building is also a mess and is vacant. If anyone wants photographs for free, please Email me at
Buffalo Bill, Jr. Big Hit Treat on Thornton’s Slate!
“The interfacial Gent” which presents Buffalo Bill, Jr. at Thornton’s all week starting tomorrow was adapted from “Circle D. Borrows and Owner”, one of the best stories ever written by Rauge Rider and certainly one of the best in which the star has appeared. When it was published in Western Stories Magazines every star of Western dramas seemed to be after it. Bill obtained it solely because the author was glad to provide him with a story he liked-which looks like a nice way of stating that other stories, not so true to genuine ranch life. may be sold to other stars who do not know what genuine ranch life is really like.
“The Interfering Gent” was adapted for the screen by Betty Burbridge and Frank Ingram, and the supporting cast include Olive Hasbrrouck, Harry Todd, Jim Corey, Walter Maly, Harry Behmour, E. W. Broman and others. Richard Thorpe directed.
Article from the Pawtuxet Valley Daily Times. Date unknown. Compiled by Brian Edmund Guiot
I have photographs of both Thornton’s Opera House and photographs of the fire. I’d like to show them to you but I don’t know how to add them to this layout. If you wish to have a free copy contact
My name is Brian Edmund Guiot. Happy to help out the movie fans!
June 12, 1939 Pawtuxet Valley Daily Times Newspaper
Owen B. Thornton, in Theatre Enterprise 39 Years, Believed Dean of Rhode Island Theatre Managers.
Owen B. Thornton of Riverpoint believed the oldest theatre promoter in RI in point of years in the enterprise, started Thorton’s Opera House an Main street in 1895 and still is on the job. He was associated with his brothers, the late James Thornton, the firm being known as Thornton Brothers, James died 13 years ago and John the following year.
The first motion picture to be released by producers, one-reels were shown at the Thornton’s Opera House. The Bio graphs, Essanay’s and Seligs were the oral companies making the silent films. A year after the introduction of the moving pictures the two-reelers made their appearance.
The first movie show at Riverpoint was a three reels, together with illustrated songs by William Delaney, tenor and vaudeville.
“The Fencing Master” The first professionals to come to Thornton’s were the Gorman Boys who entered the Valley via Riverpoint train station. Such light operas as “The Fencing Master.” “Robin Hood” and “Pinafore” were presented by high grade talent at Riverpoint, including Julia Tracy, noted soprano. “The Fencing Master,” the first light opera here was an outstanding show in it’s day, the presentation being in 1895. Many outstanding stock companies came to Thornton’s.
in 1910 the opera house was destroyed by fire and temporary shows were given at Temperance Hall, and later a building was constructed on the back portion of the lot containing the ruins, and here shows were held until the present structure was completed.
The Star Theatre was on Main Street which leads into Providence Street in the Natick village of West Warwick.
Riverpoint is a separate village in West Warwick, also on Main Street. This main street passes through many tiny villages in the present West Warwick area. If you are looking for information after 1913. Before 1913, Natick was in the City of Warwick, Rhode Island. The Thornton’s Theatre is in Riverpoint or sometimes called Clyde Village, but it is in Riverpoint, they lead into one another. The same thing before 1913 it was located in Warwick. After that it was part of a new town called West Warwick, Rhode Island. Due to political fighting the western part of the City of Warwick split and became a new town called West Warwick in 1913. If you are not from here you will get confused. I hope that this helps you! My name is Brian. If you have questions for me just ask! Happy to help anyone out!
I am starting to do some research on the Star! I found today in the 1917 Business Directory for the Natick village of West Warwick,it states as follows: Star Theatre moving pictures Main Street Natick and that is it. The next book that I could get information from was 1927 and the Star Theatre was not listed. I’m trying to find and article that I have stating that the Star was vacant for some time and the building collapsed! When I find it, I will tell you more. How do I put pictures in this comment section! I have some to share! Brian Have a nice day!
Here is a good story about the Palace Theatre! I was doing some research! This will help out everyone so this is why I’m writing this! I am a historian! On October 17, 1921, the Palace opened. Silent movies with accompanying music from a house organ was the attraction. That was the scope of entertainment in West Warwick for awhile, until the advent of the “talkies” talking movie pictures in the 1920’s.
The property of the theatre at 85 Washington Street in the Arctic village of the City of Warwick was owned by Henry McMann and when the City of Warwick split due to politics, a new town called West Warwick was incorporated in 1913. McMann sold the building to Mary and Coit Carson in 1926, who sold it to Harry and Irene Erinakes in 1962,but it was closed for a few years before 1962.
With the advance of technology and the passage of time, however, the movie house went through several changes.
Technicolor films were on the program, with both the features film and cartoons being in color. Newsreels became and important sideshows.
Giveaways like depression glass dinner ware was popular with the Palace patrons for several years. They gave away the gold colored depression dinner ware a lot. My grandmother had the entire set. Plates, glasses, salt & pepper shakers, coffee cups etc. and other give away items drew in the crowds in to the Palace when times were tough during the great depression of the 1930’s.
Until the 25th anniversary in 1946, the theatre opened for two shows a day. Afterwards, there were continuous show runs.
The theatre was also popular for charity organizations to raise money by placing containers in the lobby and passing the hat at intermission time.
A major renovation took place for its 25 anniversary in 1946. New red velvet comfortable seats and lighting were installed and the “Voice of the Theatre”, the latest in sound equipment was installed. A $12,000 Pope Jones Concert organ was set up near the stage. The organ was something used for special performances, such as beauty contests and other nice events. Erinakes liked his “G' rated and family oriented movies in his house and so did the general public who lived in the Pawtuxet Valley.
In 1973 or 74 Harry Erinakes retired and sold the Theatre business and it became and embarrassment to the community. The new owners John. J. Tavone and Alexander M. Longo took over the ownership from the Erinakes. It was the Palace Theatre (Rhode Island Films)when they took over, and “X” rated movies were introduced to the town for the first time. They tried belly dancing shows, wet tee-shirt contests, strip tease acts and even tried providing the community with Disco music and dancing which was popular during the 1970’s. They also tried to please the public by showing some “G” rated movies also during special times. In 1989, according to the Pawtuxet Valley Business directory it reads as follows: Palace Theatre – John Tavon Manager, Night Club and Bar. The town council, the local police, church groups and individuals tried in vain to prevent the “X' rated moves and strippers from doing their thing!
Police said they met up against supreme court ruling every time. The police in eight minutes did what they, the town council and others have tried to do for three years, since the skin flicks came into town during the 1970’s. The Police closed the Palace theatre.
The Palace Theatre changed its name to the Play House and everything started all over again sometimes during the 1990’s. I’m still trying to do more research on this subject, but I think the Play House closed around 1995 and a couple years later the building caught on fire. It was a total loss. The building was torn down and made into a parking lot for the Hong Kong Restaurant that was located a couple of doors down! A very popular restaurant for more than 60 years and I ate there yesterday! Many people were happy to see the Play House go up in flames!
In 1975 just about every day the Palace Theater was in the newspaper headlines again with very bad publicity from and many residence signed partitions to close the place down. What a major battles. What hurt the Strip club was there was a Catholic Church and school St. John the Baptist Church located across the street and about 300 yards away from the strip club and many people did not like that! I have many of the newspaper articles if you wish to read some. You can email me at bg-civilwar@ verizon.net.
At one time there were 6 opera houses or movie theatres in the Pawtuxet Valley. Now they are all gone and basically the town has fallen on hard times and West Warwick is almost a ghost town. There is a new committee trying to bring back the town to life.
So here is some history for you and I hope that you enjoyed this moment in time which is now part of the history of West Warwick! I’m not rooting for the “Good Guys” or the “Bad Guys” in this article. I am a researcher and historian, just collecting information for you, the people who loves these theatre topics!
If you know more tell us, I’d love to learn more! Brian
To: Mr. Gerald A. DeLuca & to old theatre lovers like you and me!
The Thornton Theatre was demolished in 1968. The address of the Thornton’s Theatre was always 1003 Main Street in the Riverpoint section of Warwick / West Warwick. The city of Warwick had political problems and in 1913 the Western part of Warwick became its own town and it was called West Warwick. I have a photo of the 1968 demolition if you wish to have a copy!
The Palace Theatre was located at 85 Washington Street, in the Arctic Village of West Warwick, Rhode Island. It was a nice family oriented theatre for many years owned by the Erinakes clan. The Erinakes family sold the business during the 1970’s and they moved their operations to East Greenwich, Rhode Island. They built and created the Kent Theatre,the Greenwich Theatre and the Hill Top Drive Inn. I use to work at the Hill Top. The Erinakes family were very nice to work for. Blanche Erinakes and her son Stephen ran the East Greenwich movie houses. They were the best people that I have ever worked for, very kind people.
Then the Play House “movie” Theater ran some good movie shows for awhile, then they held a Disco there & eventually Strip Club took over the old Palace Theatre under new ownership. I have countless newspaper articles that were written about the Play House Strip Club etc.. Most of the residents in the area did not want the “Strip Club” in “West Warwick!” The club was about 300 feet away from a Catholic Church & school. Like I’ve mentioned,I have many articles pertaining to this situation. Eventually the Play House caught on fire in 1995. A “suspicious string of fires” were being set in town by an arson. I don’t know if the arsonist set the Play House on fire, but a dozen big building fires happened in West Warwick during 1995. The Play House was torn down and is now a parking lot for the Hong Kong Restaurant. I have pictures if anyone wishes to see. Anyone can contact me at The Play House Theatre was a big hot topic back in the day! My name is Brian. I am a historian. Have a nice day everyone! I hope to hear from you! I’ll try to answer your questions!
Hello all! I live in West Warwick. I am a historian. I have a ton of information on the old theatres in West Warwick. Any questions, please e-mail me at . Happy to help you! Brian
Hello all! I am from West Warwick and I am a historian! I am starting to compile a ton of interesting information on all the old West Warwick, theatres! You can e-mail me at . I’d love to help you out. I have many old interesting photographs.
Brian
I live in West Warwick and I am starting to collect information on the following theaters, Gem, Majestic, Palace, PlayHouse, Odeon, Thornton’s and star. I have many rare photographs. I will put something together. You can e-mail me at tell your friends! – Brian
Gerald, There was a Royal Theatre in Warwick, Rhode Island. I only saw one ad. It was in the Pawtuxet Valley business directory dated 1911 and after that the Royal was not mentioned anymore. I know where it was!
Brian Edmund Guiot
Most of the photos were supplied by me in 2015. Glad that I could help~ Come visit my web site @Brian West Warwick & Coventry History Brian Edmund Guiot Will be adding more to this site very soon.
Hello, I have more photos of this theatre. Photos of the fire in 1910. Photos when they rebuilt the theatre and photos of when it was torn down for the second time. I have an interior photo too. Been collecting a lot of information on West Warwick theatres and I have tons of stuff to add. I have info on other theaters that is not listed in the Natick village of Warwick pre 1913. I have photos of that too. Tell me how to install the photos. I did work on here in 2015, but I forgot how to add more info and photos. I have some real good stuff to add, please contact me. My phone number is 401-823-7499. Brian Edmund Guiot
Hello friends!
The history of the Majestic Building!
On Sept. 3, 1895, a deed to lot 22 originally belonged to A. K. Barns, A. F. Angel & Michael English, surveyed in 1872 was transferred to Mr. Amedee Archambault, the buyer, from Mrs. Michael English, the seller. On that lot stood a building that once housed the John B. Lemoine Providence Clothing Store. That very day Amedee transferred the title to his twin brother, Joseph, a liquor salesman & also brother of J. B. Archambault. Joseph remolded the building & on Feb 4, 1986, placed the property in the name of his wife, Virginia. On the street level of the building there was A. J. Vines Bar (I HAVE A PHOTO OF IT) as well as the Arctic Pool Room and bowling alleys. (I HAVE A PHOTO OF THAT ALSO).
On November 3, 1909 a fire started in the shoe shining parlor of the block. (I HAVE A PHOTO OF THAT ALSO). The next day the Entire Archambault building was destroyed at a loss of $ 17,000 dollars. Shortly afterwards Joseph Archambault began construction of a New Majestic Hotel. It was 75 feet in height and 5 stories tall. It was made of brick and was built to last a long time. In the heart of it was a movie theatre (I HAVE A PHOTO OF THAT ALSO). All around it were rooms to rent, there was a bowling alley in the basement & a bar & drug store on the street level.
Mr. Archambault leased the theatre to Coit & Drew Carson, who also operated the GEM THEATRE on the second floor of the St. Onge Store. When Joseph Archambault died on June 30, 1913, his wife sold the hotel to Helen Duckworth on July 15, 1920. She in turn, sold it on Nov. 12, 1921 to the Carson brothers subject to mortgages of record aggregating the amount of $ 52,000 dollars. After that it turned over to many hands.
During the 1990’s Mrs. Lumbardy purchased the building and she refurbished the beautiful large theatre, but there were not to many people coming to see the live shows. She put a lot of money into the theatre, but West Warwick was on it downside and she lost the building. She worked very hard, but….!
The Majestic Building was torn down in 1999. (I HAVE OPICTURES OF THAT ALSO). Now the area is now a park with a nice gazebo.
Story by Brian Edmund Guiot – Local Historian. I have many photographs to share. I don’t know how to place them on this page. Can someone contact me and I can send YOU the photographs and you can place them on this page. I am not a computer wizard!
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!
To: Gerald A. DeLuca
Hello sir, Can I e-mail you some super photographs and then you can place them on this webpage for me? I am not that good with computers! I have some super nice stuff to share with all concerned! The Odeon, The Majestic, The Place and Playhouse, Thornton’s and the rare Star Theatre.
Thank you! Brian Edmund Guiot – Local Historian E-mail me at
This is from the Warwick & West Warwick Business Directories. Note due to nasty politics the western part of Warwick split from Warwick in 1913. The new town was called West Warwick, Rhode Island as it is still today. The names of the streets changed after awhile. 1911 directory – James C. Thornton proprietor Thornton’s Theatre. John H. Thornton, manager Thornton’s Theatre and Liquors next door. Thornton’s Theatre located on Allen Street. Allen Street name was changed to Main Street… 1915 Business directory James C. proprietor of Thornton’s Theatre and also Thornton’s Garage. He lived on East Main Street Riverpoint very close to the theatre. John Thornton manager of the theatre and Liquor store. Owen B. Thornton treasurer of the theatre…1927 Owen B. Thornton Manager of the Thornton Theatre. Owen’s wife was Sarah E.. Theatre 1028 Main Street. 1929 Owen still the manager.
Note the building next to the Thornton’s Theatre a vacant run down building, used to be the former Omer Duquette V. F. W. Hall just caught on fire, a total loss on May 22, 2015.
The location of the Thornton’s Theatre is just a vacant lot with another vacant building on the opposite side of the building to where the Thornton’s Theater was. That building is also a mess and is vacant. If anyone wants photographs for free, please Email me at
Research by Brian Edmund Guiot
Buffalo Bill, Jr. Big Hit Treat on Thornton’s Slate! “The interfacial Gent” which presents Buffalo Bill, Jr. at Thornton’s all week starting tomorrow was adapted from “Circle D. Borrows and Owner”, one of the best stories ever written by Rauge Rider and certainly one of the best in which the star has appeared. When it was published in Western Stories Magazines every star of Western dramas seemed to be after it. Bill obtained it solely because the author was glad to provide him with a story he liked-which looks like a nice way of stating that other stories, not so true to genuine ranch life. may be sold to other stars who do not know what genuine ranch life is really like. “The Interfering Gent” was adapted for the screen by Betty Burbridge and Frank Ingram, and the supporting cast include Olive Hasbrrouck, Harry Todd, Jim Corey, Walter Maly, Harry Behmour, E. W. Broman and others. Richard Thorpe directed.
Article from the Pawtuxet Valley Daily Times. Date unknown. Compiled by Brian Edmund Guiot
I have photographs of both Thornton’s Opera House and photographs of the fire. I’d like to show them to you but I don’t know how to add them to this layout. If you wish to have a free copy contact My name is Brian Edmund Guiot. Happy to help out the movie fans!
June 12, 1939 Pawtuxet Valley Daily Times Newspaper Owen B. Thornton, in Theatre Enterprise 39 Years, Believed Dean of Rhode Island Theatre Managers. Owen B. Thornton of Riverpoint believed the oldest theatre promoter in RI in point of years in the enterprise, started Thorton’s Opera House an Main street in 1895 and still is on the job. He was associated with his brothers, the late James Thornton, the firm being known as Thornton Brothers, James died 13 years ago and John the following year. The first motion picture to be released by producers, one-reels were shown at the Thornton’s Opera House. The Bio graphs, Essanay’s and Seligs were the oral companies making the silent films. A year after the introduction of the moving pictures the two-reelers made their appearance. The first movie show at Riverpoint was a three reels, together with illustrated songs by William Delaney, tenor and vaudeville. “The Fencing Master” The first professionals to come to Thornton’s were the Gorman Boys who entered the Valley via Riverpoint train station. Such light operas as “The Fencing Master.” “Robin Hood” and “Pinafore” were presented by high grade talent at Riverpoint, including Julia Tracy, noted soprano. “The Fencing Master,” the first light opera here was an outstanding show in it’s day, the presentation being in 1895. Many outstanding stock companies came to Thornton’s. in 1910 the opera house was destroyed by fire and temporary shows were given at Temperance Hall, and later a building was constructed on the back portion of the lot containing the ruins, and here shows were held until the present structure was completed.
Compiled by Brian Edmund Guiot
Gerald & friends!
The Star Theatre was on Main Street which leads into Providence Street in the Natick village of West Warwick.
Riverpoint is a separate village in West Warwick, also on Main Street. This main street passes through many tiny villages in the present West Warwick area. If you are looking for information after 1913. Before 1913, Natick was in the City of Warwick, Rhode Island. The Thornton’s Theatre is in Riverpoint or sometimes called Clyde Village, but it is in Riverpoint, they lead into one another. The same thing before 1913 it was located in Warwick. After that it was part of a new town called West Warwick, Rhode Island. Due to political fighting the western part of the City of Warwick split and became a new town called West Warwick in 1913. If you are not from here you will get confused. I hope that this helps you! My name is Brian. If you have questions for me just ask! Happy to help anyone out!
I am starting to do some research on the Star! I found today in the 1917 Business Directory for the Natick village of West Warwick,it states as follows: Star Theatre moving pictures Main Street Natick and that is it. The next book that I could get information from was 1927 and the Star Theatre was not listed. I’m trying to find and article that I have stating that the Star was vacant for some time and the building collapsed! When I find it, I will tell you more. How do I put pictures in this comment section! I have some to share! Brian Have a nice day!
Here is a good story about the Palace Theatre! I was doing some research! This will help out everyone so this is why I’m writing this! I am a historian! On October 17, 1921, the Palace opened. Silent movies with accompanying music from a house organ was the attraction. That was the scope of entertainment in West Warwick for awhile, until the advent of the “talkies” talking movie pictures in the 1920’s.
The property of the theatre at 85 Washington Street in the Arctic village of the City of Warwick was owned by Henry McMann and when the City of Warwick split due to politics, a new town called West Warwick was incorporated in 1913. McMann sold the building to Mary and Coit Carson in 1926, who sold it to Harry and Irene Erinakes in 1962,but it was closed for a few years before 1962.
With the advance of technology and the passage of time, however, the movie house went through several changes. Technicolor films were on the program, with both the features film and cartoons being in color. Newsreels became and important sideshows.
Giveaways like depression glass dinner ware was popular with the Palace patrons for several years. They gave away the gold colored depression dinner ware a lot. My grandmother had the entire set. Plates, glasses, salt & pepper shakers, coffee cups etc. and other give away items drew in the crowds in to the Palace when times were tough during the great depression of the 1930’s.
Until the 25th anniversary in 1946, the theatre opened for two shows a day. Afterwards, there were continuous show runs.
The theatre was also popular for charity organizations to raise money by placing containers in the lobby and passing the hat at intermission time.
A major renovation took place for its 25 anniversary in 1946. New red velvet comfortable seats and lighting were installed and the “Voice of the Theatre”, the latest in sound equipment was installed. A $12,000 Pope Jones Concert organ was set up near the stage. The organ was something used for special performances, such as beauty contests and other nice events. Erinakes liked his “G' rated and family oriented movies in his house and so did the general public who lived in the Pawtuxet Valley.
In 1973 or 74 Harry Erinakes retired and sold the Theatre business and it became and embarrassment to the community. The new owners John. J. Tavone and Alexander M. Longo took over the ownership from the Erinakes. It was the Palace Theatre (Rhode Island Films)when they took over, and “X” rated movies were introduced to the town for the first time. They tried belly dancing shows, wet tee-shirt contests, strip tease acts and even tried providing the community with Disco music and dancing which was popular during the 1970’s. They also tried to please the public by showing some “G” rated movies also during special times. In 1989, according to the Pawtuxet Valley Business directory it reads as follows: Palace Theatre – John Tavon Manager, Night Club and Bar. The town council, the local police, church groups and individuals tried in vain to prevent the “X' rated moves and strippers from doing their thing!
Police said they met up against supreme court ruling every time. The police in eight minutes did what they, the town council and others have tried to do for three years, since the skin flicks came into town during the 1970’s. The Police closed the Palace theatre.
The Palace Theatre changed its name to the Play House and everything started all over again sometimes during the 1990’s. I’m still trying to do more research on this subject, but I think the Play House closed around 1995 and a couple years later the building caught on fire. It was a total loss. The building was torn down and made into a parking lot for the Hong Kong Restaurant that was located a couple of doors down! A very popular restaurant for more than 60 years and I ate there yesterday! Many people were happy to see the Play House go up in flames!
In 1975 just about every day the Palace Theater was in the newspaper headlines again with very bad publicity from and many residence signed partitions to close the place down. What a major battles. What hurt the Strip club was there was a Catholic Church and school St. John the Baptist Church located across the street and about 300 yards away from the strip club and many people did not like that! I have many of the newspaper articles if you wish to read some. You can email me at bg-civilwar@ verizon.net.
At one time there were 6 opera houses or movie theatres in the Pawtuxet Valley. Now they are all gone and basically the town has fallen on hard times and West Warwick is almost a ghost town. There is a new committee trying to bring back the town to life.
So here is some history for you and I hope that you enjoyed this moment in time which is now part of the history of West Warwick! I’m not rooting for the “Good Guys” or the “Bad Guys” in this article. I am a researcher and historian, just collecting information for you, the people who loves these theatre topics!
If you know more tell us, I’d love to learn more! Brian
To: Mr. Gerald A. DeLuca & to old theatre lovers like you and me!
The Thornton Theatre was demolished in 1968. The address of the Thornton’s Theatre was always 1003 Main Street in the Riverpoint section of Warwick / West Warwick. The city of Warwick had political problems and in 1913 the Western part of Warwick became its own town and it was called West Warwick. I have a photo of the 1968 demolition if you wish to have a copy!
The Palace Theatre was located at 85 Washington Street, in the Arctic Village of West Warwick, Rhode Island. It was a nice family oriented theatre for many years owned by the Erinakes clan. The Erinakes family sold the business during the 1970’s and they moved their operations to East Greenwich, Rhode Island. They built and created the Kent Theatre,the Greenwich Theatre and the Hill Top Drive Inn. I use to work at the Hill Top. The Erinakes family were very nice to work for. Blanche Erinakes and her son Stephen ran the East Greenwich movie houses. They were the best people that I have ever worked for, very kind people.
Then the Play House “movie” Theater ran some good movie shows for awhile, then they held a Disco there & eventually Strip Club took over the old Palace Theatre under new ownership. I have countless newspaper articles that were written about the Play House Strip Club etc.. Most of the residents in the area did not want the “Strip Club” in “West Warwick!” The club was about 300 feet away from a Catholic Church & school. Like I’ve mentioned,I have many articles pertaining to this situation. Eventually the Play House caught on fire in 1995. A “suspicious string of fires” were being set in town by an arson. I don’t know if the arsonist set the Play House on fire, but a dozen big building fires happened in West Warwick during 1995. The Play House was torn down and is now a parking lot for the Hong Kong Restaurant. I have pictures if anyone wishes to see. Anyone can contact me at The Play House Theatre was a big hot topic back in the day! My name is Brian. I am a historian. Have a nice day everyone! I hope to hear from you! I’ll try to answer your questions!
Hello all! I live in West Warwick. I am a historian. I have a ton of information on the old theatres in West Warwick. Any questions, please e-mail me at . Happy to help you! Brian
Hello all! I am from West Warwick and I am a historian! I am starting to compile a ton of interesting information on all the old West Warwick, theatres! You can e-mail me at . I’d love to help you out. I have many old interesting photographs. Brian
I live in West Warwick and I am starting to collect information on the following theaters, Gem, Majestic, Palace, PlayHouse, Odeon, Thornton’s and star. I have many rare photographs. I will put something together. You can e-mail me at tell your friends! – Brian