Today marks the eightieth anniversary of the Orange Theatre opening, in downtown Orange. Started in 1924, the Orange Theatre had a rather turbulent construction process, passing through a series of owners and court battles, that left the building closed and incomplete for nearly five years. Then, in 1929, a former “dirt farmer”, Michael Eltiste, stepped in and managed to complete the venue for a May 22nd opening. The Orange went on to have a forty two year run as a cinema, before briefly closing and reopening as an ill fated live theater.
.
By the mid seventies, the Orange Theatre was closed once again, but, unlike so many other classic cinemas, the Orange didn’t fall victim to the era’s urban renewal movement. In the spring of 1976, the Son Light Christian Center purchased the theatre and has remained the venue’s tenant for the past thirty three years. Particularly commendable, the Son Light group has maintained the building’s classic splendor and celebrates the theatre’s history, via annual tours and archival efforts. While no longer screening films, the Orange stands as a fine example of a classic theatre finding a new use, while still honoring it’s past.
Tags: No Comments
