LOCKPORT —
In 1925, the price of admission into the Palace Theatre was 25 cents. This weekend it will be $5 for those wanting to celebrate the theater’s 85th birthday with a viewing of “Casablanca” in conjunction with Lockport’s Old Home Week.
“It’s a historic landmark, the gem of the city,” Assistant Executive Director Kathy Dewey said. “This theater is one of a kind.”
Ann Evans, 77, known to those in Lockport as Anna Marie Zona-Gagliuzza — a city native who now lives in Clearwater, Fla. — remembers growing up with the Palace Theatre.
“I had very memorable times there. I loved going there,” Evans said. “This is a place very special to Lockport.”
Built by Charles Dickinson and opened in 1925, Dewey said the first movie ever played there was the silent film, “The Ten Commandments.”
“At the time, it was the largest and most elaborate theatre in the area, holding 2,400,” Dewey said.
However, after renovations in the 1970s, the theatre now holds 1,100, but its elegance remains.
“They neglected nothing to make it a place of refinement and luxury,” Dewey said.
Another city resident, Kermi Batton said he will never forget the memories he had of the Palace Theatre.
“Back in the 70s on through the years I’ve gone to the movies there. They even had the wrestling matches there in like ’81 or ’82,” Batton said. “Love the Palace, so many good memories and the gorgeous paintings on the ceiling. Always a special place to me.”
Dewey said those paintings on the ceiling are still an all original part of the theater.
“The paintings represent three things: Literature, tragedy and music,” Dewey said.
She said the goal for the Palace Theatre is to continue the tradition of hosting live performances and movies, while continuing to renovate the theater and restore it to its original decor.
“This is a community building ... and everyone involved in the day to day activities will continue to work hard to see it flourish,” Dewey said.
at 439-9222, ext. 6251.britney milazzo
britney.milazzo@lockportjournal.com
In 1925, the price of admission into the Palace Theatre was 25 cents. This weekend it will be $5 for those wanting to celebrate the theater’s 85th birthday with a viewing of “Casablanca” in conjunction with Lockport’s Old Home Week.
“It’s a historic landmark, the gem of the city,” Assistant Executive Director Kathy Dewey said. “This theater is one of a kind.”
Ann Evans, 77, known to those in Lockport as Anna Marie Zona-Gagliuzza — a city native who now lives in Clearwater, Fla. — remembers growing up with the Palace Theatre.
“I had very memorable times there. I loved going there,” Evans said. “This is a place very special to Lockport.”
Built by Charles Dickinson and opened in 1925, Dewey said the first movie ever played there was the silent film, “The Ten Commandments.”
“At the time, it was the largest and most elaborate theatre in the area, holding 2,400,” Dewey said.
However, after renovations in the 1970s, the theatre now holds 1,100, but its elegance remains.
“They neglected nothing to make it a place of refinement and luxury,” Dewey said.
Another city resident, Kermi Batton said he will never forget the memories he had of the Palace Theatre.
see palace on page 10a
palace ...
continued from page 1a
“Back in the 70s on through the years I’ve gone to the movies there. They even had the wrestling matches there in like ’81 or ’82,” Batton said. “Love the Palace, so many good memories and the gorgeous paintings on the ceiling. Always a special place to me.”
Dewey said those paintings on the ceiling are still an all original part of the theater.
“The paintings represent three things: Literature, tragedy and music,” Dewey said.
She said the goal for the Palace Theatre is to continue the tradition of hosting live performances and movies, while continuing to renovate the theater and restore it to its original decor.
“This is a community building ... and everyone involved in the day to day activities will continue to work hard to see it flourish,” Dewey said.
Contact reporter Britney Milazzo
at 439-9222, ext. 6251.
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
