New Angola Theatre

Closed and up for sale per official website

In 1930, the architect of this theater, George E. Eichenlaub, wrote some articles about theater design and construction for Motion Picture Times. Eichenlaub called his projects “Standard Theaters.”

The article in the January 14 issue focused on an unnamed 500-seat theater in a small town some 18 miles from a major city, which fits Angola’s relationship to Buffalo. There is a drawing of the theater’s facade, which looks virtually identical to the 1985 American Classic Images photo of the Angola.

As the article never gives the theater’s name, and the design was intended to be somewhat generic, we can’t be sure that the theater described and pictured is the Angola, but there’s a good possibility that it is.

It’s also possible that there are other theaters built along the same lines scattered about the region, and some larger theaters designed along the lines of the 750-seat house described in Eichenlaub’s article in the February 11, 1930 issue of Motion Picture Times.

I simply vote for the name Angola Theatre!

And since a movie was in progress I wasn’t able to see the auditorium design with the house lights up, but will this summer when I head to the Hamburg Fair entitled “Love a Fair” this year.

I’ve been to this theatre, but only in the lobby…will check it out this summer!

The architect of the 1924 Angola was Eichenlaub of Erie,PA.

Richard G: You aren’t by chance, Richard Geitner? If so, I’ve been wanting to speak with you about the former Geitner Theatre in Silver Creek NY which was built by the Geitner family. I’ve been wanting to take a tour of this theatre, but can’t seem to reach the present owner whose name is Matt.

You can visit their website to see prices, movies and showtimes, concessions at http://www.newangolatheater.com or on your wap enabled moble phone at wap.newangolathater.com

Richard G: I wasn’t aware that the theatre in Angola went by the name NEW Angola Theatre so wasn’t able to find it until I started doing through the entire NY list as there are over 1,000 listed, but my interest falls with the ones in western New York State, primarily.

The non-profit group which owns and runs The New Angola Theatre is the Claddagh Commission. Their purpose is to aid and provide employment opportunities to the mentally challanged and others who might need their assistance. So when you see a movie at The New Angola, you’ll not only have great movie experience but you’ll also be helping a worthwhile organization.
I first discovered the Angola theatre in 1996 and seriously considered leasing it from Dightner (sp?), who owned the theatre at the time. The theatre’s mechanics and dire need of improvements scared me away. It was nice to return to the theatre which was almost mine and actually see a movie. The theatre is a second run house but both the admission and concessions are reasonably priced. I saw “Anchorman” on August 28, 2004.