Construction of the theater was authorized by the Federal Goverment despite wartime restriction on private construction. The Harvey Brothers (Rodda W. Harvey Sr. and H.V. “Rotus” Harvey) argued that the theater was needed for the morale of the local port workers who were critical to the war effort. Probably Mr. H. V. Harvey’s extensive work as chairman of the theater exhibitor’s war bond effort played a large role.
The Laurel Theater was built by Harvey Amusement and operated by the Westlane Theaters. The two companies were owned primarily by the Harvey Brothers. H.V. (Rotus) Harvey and R. W. (Rodda) Harvey owned Westlane, with Rotus based in San Francisco and Rodda based in Stockton where the company owned 5 theaters including the Stockton, and two drive-ins. In the mid 1950’s, the chain was the “biggest little theater chain” in the country according to their advertising. They owned or operated theaters all over California and Nevada, focusing on small towns. The Harveys started their business in Watsonville at the Pajaro theater in the 1920s. THey also built the Manor Theater in San Mateo and the Stockton in Stockton. They operated the Palm Theater in San Mateo for a period of time, as well as the Santa Clara Theater, which they may have built. Brother Julian Harvey also operated theaters, including two in San Jose prior to WW II. Brother-in-law Morris Lathrop ran the Oakdale Theater for the company, too.
The Laurel, Manor, and Stockton were all built to be the highest quality. The rocking loges in the upper part of the theater were wonderful.
Westlane Therater operations shrank with the advent of television. Ultimately, Rotus retired in the late 1960s, leaving younger brother Rodda to operate and liquidate the last few theaters in the Stockton area. An inaccurate history of Rodda exists on the Internet where he is confused with a distant cousin. The family and business history is inaccurate as well. Rotus’s daughter survives and has photos of the interior and the exterior during its glory days.
Construction of the theater was authorized by the Federal Goverment despite wartime restriction on private construction. The Harvey Brothers (Rodda W. Harvey Sr. and H.V. “Rotus” Harvey) argued that the theater was needed for the morale of the local port workers who were critical to the war effort. Probably Mr. H. V. Harvey’s extensive work as chairman of the theater exhibitor’s war bond effort played a large role.
The Laurel Theater was built by Harvey Amusement and operated by the Westlane Theaters. The two companies were owned primarily by the Harvey Brothers. H.V. (Rotus) Harvey and R. W. (Rodda) Harvey owned Westlane, with Rotus based in San Francisco and Rodda based in Stockton where the company owned 5 theaters including the Stockton, and two drive-ins. In the mid 1950’s, the chain was the “biggest little theater chain” in the country according to their advertising. They owned or operated theaters all over California and Nevada, focusing on small towns. The Harveys started their business in Watsonville at the Pajaro theater in the 1920s. THey also built the Manor Theater in San Mateo and the Stockton in Stockton. They operated the Palm Theater in San Mateo for a period of time, as well as the Santa Clara Theater, which they may have built. Brother Julian Harvey also operated theaters, including two in San Jose prior to WW II. Brother-in-law Morris Lathrop ran the Oakdale Theater for the company, too.
The Laurel, Manor, and Stockton were all built to be the highest quality. The rocking loges in the upper part of the theater were wonderful.
Westlane Therater operations shrank with the advent of television. Ultimately, Rotus retired in the late 1960s, leaving younger brother Rodda to operate and liquidate the last few theaters in the Stockton area. An inaccurate history of Rodda exists on the Internet where he is confused with a distant cousin. The family and business history is inaccurate as well. Rotus’s daughter survives and has photos of the interior and the exterior during its glory days.