Oswego Theatre

SethG on May 8, 2025 at 2:19 pm

This theater is much older. There was an airdome on this site in 1911, which was replaced by a one story building sometime before 1918. I’m not sure when the second floor was added. The early building was called the Star in the 1914-15 AMPD.

By 1926, it was called the Reel, and had a capacity of 450. In 1927 and 1928 a Grand is also listed, with no capacity. I think that was probably a reference to the old opera house next door to the west. That is still there, the victim of some really ugly remodeling. In 1931, the name was changed to the New Era. The capacity was reduced to 350. It was renamed the Oswego in 1941. It’s still listed in 1957, now with 400 seats. It probably didn’t close until much later.

It appears to be used as an auction venue, and the auditorium is largely intact (although shabby), or was when I visited in 2010. I recall being told that they use the stage to display items, and patrons bid from the seats.