Andy Berry was doing some maintenance work at the Emerson Theatre recently and discovered some treasures where he least expected. An old kid’s purse, an old empty leather wallet, and several photos of youngsters with 50s hair emerged, and suddenly, the past was present.
Twenty years ago, Berry bought the Emerson and turned it into an all-ages venue that has attracted big crowds and a loyal following. The memorabilia, lost and forgotten behind a fixture, includes coupons for long-gone businesses, candy boxes, and other reminders of the past in one of the premiere neighborhood movie houses on the east side.
The Emerson Theatre opened on East 10th Street in 1928 as the Eastland Theatre. In 1927, The Jazz Singer debuted, bringing sound to films. In 1928, most films were still silent, but an interesting little animated mouse drawn by someone named Walt Disney debuted in Steamboat Willie — the first film to include a soundtrack created in post-production.
In 1931, the theatre was renamed the Emerson. Over the years, thousands of neighborhood kids and adults flocked to the theatre to see films and shows. In its heyday during the 1940s and 1950s, it was a popular spot within walking distance of the up-and-coming neighborhoods of Little Flower and Emerson Heights.
With the growth of multiplexes and home video in the 70’s, however, many of the old neighborhood places fell on hard times. The Rivoli, the Arlington, the Irving, and the Emerson on the east side couldn’t compete with the shiny new cineplexes and mall theatres. One by one, these east side venues closed as movie showplaces. Today, only the Emerson and the Irving are operating as entertainment facilities. The Arlington (Arlington and 10th St.) is now home to the Ace Hardware store — and there have been many who have tried to save the crumbling Rivoli over the years from the wrecking ball. Progress is being made on the Rivoli in the past few months as funding has just been announced that will pay for a new roof for the building.
