Hiway Theater

Built in 1913 this was originally known as the Jenkintown Auditorium and was designed by architect Albert F. Schenck. In 1925 the theatre was remodeled by Philadelphia architect William H. Lee, it was outfitted to show silent films and renamed the Embassy Theatre.

In 1936, both the exterior and interior was remodeled to the plans of architect William E. Groben and it was renamed the York Road Theatre, with a seating capacity given as 600. In 1940, it was taken over by Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corp. and was renamed the Hiway Theatre. By 1950, the seating capacity had been slightly reduced to 540.

In the 1960’s, local movie exhibitor William Goldman operated and refurbished the Hiway Theatre. By 1970 it was operated by A.M. Ellis Theaters Co. chain. In 1985, Irwin Merlin purchased the Hiway Theatere. He renamed it Merlin Theatre in 1988, when he remodeled the theatre. In 1999, Philadelphia attorney Charles Peruto Jr. purchased the theatre and renamed it after his son, the Chas III Theatre.

In 2003 it was purchased by local residents whose sole purpose was to preserve and protect this historic structure. It now operates as a non-profit showing first run, independent and foreign films.

Since November of 2003, the theater has once again been known as the Hiway Theater. About two million dollars worth of renovations and restorations were completed in 2006, which reduced the seating capacity in the auditorium from 540 down to 330. The movie screen is nicely sized at 28 feet wide for ‘scope films. On December 27, 2011, a 19 foot tall replica Art Moderne style vertical sign was installed, having been made by Bartush Signs. Replacing the original vertical sign that was in place from 1940 until the 1980’s, the new neon tower is burgundy with yellow letters, antique gold neon, and aluminium trim. On May 20, 2013, the nonprofit Renew Theatres (which manages nearby Ambler Theatre and Doylestown’s County Theatre) is taking over management, though the Hiway Theater will continue to have its own board of directors.

Recent comments (view all 22 comments)

RoadsideArchitecture.com on January 17, 2012 at 10:28 am

A replica of the original blade sign has been installed – link here

HowardBHaas on January 25, 2012 at 10:44 am

I added to this site the video of the blade sign installation, http://cinematreasures.org/video/jenkintown-pas-hiway-theatre-vertical-sign-is-installed

RickB on January 13, 2013 at 7:27 am

Philly.com concentrates on the Hiway in a story about small cinemas making the digital conversion. The Hiway is said to have raised $50,000 so far, about half of the money it needs.

HowardBHaas on January 13, 2013 at 8:03 am

Don’t miss the photo gallery & video about the Hiway at that article (January 13, 2012 Philadelphia Inquirer, front page!) that RickB links. Registration is free online for the Inquirer.

HowardBHaas on January 13, 2013 at 8:03 am

Oops, 2013.

Mikeoaklandpark on January 14, 2013 at 10:20 am

Bradley Cooper grew up and went to this theater as a child. Sunday morning interviewed him in this theater 2 weeks ago. HE is just a good old neighborhood boy whom everybody adores.

HowardBHaas on July 16, 2013 at 11:51 am

As they mentioned on Facebook, last Thursday eve’s DCP screening of classic “Casablanca” sold out at the Hiway!

teecee on February 11, 2016 at 8:08 pm

Great cameo on The Goldbergs last night.

DavidZornig on May 8, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Facebook link to a painting of the Hiway Theatre by Michael Riley-Hill Art & Design.

https://www.facebook.com/mhillart/photos/a.1642503516010103.1073741829.1500577213536068/1878013175792468/?type=3&theater

HowardBHaas on April 24, 2018 at 10:49 am

Wonderful article with theater history by a researcher who I know- https://www.theprojectorjournal.com/mcgettigan.html