Shea's Theatre

12 South Avenue,
Bradford, PA 16701

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Dipson Circuit, Shea Theatres

Architects: Leon H. Lempert, Sr.

Styles: Beaux-Arts

Previous Names: New Bradford Theatre, Bradford Theatre

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Shea's Theatre

Originally opened in 1903, on South Avenue, the New Bradford Theatre could seat about 1,200, and was designed by architect Leon Lempert, Sr. The Bradford Theatre was for its first couple decades of operation, a venue for live performances, including legitimate theater, musicals, opera, and lectures.

In 1922, the theatre was taken over by Buffalo, New York-based Shea’s and renamed Shea’s Theatre. Along with movies, the theatre continued to host live acts on stage, including appearances by such stars as Ethel Barrymore, Boris Karloff, Harry Blackstone, Gypsy Rose Lee, and Sally Rand.

The Shea’s Theatre was later acquired by the Dipson Theatres chain, which operated it into the late-1950’s when it was sold to the Bradford Parking Authority and razed in 1961 to make way for a parking lot.

When a movie house was opened in the 1931 Hooker-Fulton Building in 1935, it carried on the name of the former Bradford Theatre by opening as the New Bradford Theatre (it’s still open today, as the Main Street Movie House).

Contributed by Bryan

Recent comments (view all 8 comments)

roberttoplin
roberttoplin on April 3, 2005 at 2:45 am

The original 1903 Theatre was designed by Leon H. Lempert,Senior.

Patsy
Patsy on September 6, 2005 at 12:25 am

Does anyone have a photo(s)?

Patsy
Patsy on September 6, 2005 at 12:40 pm

lostmemory: Once again you have come through for me with pictures AND history of the former Shea’s in Bradford PA. I just hung my head when I viewed the interior of this theatre that is only a memory now! Shame on you Bradford PA!

Patsy
Patsy on September 6, 2005 at 12:43 pm

As the article states “Early theatres in Bradford, as elsewhere, were called "opera houses”. A local town near me had an opera house that was called the Swetland Opera House, but over the years has been made into apartments. I’d love to get inside and look around as I’ve been told that some of the apts. have unique walls and ceilings, but not sure that will happen any time soon!

Patsy
Patsy on September 11, 2005 at 9:36 pm

“The Shea’s was later acquired by the Dipson Theatres chain, which operated it into the late 50s when it was sold to the Bradford Parking Authority and razed in 1961 to make way for a parking lot.” And today I saw with my own eyes while in Bradford PA this very unattractive parking lot! The interior photo posted by ‘lostmemory’ shows the beauty of this theatre that is now lost forever! Such a shame!

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on September 8, 2007 at 11:36 pm

Here is an August 1950 ad from the Bradford Era:
http://tinyurl.com/26aa6c

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on February 7, 2008 at 8:27 pm

Here is a photo of the theater, circa early twentieth century, along with a 1903 poster advertising the theater’s opening:
http://tinyurl.com/ywocrb

Cinerama
Cinerama on November 6, 2015 at 7:52 pm

Added some postcards

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