The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1919-09-11
BLACK Circuit" Gets Option
on Property at Corner of
Main and Pearl Streets
PLAN TO CONSTRUCT
HOUSE FOR 1900 SEATS
The Prospr 1--WE Purchasers
Have a nain Of Over a
Scr 3 of Theatres

An o. .Sn on the r. f. Henderson
propert sat the northeast corner of
North oSiin and Pearl streets, secured
yesteASy afternoon means in all prob
abiliC. ohe erection Of another theatre in
Barre to become a member of the Black
circuit, which now embraces many Sec
tions of New England aud extends into
New York state. Alfred S. Black of
Rockland, Me, who, with his brother,
John A. Black of New York City, CON
trolls the circuit, was in Barre yesterday
and stated that the plans are made for
theatre to seat at least 200 persons,
and possibly l,500.
Mr. Black was accompanied to Barre
by his attorney, Herman A. Mintz of
Boston, and his architect, Edward J.
Bolen also of Boston; and the site of
the proposed theatre structure was
looked over thoroughly while consider
able time was devoted to looking Barre
over. The results of both phases of the
examination were pronounced to be most
satisfactory. Barre was looked upon by
Mr. Black and his associates as a likely
city for a theatrical venture in connec-
tion with the Black circuit; and the
Henderson property, located in the cen
ter of the city and in the heart of the
busy retail district, was considered an
admirable location. The gentlemen de-
parted by automobile last night and, ON
leaving, Mr. Black stated that it was
his intention to return shortly and close
the deal for the purchase of the property.
Several plans are under consideration
as to the construction of theatre on
the selected site, but regardless Of which
plan is chosen the present Pavilion on
Pearl street at the rear of the lot will
be razed to make room for a commodious,
modern theatre building. The Pavilion
has most recently been used as a movie
house but during the past summer has
been occupied. 1t is a wooden building
and of poor construction having been
utilized for many purposes during its
lifetime, including roller skating rink,
a convention hall, dancing pavilion and
a second hand store The building is of
such nature that it would not be in
keeping with the fine theatre which the
Black circuit plans to build in the event
of the circuits coming TO Barre.
The entrance to the proposed theatre
would be ON North Main street, and the
present business building on the North
Main street front would be either com
pletely remodeled or replaced absolutely
by new building of such design as to
make distinct improvement to the
street Besides the theatre entraIfce, the
North Main street building would have
two stores.
But the plans for the structure will
not be announced definitely until after
the option has been followed by pur-
chase The closing of the deal will mean
prompt work on the construction OF the
building and a determined effort to fin
ish the structure at the earliest possible
date, as the Black circuit people are
anxious to round out their chain of
theatres, in New England, of which there
are more than score at the present
time, with more deals pending
Already two other Vermont theatres
have been included in the circuit. the
Strand at Rutland, which has been oper-
ated by the Black circuit since last April,
and the Strand in Randolph, which was
taken over during the past week In
addition, the circuit has two theatres in
Lowell, Mass, one each in Bddeford,
Me, Waterville, Me, Damariscotta, Me,
Bangor, Me. with seating capacity Of
500, Portland Me Cabout to be built
with a seating capacity of 2,500l, two
in Rockland Me, two in Westbrook,
Me, three in Bath Me-, and one in Utica,
n. Y. The circuit is also part owner of
a theatre in Boston.
Mr.. Black stated that the class of pic
lures shown on the circuit is of the high
est, the best selections being made from
the leading film houses. Mr.. Black him
self is national president of the Motion
Picture Exhibition League of America
and has been interested in the theatre
business for eight years, although it was
not until 1915 that the Black circuit be-
gan to take on its present widespread
nature The Boston headquarters Of the
concern is at GA Broadway. The theatres
of the circuit present moving pictures
as rule, although there sometimes is
variation of vaudeville if the conditions
seem to warrant such addition.
In case the present deal is consum
mated, the whole OF Pearl street with
the exception of the property at the
northwest corner of North Main street
will have changed hands within a month,
the large holdings of the Buzzell estate
having been purchased recently by A. a.
Boyce.