Elks Theatre
4 W. Emaus Street,
Middletown,
PA
17057
4 W. Emaus Street,
Middletown,
PA
17057
4 people
favorited this theater
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Elks Middletown reopening from February 17th, 1941.
Elks theatre reopening 17 Feb 1941, Mon The Evening News (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) Newspapers.com
It has come time to mark this one closed. The Borough of Middletown PA (which had guaranteed the Economic Development loan) pulled the lease from the community group which had been operating the theatre and the adjoining Elks Lodge building at the end of April 2015. That community group let both structures deteriorate to the point where public safety issues necessitated the Borough take action. The Borough closed the theatre at the end of April 2015 and began renovations to the theatre side but the Borough ran out of money. The theatre which has been gutted to the interior walls has sat empty ever since. The Borough sold off the Elks Lodge part of the building to the Tattered Flag brewery for a brew pub. The Borough has put the theatre side up for sale with a realtor asking $300,000.00. But given the extensive renovations necessary it is unlikely it will ever operate as a theatre again.
Elksprojectionist….I checked the website out….The pictures didn’t show. I did enjoy the history of the Elks. I am glad the new ownership is prospering. The former owner really turned me off…so much negativity. I like to see a single screen do well
hello everyone….check out The Elks Theatre website www.elksmovies.com
Projectionroom…..I am glad to hear that your doing well. I was down to the Elks on your opening weekend and was really impressed. The prior management, I wasn’t to impressed with. HE gave off a negative vibe. It’s always great to see a single screen theater like the Elks a success…Good Luck!
It’s working fairly well..the only drawback is the length of time the studio requires we keep the film, which is usually 3 weeks. We do get the occassion where we can split films which helps us target our audience better. We’re training more of our current staff to operate the projection equipment when Ross or myself can’t be there, otherwise things are going well. Our weekly grosses for the past couple weeks have been better than any cineplex in the surrounding area. (only for the movies we’re showing). Thanks for asking John.
ProjectionRoom..I now see the Elks is open 7 days a week. How is that working out?
any pics?
Max Einhorn…I notice the Elks is open 7 days a week now…how are things working out being open 7 days a week now?
It’s nice to see so much enthusiasm here about the historic Elks theatre. Under the Elks previous Lessee, the theatre ran second run films and is continuing to do so under a new lease from GMEDC. Although GMEDC does have plans to do further renovations to the building, it will continue to operate at first for 3 nights a week (Fri – Sun) and could possibly open regularly for daily matinees and evening shows by the end of May or early June. Previous renovations were made only to bring the building up to NEC code standards for safety purposes. The May 5th opening was a success with sales of about 1/3 the total seating capacity. The projection equipment used by Jonathan Crist was his personal equipment, less the screen and speaker system. We are currently operating with a triple platter system, a Strong/Simplex projector and a Dolby CP65 sound processor obtained from one of Regal’s warehouses. Our bookings are confirmed on Monday by late afternoon and we plan to advertise in the Patriot News. I will try to answer any questions I can through this thread or by email.
Max…nice write up in this morning newspaper about the Elks. Good Luck and I hope everything goes smoothly on opening night.
I’m going to the test screening tonight, Ice Age 2 has been called back by 20th Century Fox, but the theater is still scheduled to reopen in two days with Scary Movie 4! Prices: Adults $5, Children $3, all matinees $3.
Hey John, Norelco here, the projectors that are now in the Elks, were 2 of the three taken out of the old Senate in Harrisburg, I still remember the last movie I ran at the Elks was Bonnie & Clyde.
My new e-mail is
Miss my weekly questions.
Your Pal
Norelco
Great to hear Max..thanks for the update.
Renovations may not happen for 1-3 years. Though, they have obtained the management, equipment, and resources they need to reopen. That day is scheduled for May 5th, the theater will continue to run as a second run theater, opening with Ice Age 2.
Max Einhorn…Have you heard anything new about the Elks? How is the restoration coming? I haven’t been past it lately so I am not in the know.
Nice to know this theatre is being preserved and remaining functional.
Tonight is the theatre’s last show, aftr today it will be closed, renovated and then reopened sometime next year.
The Greater Middletown Economic Development (The GMEDC), has just purchased the Theatre from the Elks Club in Middletown, PA. The future of the Elks Theatre looks bright, their plans include: restoring the building with renovations to help preserve the theater as well as include a stage, marquee and cafe, continue to show second-films seven days a week rather than the usual three, as well as some first run films sometimes, host film festivals, independent films, special late shows, and live performances. The renovations will be starting sometime next year.