Program Saturday,June 28, 2014
Meeting - 1 p.m.
Program 1:30 p.m.
at the former
Kezar Falls Movie Theater
21 Main Street ,Kezar Falls Village (Rt. 160)
The new
owner, Silas Hagerty, has invited us to come and tour the old PLAYHOUSE THEATER
where K.F. residents young and old enjoyed popular movies of the day - silent movies then talkies, including Saturday matinees, cartoons and news reels. He
will talk about its history and his plans for its future.
PARKING AVAILABLE AT
DR. CON’S DENTAL OFFICE ACROSS THE STREET.
Built
by Dr. Edwin Chellis around 1884, the Playhouse Theater was first known as Meionaon
Hall and had a skating rink at its grand opening. A stage was added in 1887.
Over the years the hall was used in many ways.
High school basketball was played there before a gym existed, Porter High
graduation exercises, dances and entertainment of many types were held
there.
Roland Stanley operated the first
movie theater there – silent films, then talkies. The Town of Porter owned it for a time and
held Town Meetings there.
About 1940
Phil Welch’s father bought it from the Town of Porter for $5,000 for a movie
theater and agreed to allow the town to continue to hold town meetings there. The Playhouse Theater as it was then known ceased
to show movies in 1971. It was then used as a warehouse for Welch’s Discount
Store.
Now, aren't you curious to see the inside and hear Silas's plans for this old theater? Mark your calendars, you wouldn't want to miss this rare opportunity to see some local history up close and personal!
