Capitol Theater, Shamokin Pa

 

The Capitol Theater, 43 E. Independence Street, Shamokin Pa

[Tharps Ice Cream Next Door]

The Grand Opening  was held Thursday March 25th, 1926. 

It was located in the Patriotic Order Sons of America building.

"W.R. Buckley of the Capitol Theatre in Shamokin goes with a free car contest and in 1935, it draws a huge crowd"

Simmerman Building, Capitol Theater

Actress June Havoc writes about appearing at the Capitol in her vaudeville act as Baby June, in her autobiography.

Projectionist at the Capitol

The last show at the Capitol was “Fantastic Voyage”, on November 13, 1966.

Lavitts, Capitol, Fatools Doughnut

In 1974, the Capitol was demolished.  By 1977 -   "Mid-Independence St Parking Lot.  Deteriorated Capitol Theater demolished to construct this much needed facility."

Capitol at 43 E. Independence Street, Shamokin Pa

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Bijou Dream - A Movie Theater In Milton

 

The Bijou Theater, Milton Pa

After the fire of 1880, Frederick Wilhelm rebuilt his livery stable on Broadway.  By 1906 the building was labeled as General Storage, and in 1913 it was the Bijou Theater.  To the right is Pappa's Restaurant. 

Bijou Dream, electric sign, installed  April 1907

A 1928 obituary for Harry E. Davis states that the Bijou Theater was the first motion picture theater in Milton, and one of the first in the United States to install a "minor screen".  Mr. Davis established and operated the Bijou for 17 years.

"Swimming Holes A popular "movie" actor has recently shown us "The Swimming Hole," which I have no doubt The Bijou has screened, as it seems to get everything a few days after we get it at "The Strand" on our Broadway." - From the letters of J.P. Kohler, Reminisces Of Milton 

In October 1909, the building was being remodeled.

On July 19 1913, The Bijou advertised a free street parade and band concert in front of the theater. "The program was typical of the day and consisted of a vitograph feature..."

In October of 1924, The Pappa's brothers purchased the Bijou Dream, and also the Strand Theater [Family Theater] on Front Street.  They used the Strand to show moving pictures while they remodeled the Bijou Dream.  Remodeling plans included a dance hall on the second floor, and store rooms on the first floor. The theater was to remain on the first floor and "show only the most exclusive pictures.".  

October 1924

In 1928 The Comerford Amusement Company took over half interest in the Bijou Dream in Milton. The Pappa's brothers remained on as managers.  The stage at the theater was 15 feet square, and the background was hung with deep rose fireproof silk curtains. The front curtain were a "beautiful rose colored velvet.  Colored footlights greatly enhance the lighting effect." New dressing rooms were added, and stage entrances were built.

[When George Pappatriantofillopulus naturalized as an American Citizen in 1928, he shorted his name to Pappas]

In 1931, the theater was being renovated once again.

"Theatre-goers of Milton and vicinity will be delighted to learn of the improvements which are taking place at the Bijou theatre on Broadway. Since the theatre was taken over several months ago by the West Branch Theatre Company many changes have been made for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.

 The appearance of the exterior was improved some time ago and now the interior is undergoing improvements which will make the Bijou an entirely different place.

 Foremost of improvements is the new and latest type enlarged sound screen which will give improved sound and 100 per cent projection. It is a full sized screen and will bring out every detail to the eye in perfect clarity.

The position of amplifiers behind the screen, projecting sound through it. enables the distribution of the voices evenly and with the same volume to every portion of the theatre.

 Another detail which will be noticed immediately upon entering the moving picture house is the laying of carpet. Heavy Axminster carpet, over a thick base of double felt has been laid in the aisles, the inside entrance. and the balcony.

Needless to say the noise of treading feet will be completely eliminated. and all foreign sounds. interfering with the sound arrangements, will be deadened. Patrons now will not be annoyed during the show by persons walking up and down the aisles. The carpet is of beautiful colorings and in an attractive pattern, adding beauty to the interior of the show house.

Improvements will be continued from time to time, under the direction of Manager Wallace Folkins, and it is hoped that the public will appreciate the steps taken for a better movie house in Milton."

1931

In May of 1933 the Bijou was sold at Sheriff's Sale.  The Shamokin News-Dispatch reported that Peter Pappas was refusing to vacate the playhouse after the  sale.  It was purchased by the Comerford firm, and they proceeded with a legal battle to remove Pappas.  

 In December the Bijou at Milton was razed, with "plans for the new playhouse" completed and ready for service by March of 1934.

The Capitol Theater, built at this location,  opened for the first time on June 30, 1934 with  Baby Take A Bow, starring Shirley Temple and James Dunn. 

https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/04/when-milton-had-movie-theatre.html

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Where The Movies Played

An Index Of Old Movie Theaters

In & Around The West Branch Valley

https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2024/07/where-movies-played-old-movie-theaters.html

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1910

1947 - regarding the 1913 show

1928

H.E. Davis, 1928

1953

1928 Name Change

1953

1933

The Capitol Movie Theater, Danville Pa

 

The Capitol Movie Theater  in Danville first opened in 1936.  The building, 119-127 Mill St, still stands. [At some point, I need to research the story behind the marquee sign above...]

The Capitol Theatre was opened on July 8, 1936 with Jane Withers in “Little Miss Nobody”.  

“Danville, Pa., July 9. — Most of the leading citizens shared in the opening of the new Comerford house here yesterday. A community dinner at noon had I. E. Wolf, president of the Chamber of Commerce, as toastmaster, and Reed McCarty, editor of the Morning News, as principal speaker, with Frank C. Walker and M. E. Comerford as guests. A parade and daylight fireworks preceded the formal opening at 6 o'clock. George A. Nevin is local manager.”

On September 3rd 1936:  "The first midnight show at the Capitol Theatre, Danville’s new show house, was held at 12:01 the night before. The show was the “King of Burlesque,” a musical comedy. It was the first time for that type of event in Danville."

LIPKO'S COMEDY CHIMPS appeared at the Capitol - Danville theatre. Skippy, one of the performers, presented an amazing routine of acrobatics and musical impersonations. Lipko Comedy Chimps have been featured in movies, on numerous television shows and appearances coast to coast. Their performances are action packed, loaded with laughs and surprises and fun for children of all ages. (November 28th, 1975 - Danville News)

The theater reportedly had 983 seats.

Protest of X-rated movies being advertised at the Capitol Theater in Danville, 1974

In 2015 there were efforts made to convert the old building into a "multi arts" center, using grant money. The daily item ran an article about the possibility, and in it said:

After it stopped showing movies, the Capitol became a venue for live music acts for a while before the theater closed. From what theater owner Mike Ambrosino has told him, Wilson believes the Capitol closed sometime in the mid-1980s.

The screen, the stage, the curtain over the screen and the orchestra pit remain in the building. Wilson said the 982 seats are long gone.

“There are a lot of decorative amenities still in place. To the extent they can be preserved is one of the objectives of the study that will involve a preservation consultant,” he said.

This 2015 facebook post has photos of the interior in 2015.

An Index Of Local Old Movie Theaters

https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2024/07/where-movies-played-old-movie-theaters.html

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Where The Movies Played - The Old Movie Theaters

An Index Of The Old Movie Theaters

In & Around The West Branch Of The Susquehanna River

As always, this is a work in progress, and there are many I have not yet had a chance to add to the list.  In the meantime, you can add the ones you remember in the comments, and I'll try to find photos of them when I can.  Some of these are linked to posts with more information - click on the name under the photo to see more, when available.

LYCOMING COUNTY

The Keystone 1919-1977 Williamsport Pa

Park Theater [Previously The Hippendrome] Williamsport Pa 1928-1957

Capitol Williamsport Pa 1928-1990

Community Theater Hughesville Pa Today The Country Fork  Restaurant

The Ritz Muncy Pa 1923- 2009?

The Rialto Williamsport PA 1926-1977

Pike Drive In Montgomery Pa 1952 Still operating today!

The Laura Montoursville Pa

Keeney's Grand Later The Roxy Williamsport Pa 1908-1934

1928 theater listings. 

 First number is town population, second number is # of seats in theater

In February 2009, The Ritz showed Everybody's Fine.  11 year old Chandler Frantz starred alongside Rober DeNiro in the movie.  Franz's grandparents, Clarence and Alma, owned Frantz Plumbing and Heating Service in Muncy.

MONTOUR  COUNTY

The Victoria Danville Pa 1923-1931

Luna Theater Danville, Pa 1912-

Capitol Theater Danville PA 1936-?

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

Bijou Dream Milton Pa 1907-1933

Capitol Theater Milton Pa 1934-1973

Legionnaire Milton Pa 1924-1952

There was, for a time, a Drive In Theater on the Milton Island

Gem Theater Watsontown PA 1912-1929

Lyceum Theater Watsontown PA 1930-1934

Watson Theater Watsontown Pa 1940-2009

The Rialto [Formerly The Victoria] Sunbury Pa 1933-1979

The Strand [Formerly Peoples] Sunbury Pa

The Lyric Sunbury Pa [Located next to Schindler Studios]

Note - The Sunbury Opera House was located where Coles Hardware is today.

1928 Theater Listings

In the same Listing: Watsontown has the Carlton, Lewisburg the Orpheum, Milton the Bijou Dream and Legionnaire,

SNYDER COUNTY

The Stanley Selinsgrove Pa

Nu-Way Drive In Hummels Wharf Pa 1948 - 1979

Clermont M. Zimmerman showing a Silent Movie at Rolling Green Park in 1929

On July 25th 1942 - Local papers reported that a Wilson Walkie toy, made in Watsontown Pa, appeared in the movie Take A Letter Darling. Read more about the Wilson Walkies, and see the clip from the movie featuring the toy here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/10/wilson-walkies-toys-made-in-watsontown.html

UNION COUNTY

The Roxy Formerly Orpheum Theater Lewisburg Pa -1961

The Campus Lewisburg Pa 1941 -  Still Showing Movies

Silver Moon Drive In Lewisburg Pa 1952-2008?

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There was a motion picture contest in Milton in 1909

https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/02/when-there-was-motion-picture-contest.html

1934