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The latest movie theater news and updates
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February 26, 2004
Wanted: Theater Marquee
Upstage Restaurant and theater, located in the historic seaport of Port Townsend, WA, seeks info or sources regarding theater marquees. Looking for possible ‘historical’ examples, photos, and sources of theater facades and marquees, especially circa 1860 to 1930. Contact Mark at 360-385-2216 or .
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NEW LINK: Wisconsin’s Historic Theaters
Don’t miss the latest addition to our Link Directory:
“Wisconsin’s performing arts are as old as the state itself. Learn about the historical forces that moved us from the nineteenth century opera house, to the movie palace and beyond. Visit some of Wisconsin’s most unique, interesting, and beautiful old theaters and learn their history.”
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February 25, 2004
But Which Strand?
Joanne Asala asks…
“Hi, I recently purchased an old photo at an antique shop of a theater called "The Strand.” Although I got it in Wichita, Kansas I’m not sure if it’s a Kansas theater. The photo was taken in 1941, based on the movies listed. I thought you’d like a copy of it with the hopes of identifying it someday. Thank you!"Any guesses? (Hint: Cinema Treasures lists 60 “Strands”.)
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Today’s Newsreel
Thomas Lamb’s Opera House is set to reopen on July 16, the The Passion of the Christ could fill the coffers of the Broadway Theatre, and the Parkway opens its doors for one night — all in today’s newsreel.
- Lone Movie Theater in Collinsville, Ill., Closes Its Doors
- Movie theater made to fit Midtown
- Mid-Valley arts: Elsinore Theatre noted in magazine
- Silent return for cinema
- Russellville’s theater redux awaits more grant money
- Strand antitrust lawsuit dropped; summer reopening unlikely
- Opera House being restored to former glory
- Image Reborn: Jim Whiting is a key player in this next act
- ‘Passion’ may be savior for Pitman theater
- Keeping fingers crossed that Parkway will rebound
- Developer awaits approval of Flushing RKO site plan
(Once again, thanks to Gregg Anderson for submitting some of these stories.)
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February 24, 2004
Jack Loeks Sr., Movie Theater Innovator, Passes Away
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — According to a report from the Grand Rapids Press, Jack Loeks Sr., the creator of a Michigan-area theater chain that helped popularize multiplexes, has passed away at the age of 85.
With his Studio 28 theater, which he opened in 1965, Loeks was the first to offer 12 screens in a single venue and, when he added another eight screens, the world’s first theater to have 20 screens.
“It predated other megaplexes by 20 years,” according to Bob Goodrich, president of Goodrich Radio & Theaters Inc., a Kentwood-based theater chain. “The large lobbies, large screens, great service, quality picture and sound — they were the hallmark of Jack Loeks.”
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Met Theatre Renovations Forge On
MORGANTOWN, WV — Thanks to the efforts of concerned citizens and local officials, the Metropolitan Theatre continues to work on a major renovation, according to a report in the Sunday Gazette-Mail.
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February 23, 2004
Help Landmark the Avalon Before It’s Too Late!
MILWAUKEE, WI — A meeting will be held next week to seek local landmark designation for the memorable Avalon Theater, according to the e-mail below and the Avalon’s page here on Cinema Treasures.
If you can be there to advocate for it and to place it in the context of remaining movie palaces nationwide, it will be a good deed you do! The city needs to see that it has a greater value, and only us theater buffs can supply that significance.
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Forest Theatre to Close on Thursday
WEST HAVEN, CT — The Forest Theatre, one of the last remaining single screen movie theatres in Connecticut, is closing down for good this Thursday.
According to this article in the New Haven Register, the owner has become sick, possibly with multiple sclerosis, and cannot run the theater any longer.
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February 20, 2004
More Chicago Theater Pics
CHICAGO, IL — As a followup to our recent story about the Chicago’s marquee removal, Cinema Treasures uber-volunteer Bryan Krefft sent us a few recent shots of the Chicago Theater.
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Today’s Newsreel
The National Trust appeals to Marysville officials to save the Tower Theater, the Paramount Center for the Arts reopens, officials give up on restoring Mishawaka’s Tivoli Theatre, and a teenager takes over the Colfax — all in today’s newsreel.
- Tower’s value argued
- Historic theater’s fate to be decided
- Projecting a better future
- Partyers can celebrate Mardi Gras: Money raised will help renovate civic theater
- A polished gem
- Tivoli Theater will be torn down
- Saving the Cerrito Theater: A Lazy Man’s Tale of Historic Preservation
- Del Mar visionary will be honored
- The Drake supports theater project
- Paris Endicott-Chase Will Be Birthday-Gifted on Her 13th Birthday Feb. 28 With a 65 Year Historic Motion Picture Theatre in Colfax, CA., Making Her The Youngest Theatre Owner in the Country