Airdome

The nearly 1,600-seat Airdome Theatre began construction on April 30, 1909 by contractor W.H. Aubel of New Castle. The construction of the Airdome indeed was 100% rushed as it was erected on Neshannock Avenue, and the theatre was managed by J.H. Bauman of New Castle for their company being headquartered in the town of Washington, Pennsylvania, where 8 other Airdomes were also served there in 3 different states: Ohio (Youngstown, Steubenville, East Liverpool), West Virginia (Wheeling) and Pennsylvania (Washington and Braddock).

A bit of information serves on the Airdome Theatre, which goes as follows: The stage itself was built of tile and was equipped with new scenery which when used in connection with the stock company’s scenery will carry, and will enable the management to offer patron complete scenic productions. Even the management employed special security, so that way the people are assured that nothing will be allowed in the Airdome that was prohibited except that gentlemen will be extended the privilege of smoking in certain sections.

The Airdome would then quickly open its doors on May 31, 1909 with their repertoires of the Partello Stock Company and the Morgan & Pepple Stock Company with a presentation of “The College Girl”, but was unknown if any extras were added. The Airdome Theatre name would later be changed to simply as “Airdome”.

The Airdome operated for only 2 seasons, until closing in September 1910.

Many months later on May 15, 1911, a message appeared by the company on the New Castle Herald, saying that “the Airdome would not open for the summer.” The company stated that “it has not improved by paying investments during the past 2 summers and the company controlling it has decided not to sink anymore money upon the venture”. When they secured the property for the site, a 3-year lease was taken, so they can continue to run until the Fall of 1912, but however, the local attorney has taken the boot and heirs at the time have the property in charge. It said that the Airdome scarcely ever took in enough money at the door to pay the ordinary expenses during any week during the only 2 seasons it operated.

On December 18, 1912, the members from the committee wanted to remove the abandoned Airdome due to it being a dangerous condition and a nuisance. It was decided to refer the matter to the street committee of councils for action and residents in that vicinity have complained of the place for some time.

The following year in 1913, the Airdome was placed on sale until being sold by T.E. Smith of unknown, and the Airdome later demolished the following week, on May 11, 1913.

Get Movie Tickets & Showtimes

Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.