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by one of the large fans. The air would be drawn down through 'mushrooms" located under the seats and discharged noiselessly to the outside by the other big fan.
Work had been done "with extreme care to make certain the acoustic would be perfect." The theatre was designed so the view would be equally good from any seat in the house, including the balcony, which was supported by cantilever braces of reinforced concrete and steel. There were no posts in the theatre "to mar the view from any seat."
A unique and interesting feature was an "automatic seat registering device, operated by electricity, whereby ushers flash to the doorman the number of vacant seats in the aisles. Under this system, the doorman is able to direct people to the aisles where they will find the seats they desire." The seats themselves were large (20-22") and deeply upholstered. Installed by the Heywood-Wakefield Co. of Chicago, they were "of special design with metal standards decorated in a pleasing green and buff finish to harmonize with the architectural, decorative, and engineering scheme." Hinges were of the ball bearing type, noiseless in operation. The chairs had spring seats and represented "the most in scientific theatre seat construction."
In keeping with Paramount's policy, hiring preference was given to Middletown residents of the 200 people who built the theatre, most were local and received about $110,000 in wages. The twenty non-technical staff positions at the theatre including ushers, doormen, porters, maids, and cashiers were selected from about 200 applicants two weeks prior to opening by an executive from the company's personnel department in New York City. All underwent special training for their jobs, stressing courtesy and service to theatre patrons. Staff were to treat customers "as though they were guests” in their homes, and were not allowed to accept tips.
"A handsome, spacious lobby, done in the best taste," formed the entrance to the Paramount. "Two broad staircases with wide treads" led to the "broad mezzanine floor. Beyond the lobby is the foyer, separated from the main auditorium by a one foot [thick) wall, designed for the express purpose of soundproofing. The foyer had doors finished with antique gold, a paneled ceiling, and was furnished with "comfortable settees and lounges and richly carpeted with soft rugs. Pretty floor and table lamps (threw) pleasant shadows along the richly colored walls."
The interior was of "Roman Style", architecture. The ceiling was decorated to represent a "star laden azure sky." Marble busts of Julius Caesar and other "men that made its era (were] beautifully silhouetted by soft indirect lighting." Ionic columns of marble completed the decor. Organ music was provided by a $20,000 Wurlitzer organ which was said to be equal to a 25 piece orchestra. Located in the center of the orchestra pit on an elevator, it would be played by a "featured organist" lit by