Casino Theater
121 Main Street,
Ware,
MA
01082
121 Main Street,
Ware,
MA
01082
1 person
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Western Massachusetts Theaters Inc.
Nearby Theaters
News About This Theater
- May 31, 2011 — Casino Theater (1909) torn down in Ware, Massachusetts
- May 2, 2011 — "Oldest cinema in the country" facing demolition
- Jan 22, 2010 — Renovations to Casino Theater may be closer to launch though hurdles remain
- Nov 25, 2009 — Casino Theater for Sale
The Casino Theater opened in 1909. This theater was operated by Western Massachusetts Theaters at its closing on Septembder 30, 1999 with Mark Hamill in “Star Wars” & Mike Myers in “Wayne’s World”. Originally a one screen neighborhood house, it was divided into a twin during the 1980’s. One would assume that it dates back to the vaudeville days because of its old structure and stage fly house.
Like most of the other remaining theaters in the WMT chain, it fell victim to video sales, bypassing second run movie theaters after first run showings. It was demolished in May, 2011.
Contributed by
AlLarkin
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Recent comments (view all 21 comments)
The new owner of the Casino is considering selling it. It’s in good condition. The wood flooring in the auditoriums needs to be replaced to conply with code. Also it needs new roofing. Inquiries to
Update on new owner of the Casino and plans:
View link
The Casino is now in the process of being sold. The new owner has been operating a twin-cinema. He plans some refurbishments for the Casino and would like a partner or two to assist him.
In the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac, the Casino in Ware is listed as part of Ralph E. Snider theaters of Boston. Ralph Snider also operated the Bijou Theatre in Ware at that time.
The theater is now slated to be torn down due to politics, funding, etc. If anyone has any ideas to try to save it… !? – it supposedly is THE oldest theater left in the country, but leave it to good ‘ol Ware to tear it down – just what Main Street needs – another parking lot.
My mom worked there in the 50’s I worked there in the late 80’s early 90’s … the old dressing rooms were still in tact down in the basement when I worked there. The seats, when it re-opened in the 80’s, had been the ones from the 50’s just painted and re-upholstered…
That’s bad news. It’s thought that it is one of the oldest purpose-built movie theaters in the US. (“purpose-built” for movies as opposed to conversion from a live theater). Someone purchased it in mid-2009 to save it, then sold it a year later to someone who was hot to re-open and operate it. I guess there were too many hurdles in the way.
Demolition has occurred: http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/hampshire/Historic-Ware-movie-theater-comes-down.
Watching the demo video, very sad
It’s very difficult to preserve a theater like the Casino when the town administration wants to construct a municipal parking lot on the site! Or otherwise has no interest in the structure.
The Casino Theatre actually closed on September 30, 1999, with both screens closing with special showings. Screen 1 closed with the original 1977 “Star Wars” while Screen 2 closed with “Wayne’s World”.