American Theater
44-52 North Main Street,
Pittston,
PA
18640
44-52 North Main Street,
Pittston,
PA
18640
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Comerford Theaters Inc.
Architects: Leon H. Lempert, Jr.
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The American Theater was located on North Main Street in Pittston and opened June 9, 1924. This was the largest theater built in the Pittston area and was located in the main business area between the Water Street and Fort Jenkins Bridges. It hosted vaudeville shows, big band music concerts and movies for most of its life. It operated until the late-1960’s and sat empty until the building was demolished in the early-1980’s for a Rite-Aid drug store and parking lot.
Contributed by
Bobs
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Recent comments (view all 12 comments)
Yes, this is a correct address for the whole building. The theatre’s address was 48 N. Main. There were 4 storefronts in this building (3 stores and 1 diner) There was also a small storefront on the south side of the building (tailor shop) which was located between 2 of the 3 Orchestra Exit Doors.
Jeffreyt: Would love to see any photos you have, perhaps post them at photobucket. I recall driving past the building in the early 1980’s but it was closed at the time, but do remember the words “American Theatre” were painted on the back wall and were clearly seen when crossing either bridge. Currently live just across the river and pass this site every day on the way to work.
Here’s a couple of pics from the 1960’s
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This theater was part of ABC Theaters of Pennsylvania, a Scranton-based chain, in the early seventies.
Hey Lost Memory
The American opened in 1928; 4 years after the organ was installed ?
I operated this theatre in the late 70’s. The research we did before opening (for a certificate of occupancy) showed the building opening in 1928. I’m not sure where the information on the top of the page came from, but I don’t think it is accurate.
I found the original opening date for the American from a news clipping at the Pittston Public Library. It had indicated June 1924, although it had little additional info such as the number of seats. I spoke with some long-time residents of the area, but none were able to confirm that date.
Nice photos.
The May 28, 1924, issue of The Scranton Republican said that Comerford’s American Theatre in Pittston was scheduled to open on June 9. Construction firm Breig Brothers was completing the $500,000 project two months ahead of schedule. Claude Wesley was to be the manager of the new house.
The American Theatre was the 84th house in the Comerford chain, and at 2,500 seats was also the largest thus far. There were 1,200 seats on the main floor, 1,100 in the balcony, and 200 in the boxes and loges. The proscenium was fifty feet wide and forty feet high, and the stage thirty-five feet deep. There were ten dressing rooms under the stage. A Kimball organ was being installed.
Located this video of the theater. It’s dated 1992 and shows some of the interior and exterior before and during demolition.
https://youtu.be/2Ivh6GU-Yfk