Schine Holland Theatre
125 E. Columbus Avenue,
Bellefontaine,
OH
43311
125 E. Columbus Avenue,
Bellefontaine,
OH
43311
5 people
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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.
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.
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!
The website is back and running! They have also re-opened and are holding concerts and performances while they continue the restoration.
Here is a 2/11/31 ad from the Marysville Tribune:
http://tinyurl.com/yfxuc5v
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!
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.
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!
Still one of the sweetest of all the Schine purpose built theaters. A totally unique design – you won’t find another one anywhere!
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!
tamosi: Great news!
No, It is on its way back to the original state. A stage with seats and a balcony.
And is the theatre still multiplexed?
This should work…www.thehollandtheatre.org
bprince…You should contact the theatre they seemed interested in your blue prints and such. If you can’t make the call you can email the theatre at
Thanks
The theatre has shows and events to aide in the funding for restoration, If you are interested check this out. View link
It is registered. Currently trying to match funds for the Save America’s Treasures grant. If you would like to help please contact the Holland theatre office at 937-592-9002.
I have a copy of the original blueprints and some reprints of the opening day ads and local news stories about the Holland. There was actually a parking garage beside the theater that would change your oil and wash your car for 25 cents while you watched the movie or live stage show!
The interior of the upper lobby was solid oak panels. The carpet that was in the aisles in auditorium (at least through 1988) was the original carpet laid in 1931. The basement (yes it has one) also housed a coal storage room for the coal fire boiler as well as several dressing rooms and an elevator / trap door for the stage area. The fly loft above the stage area still housed some canvas handpainted backdrops for the stage shows from the ‘30s. This is truly a gem and I hope the current group can get this building on the National Historic Register if it is not already.
thats awesome!!!! RenaBeth!! Glad to hear it!!!
Not only did I get in contact but…We got married there on August 28, 2004. It was magical and amazing!!!
Rena Beth did you ever get your contact info? if not you can call the holland theatre office between 10-1:30 pm m-th annie king will answer the phone 937-592-9002
My name is Brian Queen, I was Head Projectionist for John Tabor for almost 4yrs and was doorman for almost 2yrs. At one time, upstairs
in the office area formerly known as Jodis Cinemas, in the hallway
leading to the offices used to be several vintage pictures and detailed information as to who built, who designed, who owned etc.
It showed the entry way with beautiful marble floors. It showed the stage with actual live performances, pictures of the projection room
with the old carbon arch projectors and the movie reels. Lots of info
was to be found there. Ask Diana Tabor if she knows what happened to them. Brian Queen Please let me know!!!
The architect of the Holland Theatre was a Dutch architect Peter M. Hulsken. It opened on 12th February 1931.
It was built by the Schine Brothers and also housed their regional corporate offices. It was owned and operated by them until 1966.
was this founded by the schine brothers? please let me know at
I grew up in this town and spent many friday and saturday nights in this theater. It used to be the only one in town, I would sit there and dream of turning it back into a stage theater. Now, I have graduated from college with a degree in theater…I am planning on getting married to my high school sweet heart, who used to work there. We dream of having the ceremony in the theater, do you know of any contact info for them?
Thank you, Rena