Venetian Theater

History

The Venetian Theater the landmark entertainment venue of downtown Albany, Oregon for almost a century reopened in December of 1999. Rich with history and sentiment the theater has been home to entertainment and memories for residents from all over Oregon. The Venetian's new owner, Sam Lanahan, intends to re-establish the facility as a home to great entertainment experiences.

Early in 1913 theater tycoon T. G. Bligh promised the "best shows in America" would come to the Albany's new playhouse. He had already booked eight through the Cort Circuit. In early January, Bligh, for whom the theater would be named, and property owner Conrad Meyer Sr. announced plans for the $25,000 building. Meyer had retired and closed his Star Grocery and Bakery.

News articles reported that construction began on January 29. February 12 workmen unearthed a 20-foot brick wall from a well Meyer had dug in1878 when he lived on the property. A fire truck pumped the well dry before construction resumed. On March 5th "the moving picture man", the moniker attached to Mr. Bligh, and Salem architect George M. Post were "in town" and outlined plans for the 1-1/2 story, 70 by 80 foot building.

There would be four small stores on the front of the building as well as the main entrance. March 25: rumors that Bligh would give up the theater were squelched in the Democrat and bids for the "magnificent building" were announced. Contracts were awarded and construction began in late Spring. On July 26, R.G. Bligh named Conrad Meyer Jr. (Meyer's son) as local manager. Meyer announced that "moving pictures will be shown only when other (live) attractions are not available".

In September the newspaper reported that "although not fully equipped, The Bligh will open with Eugene Walker's "The Wolf" featuring local as well as company actors. Mrs. Harry Rogaway of Albany will play the character Hilda." A message from the Bligh stated "the management bids you a most cordial welcome and invites your continued patronage, assuring you the best pictures and vaudeville obtainable".

Our aim is to please and at all times give our patrons the worth of their money. This is the past and future policy of The Bligh Amusement Company, operating a circuit of playhouses in picture, vaudeville and high class productions." T.G. Bligh and Conrad Meyer Jr. signed the pledge.

The Democrat described the first show as "A Grand Opening March; Irish music by Pat O'Reilly; the Howard Sisters in song, dance and patter; and showings of Viola's Animals, a European comedy; "Calamity Jane," an American western comedy; "Counsel for the Defense" and two Keystone comedies: "Fatal Taxicab" and "A Noise from the Deep".Admission was 23 cents for boxes; 20 cents for adults, and 5 cents for children.

By 1922 the theater had been renamed the Globe Theater and continued showing vaudeville acts until the 1930's when the theater became a movie house for motion pictures and Saturday matinees for children and residents. In the west corner was also a cigar factory that made 250,000 cigars annually from selected Havana tobacco.

In 1936 the theater was named the Venetian. Originally the theater had a recessed entry under an arched opening. The theater entry was later moved to the corner of1st and Broadalbin streets. In 1937, the building was "modernized" with a stucco finish over the brick exterior. It remained the Venetian through remodelings in the seventies and again in the eighties.

The early part of the last decade the theater served several purposes among them the site when the Children's Concerts hosted by Albany Parks and Recreation as well as rock & roll concerts presented sporadically by several different promoters.

In December of 1999 developer Sam Lanahan completed extensive remodeling on this grand old structure. In doing so, Lanahan has brought back an important piece of Albany's history while creating an exciting new place to enjoy an extensive variety of entertainment.

An eighty-five seat balcony, the addition of two dance floors, main floor seating, as well as a cafe and the upstairs Skybox Lounge, make this a perfect place for all your evenings out.