Movie Theater History: The Legacy of the W.W.V. Co. Era
The early 20th century marked a golden age of cinema, where the theater experience was as much about the architecture and live accompaniment as it was about the film on the screen. One such establishment, constructed by The Johnson Construction Co., stands as a testament to this era of entertainment.
The venue was operated by the W.W.V. (Wells, Wilmer, and Vincent) Co., Inc., a key entity within the broader Wells entertainment group. This group managed a network of cinematic venues, which notably included the Granby Theatre and the Wells Theatre.
Key Facts
- Opening Year: 1922
- Operator: W.W.V. (Wells, Wilmer, and Vincent) Co., Inc.
- First Manager: William S. Wilder
- Musical Equipment: Pipe organ by The Robert Morton Co.
- First Films: Bright Eyes and The Man Who Saw Tomorrow
Management and Expansion
The operational success of the theater was guided by its first manager, William S. Wilder. Wilder's leadership served as a springboard for further cinematic development in the region. Following his tenure, he went on to open The Colley Theater (now known as Naro Expanded Cinema) in 1936, and later The Commodore Theater in 1945.
The Sensory Experience: Music and Comfort
During this period, films were often accompanied by live music to enhance the emotional impact of the story. The theater featured a magnificent pipe organ—a keyboard instrument that produces sound by driving pressurized air through pipes—manufactured by The Robert Morton Co. The musical atmosphere was further enriched by the Norva Concert Orchestra, led by Director Prof. Charles Borjes, with Jack Griffith serving as the original organist.
Attention to detail extended to the audience's comfort, with all seating provided by the Virginia School Supply Co. of Richmond, Virginia.
The Inaugural Screenings of 1922
The theater officially welcomed the public in November 1922. The grand opening on November 27 featured a double bill consisting of Bright Eyes and The Man Who Saw Tomorrow. Shortly thereafter, on November 30, the theater screened The Sin Flood.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Construction | The Johnson Construction Co. |
| Parent Group | Wells entertainment group |
| Organ Manufacturer | The Robert Morton Co. |
| Orchestra Director | Prof. Charles Borjes |
| Seating Provider | Virginia School Supply Co. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who operated the theater?
The theater was operated by the W.W.V. (Wells, Wilmer, and Vincent) Co., Inc., which was part of the Wells entertainment group.
Who was the first manager and what else did he open?
William S. Wilder was the first manager. He later opened The Colley Theater in 1936 and The Commodore Theater in 1945.
What were the first movies shown at the theater?
The first films screened on November 27, 1922, were Bright Eyes and The Man Who Saw Tomorrow.
What musical accompaniment was provided?
The theater featured a pipe organ from The Robert Morton Co., played by original organist Jack Griffith, and the Norva Concert Orchestra directed by Prof. Charles Borjes.
Why is the spelling of "theater" inconsistent in historical records?
Newspaper articles from that era used the spellings "theater" and "theatre" interchangeably.