Hi there! I’d like to offer some insight on this topic. My grandfather was Vincent DiAugustine. He recently passed away and it was his dying wish to keep the movie theater open. As the only family member up for the challenge, I’ve taken on his mission. I believe my grandfather purchased the movie theater from Aaron Daniels grandfather. It was then called the Berwick Theater. My grandfather leased the theater for a number of years, until 1997 when he did major renovations to the theater. He ran the theater from 1997 until the last days of his life which was July 8th 2013.
Growing up in this movie theater (I’m only 22), I’ve come to know some of the history (as told by grandfather). I was under the impression that the theater was the Palace Theater initially and then the Strand movie theater. One was performing arts and the other was film. There was a fire in the movie theater in the late 30’s. I think thats when it was solely the Strand movie theater. In the 70’s, I believe there was major renovations to it in which the BIG screen was added. I also think that was when the lot that used to be empty was expanded and that’s how we ended up with the lobby. I know that the lobby wasn’t always there. It was in the middle under the marquee. That’s why it looks so strange, to those who are used to seeing a typical vintage movie theater entrance.
I hope that helps!
I’m also on here to find out how I can track down old/vintage movies to play. It’s a popular request among our customers and I’m having a hard tine getting my hands on them!
Hi there! I’d like to offer some insight on this topic. My grandfather was Vincent DiAugustine. He recently passed away and it was his dying wish to keep the movie theater open. As the only family member up for the challenge, I’ve taken on his mission. I believe my grandfather purchased the movie theater from Aaron Daniels grandfather. It was then called the Berwick Theater. My grandfather leased the theater for a number of years, until 1997 when he did major renovations to the theater. He ran the theater from 1997 until the last days of his life which was July 8th 2013.
Growing up in this movie theater (I’m only 22), I’ve come to know some of the history (as told by grandfather). I was under the impression that the theater was the Palace Theater initially and then the Strand movie theater. One was performing arts and the other was film. There was a fire in the movie theater in the late 30’s. I think thats when it was solely the Strand movie theater. In the 70’s, I believe there was major renovations to it in which the BIG screen was added. I also think that was when the lot that used to be empty was expanded and that’s how we ended up with the lobby. I know that the lobby wasn’t always there. It was in the middle under the marquee. That’s why it looks so strange, to those who are used to seeing a typical vintage movie theater entrance.
I hope that helps!
I’m also on here to find out how I can track down old/vintage movies to play. It’s a popular request among our customers and I’m having a hard tine getting my hands on them!
Thanks
Renee