Pontiac Theatre
324 Isabella Street,
Ogdensburg,
NY
13668
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Schine Circuit Inc.
Architects: George Edward Wilson
Previous Names: Star Theatre
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Originally opened as the Star Theatre in 1909. It was remodelled in 1915 to the plans of local architect George Edward Wilson. It is listed as operating as the Pontiac Theatre in 1941 by the Schine Circuit. It had double and triple feature cowboy movies in the early-1950’s. I remember one afternoon with a double feature with Lash LaRue with an on stage visit with Lash who gave all the children tiny whips as souvenirs. It used to cost 15 cents to spend an entire Saturday with two or three movies, a special visitor and several cartoons.
The Pontiac Theatre was closed in the 1950’s and was converted into a bowling alley. It was demolished in June 1973.
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Recent comments (view all 7 comments)
I remember reading about Lash LaRue in one of those “Whatever Became Of?” books back in the eighties. It looks like he passed away in 1996. Happy trials, Lash.
Trails, that is.
The Pontiac Theater was originally called the “Star” Theatre and opened in 1909. It was taken over by the Martina chain and renovated in the early 1950’s, but closed a short time later. It was completely gutted and turned into a bowling alley in the late 1950’s. It was demolished in June 1973 as part of the city’s Urban Renewal program. The site was made into a parking lot for the Ogdensburg Mall located next door. I have pictures of the theater available from various sources if you are interested. Thanks.
When I grew up in Ogdensburg we had just the two theatres the Strand and the Pontiac. The Pontiac was located in the area that was called “The Cresent.” That area of town had a pool hall and bowling alley, Rubs Bar, The Ogdensburg Journal and an eating joint across the road sittting on stilts over the Oswegatchie river. Today all those landmarks are gone with the wind.
TexasBob: Interesting commentary that ends with “those landmarks are gone with the wind”.
Patsy:Here’s a couple sites that might interest you, enjoy.
http://www.ogdensburgpubliclibrary.org/ http://ogdensburg.info/
The October 23, 1915, issue of The American Contractor announced that the Star Theatre in Ogdensburg would undergo a $5,000 remodeling job. Plans for the project had been prepared by local architect George Edward Wilson. Mr. F. W. Gilroy was the owner of the theater.
Wilson, who lived in Ottawa, Canada, from 1901 to 1908, did sufficient work in Canada to rate a brief entry in the Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada 1800 – 1950.