Movie Theater
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
Lights, Camera, Action! The Oscars are this Sunday, so I have been thinking about the movies.
I am sad Melrose no longer has a movie house.
Thanks to Shane Egan and the amazing contributors of the Facebook page Old Time Melrose I was able to gather some information and photos. I hope I am historically accurate.
The theater is now the Eastern Bank on Main Street. The only remnants are the iron brackets that held the marquee sign. When the theater closed in the 1950’s it became the “Ice Palace” then the VFW before it moved across the street.
During the 1930’s they showed silent movies and the mayor played the organ. During a showing of Bambi in September of 1931, a fire started behind the theater due to improper disposal of a cigarette. The fire caused smoke and water damage.
In the 40’s the tickets were 18 cents, for a quarter you could see a double feature, cartoons and a newsreel and still have enough money left over to purchase popcorn. Political rallies were also held at the theater.
Ushers were employed to enforce quiet and orderly behavior. They would cruise the aisle with a flashlight to make sure the crowd did not become rowdy.
