West Shore Theatre
Photo from the West Shore Theatre collection.
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317 Bridge St New Cumberland PA 17070
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| Record #6938 |
Opened: January 22, 1940
Closed: February 6, 2018
Current Use:
Demolished:
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Capacity: 450 seats
Architect(s): William H Lee
Architectural Style(s): Art Deco
National Register:
Current Organ: none |
Also Known As: |
Previously operated by: Milgram Theatres |
The West Shore opened on January 22, 1940, with the film The Secret of Dr. Kildare. The theater was designed by William H. Lee of Philadelphia and built by Paul Brosz and Sons Company of Philadelphia for Frank Freistak, owner and manager.
A newspaper article on opening day described the theater: "The new theatre is featured on the interior by an extremely modern scheme, stressing velous wall coverings in old rose shade, with contrasting trimmings. A hand-painted oil scene is featured on the ceiling, providing a very unusual effect. Walnut paneling extends along the sidewalls and rear, reaching four feet above the floor level, which slopes in accordance with the latest designing to provide maximum visibility from every section of the theatre. The seats in the theater are fully upholstered and are of the latest box-spring construction to insure comfort, in addition to the fact that the seating lanes are spaced farther apart than those in the average theater, allowing persons to reach and leave their seats with very little crowding or inconvenience to themselves or other patrons. A thick modernistically-designed carpet of many colors is used in the rear of the theater, as well as in the aisles. Entirely fireproof throughout, and insulated completely, the theatre is also air-conditioned to provide a normal temperature for utmost comfort in both Summer and Winter."
Admission on opening day was 25 cents for adults and 15 cents for children.
Photos Photos remain the property of the Member and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Member. |
June 1998 photos from The West Shore Theatre collection.
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April 1991 photos from the John Lewis collection.
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May 1990 photos from the John Lewis collection.
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January 1940 photos from the Harrisburg Evening News collection.
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Last featured 1/23/2005. Last edited 11/25/2018.
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