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Women attended first Stanley film
by WKTV News (Subscribe)
Posted on: Apr 1, 2008 at 5:54 PM EDT
Channel: Close 2 Home
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.
Virginia Wilson says ...
On Wednesday, Apr 2 at 8:51 PM
My grandfather, George Miller, was a projectionist for the Stanley in the 30's through the early 50's. I was at the Stanley every Saturday morning for the cartoon specials. A real dream. Knowing that Grandpa was in the booth was extra special.