Schenley Theater
2703 Mahoning Avenue,
Youngstown,
OH
44509
2703 Mahoning Avenue,
Youngstown,
OH
44509
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I remember seeing a double feature of “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” and “Flipper’s New Adventure” here in the summer of 1964. Originally went to Wellman’s sister theater the Foster where “Molly” was playing solo, but the showtime was different than advertised. Drove the add'l mile-plus to the Schenley and saw “Molly”…with a co-feature, no less! The very definition of “neighborhood theater.” I remember vending machines that dispensed soft drinks and bags of candy in the lobby. And the popcorn (with real butter!) was served in foil-wrapped bags. Groovy! If only “nabes” like this still existed today.
The theater closed in July 1967. For months afterwards, the Vindicator listed the Schenley as “Closed For Remodeling.” Needless to say it never re-opened. I’m guessing the Wellman family lost interest in the Schenley after opening the Wedgwood Cinema in June 1966. The older theater —located a stone’s throw away—was direct competition to the Wedgewood which was definitely the more expensive house to operate.
The first listing for the Schenley Theatre that I found was in 1943. Still listed as open as late as 1957. Seating was listed at 790.
In doing a search through the local newspaper, it would seem that there were two theaters by this name, and the older one was demolished in about 1923 and that is about all I have been able to find out. The new Schenley was one of the crown jewels of the Wellman chain of theaters, so hopefully someone can step up and fill in the rest of the story.