Rivoli Theatre
540 Laurel Street,
Reading,
PA
19602
540 Laurel Street,
Reading,
PA
19602
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Franklin Theater Co.
Functions: Banquet Hall, Special Events
Previous Names: Palm Theatre, Laurel Theatre
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The Laurel Theatre was a new-build neighborhood movie theatre - the sixth in Reading - upon opening September 7, 1914. It was the first operated by a female owner in Mary Ernst. Werner Circuit took on the theatre. After Werner closed it, by 1926 it was operated by the Franklin Theater Co. The theatre had a short independent run in 1929 and closed as a silent house in 1931.
The theatre became a community venue called Slovak Hall. In the 21st Century, it continued as the new home for the 90-year East End Athletic Club who use it as a banquet hall and for special events..
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Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
Had a brief run in 1920 as the Palm Theatre.
It also seems the Franklin Theatre Company controlled the Laurel for a time. A repair permit for “repairs to front of building” at 540-42 Laurel Street to Franklin Theatre Company was published in the May 5, 1928 issue of the Reading Eagle.
Throughout its life, the Laurel was owned by: Mary Ernst, William Prutzman, George W. Bennethum, Al. H. Werner, and then eventually the Franklin Theatre Company. I may have missed one, though I believe that may be all. The Laurel would be known as the Palm and eventually the Rivoli.