Theatres - Retro Toledo Metro

Crystal Theatre, 421 Superior Street.

Superior Street looking north toward Jackson, which is at the far end of the Woolson Spice building. 421 Superior (as Interurban Station) is on the left with the people gathered in front, between the Lincoln Club (far left) and the Novelty Theatre.

The Crystal Theatre opened on June 4, 1906 and “quit” in November that same year. The Temple Theatre replaced it on January 13, 1907 but quickly called it quits on January 23, 1907. The Interurban Union Station moved in that same year. Newspapers show it was also the location of the Orpheum Theater c1910s and the State Theatre in 1921. In 1922 the Royal theater relocated to 421 Superior from 425 Summit Street. The Royal went through a few name changes over the decades, keeping Royal in the name. The Royal closed in 1968. The block on which it stood is now a parking lot, with the exception of one office building on the northwest corner of Adams and Superior that houses the Noir Hybrid Lounge and Bar on the first floor. Where the Covert House used to stand.

State Theatre, 2476 Collingwood Blvd.

1945. Image also captures the El Pinto Grill (right). Long time business at 2472 Collingwood.

The State theatre opened in December 1927. It was located on the east side of Collingwood Boulevard, between Machen Street and Delaware Avenue on the site of “the old skating rink.”

1-10-1907.

World Theater, 1229 Dorr St.

The World Theatre opened in 1921. In the early ’30s it was managed by Burt Shoonmaker. The World Theatre closed in December of 1963. Sepia Enterprises bought, renovated and reopened the World Theatre as the Sepia Arts Theatre in 1971. Charles Corley was the president of Sepia Enterprises and Erskine Guyton, treasurer. The theatre was badly damaged by a fire in 1973 and demolished later in the ’70s.

Sylvan Theatre (Sylvania), 5658 Main St.

Owned and run in the 1940’s by Paul Pontuis. Managed by Richard Campbell for 16 years.

Sylvan Theatre, 1941. Visible left of middle center. Right of center is the sign for the Town Theatre at 5681 Main, opened on April 14, 1940. (Courtesy of the Ohio History Connection)

Sylvan Theater (Toledo), 946 Sylvania Ave.

Was located in West Toledo’s Five Points area. Built 1921 by Clarence Cousino and partners. Cousino sold his interest in 1923. In 1924 the theater was managed by Isaac Tattersall. During the silent picture days Toledo musician Mrs. Claribel Blomquist played piano at the Sylvan. Later became the Park Theater operated by Smith & Beidler (’30s/’40s), then Wings of Healing Temple (1955-57). Demolished. Closed Rudy’s Hot Dog now occupies the site.