Schine Holland Theatre
125 E. Columbus Avenue,
Bellefontaine,
OH
43311
125 E. Columbus Avenue,
Bellefontaine,
OH
43311
5 people
favorited this theater
Related Websites
The Holland Theatre (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Schine Circuit Inc.
Architects: Peter M. Hulsken
Functions: Community Arts Center, Concerts
Styles: Atmospheric
Previous Names: Holland Theatre
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
937.592.9002
Nearby Theaters
The only copyrighted Dutch theme movie theater in the world, the Schine Holland Theatre was opened on February 12, 1931 as a 1,400-seat vaudeville and movie house.
The Holland Theatre closed in 1998 after being multiplexed and was then purchased by a non-profit group who have de-plexed the theatre and are currently renovating and restoring the theatre. By 2010, it had reopened as a concert venue.
Contributed by
Dick Nicholl
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Recent comments (view all 25 comments)
Heads up fans of the Holland! Theater Historical Society’s next issue of MARQUEE will feature a story of the Holland theater as well as several rarely seen photos of the interior and historical photos. Members should see their copy by the end of the month. Non members can order a copy by going to www.historictheatres.org or better yet, JOIN! so you can get your own subscription to MARQUEE!
Still one of the sweetest of all the Schine purpose built theaters. A totally unique design – you won’t find another one anywhere!
I have never understood the asymmetrical design of the building. It just seems like it should have continued on to the right with the same layout. Still – it remains one of my all time favorites!
What a beautiful and interesting interior. I am very glad the Holland is being restored. The Schines built many wonderful theatres. From what I read, the Schine brothers were very decent people.
The windmill turns slowly, there are soft lights in some windows of the homes. It’s a magical, unique and rare atmospheric treatment. And quietly tucked away in rural Ohio!
Here is a 2/11/31 ad from the Marysville Tribune:
http://tinyurl.com/yfxuc5v
The website is back and running! They have also re-opened and are holding concerts and performances while they continue the restoration.
Just a reminder, that website is at http://www.thehollandtheatre.org/
Be sure to check out the interior photos at http://www.thehollandtheatre.org/insidelook.html to see just what makes this theater truly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece! There isn’t another one like it anywhere in the world. What a wonderful distinction for the folks of Bellefontaine!
I was involved in the insallation of projection & sound equipment in the early 80’s The balcony was twined using the existing booth while a new booth was created downstairs for the main screen which was moved forward of the procenium arch. The auditorium details were'nt changed except for loss of back row seating to create new projection booth. Two additional auditoriums were stacked in the fly loft area one atop the other with a private enclosed viewing room at the rear of the lower theatre. The projection booth for these two screens were located in the upper theatre using two mirrors to project the image to the lower theatre! Access to the rear theatres was acheived by adding an enclosed tunnel otside the building from the lobby to the rear of the building. The theatre at that time was owned by an architect that had his offices in the theatre building.
The Holland theater’s #2 & #3 (the balcony theaters were added in late 1976 by then owner John Tabor. Theaters #4 & 5 were added and began operation in late Sept 1978. I managed for Mr Tabor from Sept 1978 – June 1979. I again managed the theater for Royal Enterprises from October 1987 thru May 1988. Shortly after the theater closed and the company was about to declare bankruptcy, I bought the Holland on June 24, 1988 for a mere $142,342.16 and operated it until selling it to the Miller’s November 28, 1994. I loved this theater and have held it in my heart ever since! It broke my heart to let her go but I knew with Chakere’s coming to town they would stop at nothing to put me out of business. At the time The Holland was my only theater and business whereas Chakere’s owned dozens of theaters and had more clout to get the movies and keep them away from me.