Proctor's Theatre, Schenectady, NY

Frederick Francis Proctor opened his first theater in Schenectady in 1912 near the Erie Canal. As the city grew, Proctor wanted a bigger, more magnificent theater to accommodate and entertain the growing audiences.

Ground was broken on April 14, 1925 and work was completed for the opening on December 27, 1926 with the showing of "Stranded in Paris", a silent film. Over 7100 paid admissions were collected that day. Many came just to see the ornate decorations of plush carpeting, velvet draperies, marble staircases and drinking fountains. In 1928 sound equipment was installed to accommodate the "talkies".

By 1970, the theater was taken over by the city with thoughts leaning toward the wrecking ball. A group of citizens formed an Arts Center and Theatre group which worked to renovate the theater and get it listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It is still a very active theater for live Broadway shows and movies.

Other Links:
Historic photo

Listen to a memory (if sound doesn't play, please install RealPlayer)
Read transcript of audio

Speaker: Gioia Ottaviano

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