Medina Theatre
607 Main Street,
Medina,
NY
14103
607 Main Street,
Medina,
NY
14103
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This house probably had yet another name before becoming the Delmar. Reporting on a major fire at the theater, the March 26, 1915 issue of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle said: “The theater was recently purchased by Delmar Nichols, of Rochester, and redecorated.” I suppose it’s possible that Mr. Nichols bought the theater because it already bore his first name, but it doesn’t seem very likely. The Delmar Theatre was mentioned in the November 18, 1914 issue of The Medina Daily Journal, so Nichols probably bought the house sometime in the latter part of 1914.
The 1914-1915 American Motion Picture Directory lists three theaters at Medina: The Scenic, the Temple, and the Elco. As the Scenic was still in operation under that name in the early 1920s, and the Elco was at 539 Main Street, the house Delmar Nichols bought must have been either the Temple or a theater that wasn’t listed in that directory.
Prior to being the Allen Theatre, this one was known as the Delmar Theatre. Sidney Allen purchased the Delmar Theatre in 1921 and renamed it the Allen Theatre. On September 14, 1927 the Allen Theatre reopened as the Diana Theatre.
Like many others, spent my childhood Saturdays there at the theater. Would get dropped off while parents went off to do other things. Didn’t matter what was on, me and brother always went. My oldest brother worked there as a janitor for abit. Seen plenty of Disney movies there, along with Jaws and Beatle movies. The history on this page states it closed in the 60’s but was open until the mid seventies. I remember Four Fathoms being in there afterwards, which highlighted rock bands on the weekends.
I have a tabloid for the movie GORGO from the theater that I am getting ready to frame. I will get pictures and post them on here.
Now reopened as the Medina Theatre.
http://medinatheatre.com
This theater will soon get new life as a multi-use community venue: View article
We used to go to the movie theater in Medina while my mother did her shopping at Super Duper, Bell’s and JcPenney.
Part of the “Welcome” sign is still on the marquee.
It’s too bad that this theatre closed. I think the nearest indoor theatre is the Palace in Lockport. There is also the Sunset Drive-in in Middleport.
My family ran this theater for over 50 yrs. My Grandfather Edward Yarington started as an usher when it was Warner Bros. He then became the manager until he passed away in the theater after 40 yrs.at his second home. At that point my mother Janet wakefield took over until it closed. I sure got to see allot of movies free as a young boy. The theater had a large balcony. The theater held around 400 people. We used to have midnight horror movies on certain week ends. I still remember lugging those heavy movie reel containers upstairs to the projection booth. Many fond memories there. Had a huge concession stand,a pop machine, cigerette machine, and candy machine. Mens, and Ladies restrooms had a seperate smoking room. I have a picture of my grandfather as an usher back in the 40s in front of the theaterblown up on my living room wall. It was a great theater.
It looks like the marquee message is “Welcome to Medina”, but there are some letters missing. It doesn’t look the building is occupied at the present time.
This theatre opened as part of the Schines chain in 1930. In 1950 it became a Warner Brothers' theatre. It was part of the Dipson chain from 1955-1975. I was in Medina in 1985 and the theatre was closed,but I was told it had been last used as a restaurant.