The building located at 500 N. Market Street was the home of the Queen Movie Theater until it closed in April, 1959. Constructed in 1789, it originally housed the Queen Hotel. Fifth Street at that time was called Queen Street. The Queen Hotel closed in 1871.
Another hotel, The Clayton House, opened in 1873 at the same location. The Clayton House had over 100 rooms.
In 1915-1916, the building was converted into a movie house. However, on the stage area, some identifying electrical equipment and other items, which are still in place, and a steel circular stairway that leads up to what may have been dressing rooms, are indications that the building may have been a music hall at one time. Also, for a movie theater, the stage is very deep (screen-to-rear wall).
This month (May, 2008) I had the opportunity to enter the Queen Movie Theater for the purpose of taking photos before any renovation work begins. In all, I took 65 photos of the lobby, stage, ground floor (Orchestra seating), balcony and the projection booth. The main electrical service was already disconnected and a minimal temporary lighting system was installed for the contractors to work. This lighting was not conducive for taking photographs but I planned in advance to take my high-power flash.
View the movie or click each photo below to enlarge
 Front Entrance, 5th & Market Streets |
 Rear of building, 5th & King Streets |
 Fire door, 5th Street |
 Lobby entrance |
 Snack counter |
 3rd floor |
 Speaker horn |
 Movie film and canisters |
 The 2 Simplex Movie Projectors |
 Projector electrical equipment |
Balcony seating facing towards projection booth |
 Stage left |
 Balcony viewed from the stage |
 Fire door exit |
 Orchestra seating without seats |
|
 Stage from rear of theater |
 Projector with cover open |
 Stairs leading up to dressing rooms |
 4th Floor |
 Looking up to the projection booth |
Created: May, 2008
Revised:
June 16, 2008
