I grew up on the block behind Shea’s Seneca Theatre. I was 6 years old when the demolition took place in 1970. I have no memory of the inside of the theatre, but my parents and older siblings talk of its splendor.
The way the building was configured may lead to confusion about whether it was demolished or not. A group of storefronts on Seneca Street extended (from left to right) about 35 yards (including Grants Department store). The next set of doors was the entrance to Shea’s Seneca. You would enter these doors and be in a large and long lobby. (My parents tell me) The lobby continued BACK until it surpassed the extent of the back walls of the Seneca Street storefronts. Then patrons would turn left and enter the theatre, located BEHIND Grants, et. al. It was the auditorium that was demolished. The lobby portion is still there, although it is not open to the public and I have no idea what sort of condition it is in. The theatre proper is long gone, and the store fronts have held a variety of businesses including candy stores, an antique store, the D&K, and a Surplus Warehouse style general store. But portions of the facade and a (very loose interpretation of a) marquee serve as a reminder to local residents of the beautiful theatre that once graced the neighborhood.
I grew up on the block behind Shea’s Seneca Theatre. I was 6 years old when the demolition took place in 1970. I have no memory of the inside of the theatre, but my parents and older siblings talk of its splendor.
The way the building was configured may lead to confusion about whether it was demolished or not. A group of storefronts on Seneca Street extended (from left to right) about 35 yards (including Grants Department store). The next set of doors was the entrance to Shea’s Seneca. You would enter these doors and be in a large and long lobby. (My parents tell me) The lobby continued BACK until it surpassed the extent of the back walls of the Seneca Street storefronts. Then patrons would turn left and enter the theatre, located BEHIND Grants, et. al. It was the auditorium that was demolished. The lobby portion is still there, although it is not open to the public and I have no idea what sort of condition it is in. The theatre proper is long gone, and the store fronts have held a variety of businesses including candy stores, an antique store, the D&K, and a Surplus Warehouse style general store. But portions of the facade and a (very loose interpretation of a) marquee serve as a reminder to local residents of the beautiful theatre that once graced the neighborhood.