Hollywood Theater
39 W. Main Street,
Gowanda,
NY
14070
39 W. Main Street,
Gowanda,
NY
14070
3 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 35 comments
https://www.facebook.com/groups/929189663802358/permalink/5773817559339520/?mibextid=Nif5oz
Now open and scheduling classic films and live performances. Information is available on the website.
This one opened on April 19, 1926.
The organist who now owns it is named Byron Jones.
Patsy, I realize this is years later, but that photo of the organist on the Wurlitzer was probably my grandfather. He and I found the photo online shortly before he passed away, and my laptop has since crashed. I am searching for a link to find that photo again. Do you have it? Thank you so much.
I was born in Gowanda in the 40’s, & and used to go to movies here every Friday nite, during the 50’s. I remember they used to show different movies Sun-Mon, Tues-Thur,and Fri-Sat, with double features on Fri-Sat. Think it was $.25 under 12 and .35 over 12. Candy was $.05 & .10, popcorn .10 and they had a soda machine that was .15,…I couldn’t afford that. It was a pretty nice theater and kept up good. Better than some others in small towns. There was a mgr that used to patrol during the movies, to keep us from talking or putting our feet on the seats in front of us. Didn’t know his name, but called him the “penguin.” Later, the police chief Fluker, assumed penguin’s duties.
The Opera House in Gowanda, which stood on the site of the Hollywood Theatre until it burned down in 1924, is listed in the 1897-98 edition of the Julius Cahn Official Theatrical Guide. It had 800 seats and was on the ground floor. Its proscenium opening was 26.5 feet wide X 18 feet high, and the stage was almost 26 feet deep. J. VanDensen was the Mgr. There were 2 weekly newspapers and 3 hotels for show folk. Town served by the Erie RR. The 1897 population of Gowanda was 2,500. I don’t know if the Opera House ever showed movies – it certainly may have.
Opus: Interesting to read about the Wurlitzer organ that was once in the Hollywood. Though very disturbing to read that the organ was offered back to the theatre by the owner’s widow and they declined! Also interesting to note in my research that the seats have all been saved and are being restored by inmates.
Should note.. the above sale and shipping of the Hollywood organ took place in 2002-2003.
The Wurlitzer from the Hollywood was removed from the theatre in i think 1978 and installed in a private residence in Tonawanda NY. It was maintained and restored in pristine original condition. From what i understand after the death of its owner, it was offered to the Hollywood for a sum by his wife, but was declined (not sure why). It was purchased by w Welsh organist, and local organ folk including myself, dismantled and packed it into a shipping container and off it went across the Atlantic, probabaly never to be seen on our shores again. Sad, it would have been nice to have a home coming at the Hollywood, I think the organ is one of the very few original components to have left that building. It was a small organ, yes (style DX, 2/6), but it had a sound much bigger than one would think!
Thanks for this recent update on the Hollywood. I’ve been to this theatre and seen the progress being made! I wonder if there is anyone out there who can tell us about the Wurlitzer organ that was once in the Hollywood? This theater has an interesting history!
Here is a link to a recent news story – looks like they are progressing at a slow and steady pace!
View link
Lost Memory: Once again thank you for providing the website information as the photos and current information on the restoration of this fine theatre are remarkable! Anyone interested should take the time and view all of the photos which include seeing all of the seats and cushions that have put in storage. These items will be restored by a local correctional facility. I had wondered about this as my visit to the Hollywood did not include seeing any seats as it like walking into a very large and empty room. Many of the restoration photos are amazing and well worth viewing! My theatre hat is off to the fine folks in Gowanda NY.
I just viewed the slideshow on the website and see that there was a photo of a Hollywood Theater organist in the year 1966 so the theatre was still in operation at that time. I grew up near Gowanda, but have no memory of the theatre being there. I have since been inside the auditorium and it was completely gutted after a leaky roof, etc. was repaired. I would like to know how and why this theater was left to deteriorate.
I’m somewhat familiar with this theatre south of Buffalo. It has an interesting history.
My information tells me that the Hollywood, which opened April 19,1926, was designed by Leon H. Lempert,Jr. of Rochester,N.Y.
Lost Memory: Thanks for the photo site. I have been to this theatre and in June the Hollywood Happening with the HD crowd really fills up the town to support this theatre!
Scam: You are welcome and keep us posted on whatever you find out concerning the Hollywood Theatre in Gowanda NY.
Patsy,
Thank you for the information.
scam: I hope you will stay in the trusting mode as the Hollywood Theatre is under the watchful eye of Mr. Ganatt (sp) who is a local businessman in Collins NY. I don’t think you should be ‘smelling a rat in the wood pile.“ Keep the faith and if you question anything I suggest you go to the Chamber of Commerce and have them put you in touch with folks who are involved with the restoration.
I have lived in Gowanda for about 8 years now and have contributed to the Hollywood restoration project.Every year they take in a great amount of money.The only thing that I have seen so far is the Marquis painted and some lights put in.Maybe they can post a project report in the pennysaver once a month and let us know what is being done and where the money is going.They tell me that they had the roof repaired.We must take their word because we can’t get a ladder and get up there.I must stop contributing until I see some progress.Those that are involved with the progect should take a ride to Angola,NY and take a look at their theater.It is about the same age as the Hollywood.They restored it in a very short time and it is beautiful.I hate to say this but I am starting to smell a rat in the wood pile.
Well, I visited Gowanda’s Hollywood Theatre today. The theatre is under renovation so will someday be beautiful once again and the town was full of beautiful Harleys. The theatre was the dream of a Mr. Wilhelm and his original home is on the corner of Main and Chapel.
I plan to attend the Hollywood Happening the first weekend in June so will report back on what I see and hear!
I’m familiar with the Gernatt name of Collins NY so this is the right man for the right project!
kurtcd: This is a wonderful event to raise money and stir up interest in a once beautiful theatre. I plan to call the phone number you have so kindly provided CT members. See you there!