I am sad to report that the old Bay Theater / Bay Bowl building in Bremerton is destined to be demolished. A large apartment building will be built in its place.
An interesting and historic June 1999, Letter to the Editor (Bremerton (Kitsap) Sun) regarding the Charleston Cinema.
CHARLESTON CINEMA
We asked for it; support it
To the Editor:
Last year, Eric and Frances Myers purchased the Charleston Cinema which had been vacant and an eyesore for more than eight years. They completely revamped and improved the theater. It is tastefully decorated and very clean. They provide quality movies at a very affordable price.
Many people have been amazed by the fact that they are still open and have wondered how they have succeeded thus far.
It is most certainly not because of the overwhelming support from our community. In fact, if it were not for their commitment to this endeavor, they would have been out of business long ago!
The Myerses have had to reach further and further into their own pockets and receive financial assistance from family members to survive. Only their sheer will-power and belief that the Charleston Cinema is a much needed, positive asset for our community, has kept them in business.
As a longtime resident of Bremerton, I am familiar with the history of the Charleston business district. I was here when it was beautiful and in its glory. I slowly watched it decline and finally fall. More recently, I have watched it struggle, stumble, get back up and become the kind of community that I am proud to be a part of.
I am ashamed of this community. We were all there picketing when “Playtime’s Grand” was operating as an adult theater. We all rejoiced when it was finally closed down. We have all raised our voices to complain about the lack of quality, affordable entertainment available in West Bremerton. Now that we have what we wanted, what are we doing?
We need to start supporting the Charleston Cinema and each of us also should personally thank the Myerses for believing in and enhancing our community!
The photo of Ken Layton (?) with the projector lens that is displayed as the photo for the Skyline has an incorrect caption.
INCORRECT: “The Skyline Drive-In opened in 1962. This single screen drive-in has a capacity for 330 cars.”
CORRECT: The Olympian newspaper of May 28, 1964, noted that the drive-in opened with “Lady and the Tramp” in 1964. Not 1962.
I just added a photo of the Blue Ox Theater marquee.
Shelton Forest Festival Parade
May 22, 1965
See marquee in background.
(Bremerton Sun photo)
I am sad to report that the old Bay Theater / Bay Bowl building in Bremerton is destined to be demolished. A large apartment building will be built in its place.
Photo ca. 1948.
“Homecoming” is a 1948 romantic drama starring Clark Gable and Lana Turner.
Photo ca. 1940, due to the movie “Young People” starring Shirley Temple.
Fire of April 30, 1963.
1930 photo due to the movie, “Let us be Gay.”
That photo is probably from 1957, since that is when “Heaven Knows Mr. Allison” was playing at the theaters.
Here are some additional photos of the old theater, specifically in regard to the 3/14 Robert Morton pipe organ.
Music Box (a/k/a Tacoma, Broadway) Theatre Broadway & 9th, Tacoma, Washington Organ installation timeframe: 1920s – 1963
Link to photos here: http://www.pstos.org/instruments/wa/tacoma/music-box.htm
An interesting and historic June 1999, Letter to the Editor (Bremerton (Kitsap) Sun) regarding the Charleston Cinema.
CHARLESTON CINEMA
We asked for it; support it
To the Editor:
Last year, Eric and Frances Myers purchased the Charleston Cinema which had been vacant and an eyesore for more than eight years. They completely revamped and improved the theater. It is tastefully decorated and very clean. They provide quality movies at a very affordable price.
Many people have been amazed by the fact that they are still open and have wondered how they have succeeded thus far.
It is most certainly not because of the overwhelming support from our community. In fact, if it were not for their commitment to this endeavor, they would have been out of business long ago!
The Myerses have had to reach further and further into their own pockets and receive financial assistance from family members to survive. Only their sheer will-power and belief that the Charleston Cinema is a much needed, positive asset for our community, has kept them in business.
As a longtime resident of Bremerton, I am familiar with the history of the Charleston business district. I was here when it was beautiful and in its glory. I slowly watched it decline and finally fall. More recently, I have watched it struggle, stumble, get back up and become the kind of community that I am proud to be a part of.
I am ashamed of this community. We were all there picketing when “Playtime’s Grand” was operating as an adult theater. We all rejoiced when it was finally closed down. We have all raised our voices to complain about the lack of quality, affordable entertainment available in West Bremerton. Now that we have what we wanted, what are we doing?
We need to start supporting the Charleston Cinema and each of us also should personally thank the Myerses for believing in and enhancing our community!
Tamara August
Bremerton
Link:
https://products.kitsapsun.com/archive/1999/06-06/0019_letters.html