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Seized by the city for back taxes, the theatre sat boarded up,
aking and basement flooded. Rea Jacobs then executive director of the Arts Council of Orange County, proposed the city take title to the building, then lease it to the council for a nominal fee for use as a cultural center. On March 26, 197, the Common Council removed the theatre from the surplus property list, otherwise it would have gone on sale April 3 for $28,000. In early 181, the Arts Council purchased the theatre from the city for $25,000. Like the Phoenix from the ashes, the Paramount was restored to its former splendor, and officially reopened September 21, 1985 with a Dizzy Gillespie concert. At the time of re-opening, Dr. Charles Pickering was the executive director. Dressing rooms have been constructed in a connection building, and there are plans to enlarge the stage.
OTHER THEATRES
The Bijou
In late May, 1907, it was announced that Eugene L. Koneke, acting for a New York City theatrical firm, had taken over the store at 42 North Street, then occupied by H.S. Sponer Hardward. After it was vacated, it was renovated for use as a movie theatre. Alterations included "a brand new front, with a handsome lobby of white and gold. Comfortable opera chairs" were installed. Entertainment would "consist of the latest Edison's moving pictures and popular illustrated songs." Movies would be booked in conjunction with other Bijou theatres in Kingston, Troy, Utica, and other locations.
The Bijou opened August 26, 1907, featuring five performances daily with an "entire change of program" twice a week. On November 25, the theatre had a minor fire, but quickly resumed operations. In February, 1908, it was announced the Bijou was temporarily closed pending sale to another company. Although it was scheduled to reopen in March, it did not do so at that time, and its further history is uncertain.
The entrance facade (sOwn in a post card photo) was erected in the alley between 42 and 44 North Street.
Ryerson's National Airdrome
George J. Ryerson's Airdrome was located in 5 vacant lot at 15 Center Street. It was an outdoor movie theatre for people, rather than cars. The airdrome opened 1912 and closed several years then cars, later.
Van's Theatre