La Paloma Theatre facts for kids
The La Paloma Theatre is a really old and special movie theater in Encinitas, California. It was built in a beautiful style called Spanish Colonial Revival. Imagine a building that looks like it came from old Spain! This theater has been a popular spot for movies and shows for many years.
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The Story of La Paloma Theatre
This amazing theater was built between 1927 and 1928. A person named Frank E. Brown was in charge of building it. When it first opened, it was a place for "silent movies." These were films without sound, where music was played live!
The theater had 540 seats, so lots of people could watch movies together. There was a big area for the audience called the orchestra section. It also had smaller balcony areas upstairs. The person who designed this cool building was an architect named Edward J. Baum.
Grand Opening and Famous Visitors
The La Paloma Theatre officially opened its doors on February 11, 1928. The very first movie shown was "The Cohens and Kelleys in Paris." A famous actress named Mary Pickford even came to the opening event!
Another super famous star, Charlie Chaplin, also performed at the theater. Imagine seeing him live!
The Age of "Talkies"
La Paloma Theatre was one of the first places to show "talkies." These were movies that had sound and voices, which was a brand new thing in 1927. In 1928, the theater quickly added special sound equipment. This meant people could hear the actors speak, making movies even more exciting!
Special Details
Look closely at the floor tiles inside the theater. They are very special! These tiles were handmade and painted by a company called Claycraft Potteries in Los Angeles. They add a unique touch to the theater's beautiful design.
La Paloma Theatre Today
Guess what? The La Paloma Theatre is still open and showing movies today! It's not just for films, though. It's also a popular place for live concerts and performances.
Many talented artists have performed on its stage. These include musicians like Loreena McKennitt, Nickel Creek, Ralph Stanley, Jerry Garcia, and Eddie Vedder. The theater is owned by Alan Largent. He made sure it got a big update and restoration in 2016, so it stays beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
