Calvin Theatre

Here is a 1979 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/cslkzk

Just saw an interior photo of the restoration. The theatre looks beautiful.

There are 2 movie theaters listed under Northampton in the 1927 Film Daily Yearbook. One is the Academy and the other is the “Coolidge” with 1000 seats and open daily. I guess that the Coolidge is actually the Calvin.

The May 10, 1924, issue of The Moving Picture World had a great deal to say about the new Calvin Theatre in Northampton:

“Calvin Theatre, Northampton, Mass., Features Beautiful Lighting Effects

“The newly-opened Calvin Theatre, Northampton, Mass., owned by Goldstein Brothers, is one of the best appointed and most modern houses in New England, and when its beautiful lighting effects are brought into play, especially the crimson-hued lattice-work lights, in addition to the purple-crimson crystal chandeliers, the effect is one of exquisite beauty. The color scheme of the theatre is old gold and grey. The scenic decorations about the theatre are the work of the William Eckart studios of New York. The auditorium ceiling, the work of Charles Stifter, noted New York sculptor, is of ornamental plaster, embellished with striking decorative effects.

“The theatre is located in King street at Merrick lane and the building opens free on all sides. It has a majestic approach and is visible for a long distance.

“The foundation of the building is of reinforced concrete; the roof of steel construction and the walls of brick.

“The entrance to the new Calvin is imposing, and its arch, when illuminated, is well silhouetted against the city’s night skyline.

“There is a marquise of special design with electric lights arranged on a flasher motor. The outer vestibule is of terrazzo and marble and contains poster and photograph display frames, especially constructed. The box office is in the center of the vestibule and is of marble with hand carved woodwork. It is equipped with two automatic ticket sellers.

“From the vestibule entering the lobby on the left side is an additional ticket office, which can be used in case of reserved seat sales in advance of the shows.

“Mezzanine Floor

“On either side of the rear of the orchestra floor are the grand marble staircases leading to the mezzanine floor and the balcony. From the mezzanine floor there is an easy approach to the balcony.

“The mezzanine floor also is of excellent construction, being of California gum-wood. Here are located the well-appointed women’s and men’s retiring rooms, private telephone booths, check rooms and manager’s office. The mezzanine lounge has drinking fountains and writing facilities and a true home-like atmosphere prevails there.

“More than 200 tons of steel alone were fabricated into the construction of the balcony. There are no posts and an unobstructed view is had of the stage from all seats on both floors.

“40-Foot Stage

“The Calvin has a 40-foot stage and proscenium opening 36 feet in length and 25 feet high. The stage is of ample size to accommodate any sort of road show.

“Many of the leading manufacturers of theatrical stage equipment were called upon by the Goldstein Brothers to make installations on the Calvin’s stage. The Worcester Electric and Manufacturing Company built the large stage switchboard, which is of the dead front type.

“The scenery for the Calvin was built by James Kennedy, who has charge of the Goldstein Brothers' scenic studios in Holyoke. Maurice Tuttle, scenic artist for the circuit, acted in that capacity for the Calvin and has turned out a veritable work of art. The main drop curtain has upon it a beautiful Yosemite Valley scene. It was executed from an enlarged photograph of an actual scene.”

I wanted to ask Nicholas Thaw while working at Calvin theater if he had any supernatural experiences? I ask because I was there this past Saturday night to see Johnny Lang and was sitting by myself in the sixth row and something tap me on the shoulder three times and I turned around and nobody was there. It quite strange indeed. Btw, Jonny Lang and gang were absolutely fantastic. Thanks for bringing them to North Hampton!