Woman who attended 1928 film at the Stanley recalls bygone era

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By KRISTEN COPELAND

Story Created: Apr 1, 2008 at 4:31 PM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 1, 2008 at 7:15 PM EDT

UTICA - September 11th, 1928 - not too many people remember that date. It was the night the Stanley Theater showed its first film.

Today, a 92 year old woman was recognized for seeing that show, and invited to attend the grand re-opening of the theater.

Ramona was shown on the silver screen that night. Helen Collis Luke doesn't remember the picture, but the surroundings are vivid.

She recalls sitting in the balcony in one of the rows reserved for city officials. Her mother had just given birth, so her father, the Commissioner of Public Works at the time, asked if she would like to attend. That was what made the night special.

"It was just grand," said Collis. "It was a lovely mid-summer evening that my father and I walked over Rutger Street to the Stanley. It was quite packed. A happy crowd."

Today, the Great Artists Series presented Helen with tickets to the St. Petersburg Ballet's Performance of Romeo and Juliet.

Sunday, Apr 6 at 5:03 PM ANITA CARRIER wrote ...

I SAW JOHNNY MATHIS WHEN I WAS A TEEN BUT MY MOST FONDEST MEMORY WAS SEEING GENE AUTRY AND HIS HORSE CHAMPION, I GOT TO PET THE HORSE!! I MUST HAVE BEEN 10 YEARS OLD.

Thursday, Apr 3 at 11:30 AM Louis A. Colangelo Little Falls,N.Y. wrote ...

The first time i saw a professional show was at the stanley when i was a teenager in 1956. I have seen many shows since, but the first is my favororite. The opening act was the Woody Herman Orchestra. The Feature act was Louis Armstrong & the all stars.What a great show. I'll never forget it. I had a 3rd row seat for about 3 dollars. Thanks for the memories stanley, and best wishes for the new stanley. Keep up the great work.

Wednesday, Apr 2 at 11:19 AM ck wrote ...

I remember walking to the Stanley for Saturday afternoon matinees. I think we paid 25C and that included popcorn.

Wednesday, Apr 2 at 4:26 AM tee wrote ...

its nice to hear about the good times utica has had i was not here at that time but my grandparents and parents were and they told stories of how safe it was and what a booming town.these days are gone for good the city is deadfor this generation and the next.

Tuesday, Apr 1 at 8:44 PM george and joyce ehrmann richfield springs wrote ...

We have attended many programs at the stanley over the years. Rise Stevens, Robert Merrill, Arturo Rubenstein, Opera, Ballet, Buddy Rich, Wynton Marsalis, Mistlav Rostrovich and his family. One thing stands out from years ago, stopping in the Kewpie for a burger and shake after a performance and there is Roland Chesley resplendent in a Tux with other men in a tux and women in evening gowns, all there for the same thing, a burger and shake, we know because Roland invited us to sit with them.

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