I live in the area. I have asked a ton of old timers about this drive in and there are no memories of such. I have checked the local newspaper for ads (over 30 years) and have yet to find such. I have Movie Theaters Annuals from 1928 to 1960 and this theater is not listed at all. Makes you wonder, does it not?
This theater opened in March 1997 and operated as the Regal 12 until Jan 2005. In May 2005, it reopened as the Riverdale Cinema Cafe. Still open as of this date.
Operated as the Sidney Lust from 1949 to 1969 then became the Hampton Drive in from 1969 to 1979. XXX in its last days. The rear of the big screen faced the Pembroke Ave, the main drag at that time between Newport News and Hampton.
The Stuart was located at 1811 Wickham Ave being the second theater with this name. This theater operated from 1944 – 1954 and was a part of the Gordon Chain. There was an earlier Stuart at 2009 Wickham which was a Silent and operated from 1919-1920.
According to Newport News City Directories, it was located at 3107 Washington Ave. This was the center of the downtown area. It operated from 1915 to 1928 – so it appears that this was a silent theater. It had 650 seats. This would have been across the street from the Olympic Theater which had a later life as the James Theater which was located at 3100 Washington Ave.
This movie closed in 1934 and the building was converted into offices and apartments. That is what it is today. It is a couple blocks off Duke of Gloucester Street. The New Imperial was built in 1932 as a result of being forced to move due to restoration in Colonial Williamsburg. It closed in 1934 because the area was unable to sustain two theaters – with the other theater being the Williamsburg Theater in the restored area. When it closed, it was converted into stores on the ground floor and offices, apartments and suites in the upstairs.
This was the Messick Theater being converted into a private home in Aug 1977
I took the photo that is on this site. That building is now gone.
I live in the area. I have asked a ton of old timers about this drive in and there are no memories of such. I have checked the local newspaper for ads (over 30 years) and have yet to find such. I have Movie Theaters Annuals from 1928 to 1960 and this theater is not listed at all. Makes you wonder, does it not?
History of this Theater:
Essex Theater opened in 1930 with 400 seats Essex Theater closed in 1936.
The New Essex opened in 1936, closed in 1938.
The DAW opened in 1939 and closed in 1998. Closing date confirmed by the last operator.
Per the current operator, this theater opened in 2000
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAvWt-Q1QuY
This theater opened in March 1997 and operated as the Regal 12 until Jan 2005. In May 2005, it reopened as the Riverdale Cinema Cafe. Still open as of this date.
Operated as the Sidney Lust from 1949 to 1969 then became the Hampton Drive in from 1969 to 1979. XXX in its last days. The rear of the big screen faced the Pembroke Ave, the main drag at that time between Newport News and Hampton.
Local records indicate that this theater closed in 1921-1922.
Operated from1973-1989
Operated from1972 to 1997
The Stuart was located at 1811 Wickham Ave being the second theater with this name. This theater operated from 1944 – 1954 and was a part of the Gordon Chain. There was an earlier Stuart at 2009 Wickham which was a Silent and operated from 1919-1920.
This map came from a person who attended the theater in his youth.
It was located at 2414 Warwick Ave and operated from 1929-1932 per local records.
According to Newport News City Directories, it was located at 3107 Washington Ave. This was the center of the downtown area. It operated from 1915 to 1928 – so it appears that this was a silent theater. It had 650 seats. This would have been across the street from the Olympic Theater which had a later life as the James Theater which was located at 3100 Washington Ave.
This movie closed in 1934 and the building was converted into offices and apartments. That is what it is today. It is a couple blocks off Duke of Gloucester Street. The New Imperial was built in 1932 as a result of being forced to move due to restoration in Colonial Williamsburg. It closed in 1934 because the area was unable to sustain two theaters – with the other theater being the Williamsburg Theater in the restored area. When it closed, it was converted into stores on the ground floor and offices, apartments and suites in the upstairs.
Per local newspaper ads, the Wythe operated from 1939 to 1981
I have an ad dated Feb. 1, 1973 for this theater playing “Hannie Caulder” with Raquel Welch
The Rim Theater was one of two black theaters in Gloucester County during its day.
Just posted a photo of an ad announcing the opening of the twin.
It opened screens 3 and 4 on May 19, 1990 – ad just posted on photo page
Just posted a photo of the ad announcing the addition of the third theater – June 14, 1991
opened Dec. 9, 1948
see new photo of opening ad on photo page
I just posted a souvenir of this theater dated 1950 celebrating its one year anniversary – making 1949 as the start date, I think
I just posted a photo of the Opening Ad dated Dec 22, 1972