Kyle, the neighborhood was safe in the 70’s and small businesses flourished. There was an ice cream parlor on one corner, a small barbershop, and a convenient store all within 1 block of the theater. I was 8 years old when my father appointed me as the projectionist. I worked 7 days of week alongside my family.
Jaws was our biggest turnout. I believe that was the only show we extended 1 or more weeks to satisfy our customers.
Thanks for the info — perhaps I contact them for a tour.
Kyle, I would be interested in touring the facility and would apprectiate if you would be willing to send contact info from the owner(s). My family reconditioned the theatre in the 70’s and I was the projectionist from 1972 – 1976.
Best regards, Bill Miller
Charles. I believe we met as I recall helping my father with the pageant and we met with you and a partner of yours at your theatre. The Melvin Theatre was home for me for 4 years and my roomates were two enormous (remember I was 9-12 years old) carbon arc Peerless Projectors operating 20 minute cast iron reels that were as loyal as friends could be and I remember licking the tip of my fingers between reels so I could replace the carbon rods. Life was good when I had a full carbon rod but many times I had to pull from the bucket. I’ve searched for newspaper or any media during our run but I was unsucessful. I am appreciative of any suggestions.
My father (Bill Miller) purchased the Melvin in 1972 and we opened in ‘73. I believe the first movie was the Poseidon Adventure. We sold the theatre in 1977. A lot of work for a 9-year-old projectionist, but good memories that I will never forget!!!
I can be reached at
Hi David, I haven’t seen the theatre in over 35 years. we were family owned and operated from 1972 – 1978. What would you like to know?
Kyle, the neighborhood was safe in the 70’s and small businesses flourished. There was an ice cream parlor on one corner, a small barbershop, and a convenient store all within 1 block of the theater. I was 8 years old when my father appointed me as the projectionist. I worked 7 days of week alongside my family.
Jaws was our biggest turnout. I believe that was the only show we extended 1 or more weeks to satisfy our customers.
Thanks for the info — perhaps I contact them for a tour.
Kyle, I would be interested in touring the facility and would apprectiate if you would be willing to send contact info from the owner(s). My family reconditioned the theatre in the 70’s and I was the projectionist from 1972 – 1976. Best regards, Bill Miller
Charles. I believe we met as I recall helping my father with the pageant and we met with you and a partner of yours at your theatre. The Melvin Theatre was home for me for 4 years and my roomates were two enormous (remember I was 9-12 years old) carbon arc Peerless Projectors operating 20 minute cast iron reels that were as loyal as friends could be and I remember licking the tip of my fingers between reels so I could replace the carbon rods. Life was good when I had a full carbon rod but many times I had to pull from the bucket. I’ve searched for newspaper or any media during our run but I was unsucessful. I am appreciative of any suggestions.
Bill Miller
My father (Bill Miller) purchased the Melvin in 1972 and we opened in ‘73. I believe the first movie was the Poseidon Adventure. We sold the theatre in 1977. A lot of work for a 9-year-old projectionist, but good memories that I will never forget!!!
Bill M