BLOSSBURG - The Victoria Theater on Main Street here, which closed for 35 years, re-opened earlier this month under new ownership.
After nearly a year of restoration, the new owners, Peter and Pat Gorda, re-opened the historic structure Oct. 2 and plan to hold a grand opening sometime later this month.
So far, response to the re-opening of the theater has had widespread community support, said Gorda's daughter, Tonya McNamara, who, with her husband, Tom, are managing the theater for the couple.
The apartment upstairs also was remodeled into three units, all of which are occupied, Peter Gorda said.
The building's history dates back to 1901 when it was constructed, and, at one point, served as a feed store.
"The railroad came by in the back and brought cars in filled with feed and they would unload it and sell it here," Gorda said.
Though Gorda couldn't say how much was spent on the project until all the bills come in, he did say that they were "lucky" the building had been "grandfathered" in under zoning laws, which helped keep down the costs.
"Mostly what we did was patch and paint the walls, and (did) a lot of cleaning," Gorda said.
The owners also are seeking photos or posters of the Victoria Theater.
The work was done mostly by family members, along with some help from a carpenter and plumber, he added.
They also got the old 1920s-era Burch popcorn machine going, which will be used to make and serve the snack to patrons, Gorda said.
When the theater opened a little more than a week ago, it featured two shows, including the family movie "Nanny McPhee Returns."
The theater, which will be open every weekend from Friday to Sunday with shows beginning at 4 and 7 p.m., holds 219 people, according to McNamara.
On Saturday, the Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Tusk, featuring Tom Nelson band director at Liberty High School, performed for the re-opening of the theater, she added.
The building opened as a movie theater around 1915, and later was remodeled in 1965.
The carpeting, upholstery and drapes from that remodeling have been left in place, Gorda said.
New film screening equipment and surround sound speakers were installed and the Gordas put a floor above the orchestra pit area on the stage, but the rest is original, he added.
The building was owned by three sisters: Barbara Meyers, Mary Bostford and Audrey Meyers.
Of the three sisters, Audrey is still living.
