Norris Theater, once a centerpiece of Main Street in the mid-1900s. Today, gone. The theater opened December 22nd, 1930 and demolished in 1983. Residents like myself don't remember the theater. I wasn't even born yet! But the stories still remain. Today's Throwback Thursday will talk about the history of the theater and why it still stings today.
Let's begin the trip down memory lane. Ticket prices to a show were 20 cents on opening night and the first film was "Fast and Loose." If only prices were still that cheap! The one screen theater held 2,300 patrons! Think of NAHS' auditorium condensed.
It was designed by Philly architect William H. Lee who also designed the Bryn Mawr Film Institute just down the road.
The Norris Theater had an Art Deco design which is common to Norristown architect. To add to the beauty of the building were two 8' X 50' murals, a decorative fish tank and stained glass windows. Jesters, skyscrapers, musicians and dancers were depicted in these stained glass windows which would be perfect being that we are now an arts community!
When the theater opened, Main Street was surrounded by retail stores and hotels. By 1965 after movie theaters in King of Prussia and Plymouth Meeting opened, the Sablosky brothers leased the property due to a decline in the town's economy.
For a few years after, an attempt to save the theater was put in place by featuring rock and classical concerts; both were not successful. The last movie was shown in April 1982, 32 years ago next month.
In the late 70s, the borough's planning director, Richard Schmoyer, was on a mission to preserve the theater. He was able to find an investor who wanted to preserve the structure, but the Sablosky family already sold the property. Norris Theater was demolished in 1983, one year after the sale finalized and a McDonald's was built in its place. The borough sent a request to McDonald's to preserve the facade of the building, but the request was received too late and denied by corporate.
The front window grille (pictured above) was purchased by the Wolfsonian museum on the campus of Florida International University and has since been the main focal piece for Miami's Art Deco District.
Although it's unfortunate to see treasures like these no longer in our community, we still have alot to be proud of today. We have a growing arts district that has since spilled over into the surrounding community. Today, live jazz, spoken word and more are happening all over Norristown thanks to the Norristown Arts Hill. The community is also beginning to appreciate the structures we have in town and are making good use out of them. Each month, there is a new theater production happening in one of our theaters or live concerts at our restaurants.
Let's take a moment to appreciate Norristown's past and look forward to our future. The arts are making its return to the community!
Source: http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/14554
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