Now & Then: Tracing back the Empire Theatre in Belleville
Belleville’s Empire Theatre on Front Street is now a popular venue for live shows and movies. Having gone through renovations it now sports a trendy paint colour. But it was once done in a lighter paint scheme that highlighted its window arches and detailing. The original marquee has been replaced by a streamlined version. It is modern and state-of-the-art, but the bones have a long history. Its life as an entertainment venue dates back to 1938 when it opened as the McCarthy Theatre. Through the years, the interior has remained remarkably unchanged. Even the plaster decorative features and arches over the exit doors are still present. It is a successful blend of old and new. Historically, there is also a link between the vision of past and present owners.
In the Belleville, of the ‘20s and 30s, John Callaghan McCarthy was a well-known real estate broker and landowner. He was the son of Irish immigrants. He had a business interest in the U.S. and operated the Walker Foundry in town. He was known as the Picture Theatre King. McCarthy had a half interest in the Trent Theatre (Trenton), he built and operated the Belle Theatre, and held the Regent Theatre under lease. His theatre activities were popular and financially successful. Young and old, lined up to see double features at matinees and premiere nights were sold out. Live stage shows were paired with movie showings.
Success seldom comes unchallenged and the first half of that century saw a push from Famous Players to acquire several theatres in Canada. The scheme was to either buy properties outright, partner with local owners for a share of the profit or enter into lease agreements. Famous Players acquired the Trent, and he sold them the Belle and the Regent in September 1929. The Belle, with a seating capacity of 961 remained in operation but the Regent, seating of 502, closed after the sale. This tactic of acquisition from Famous Players came under scrutiny in an investigation by the Canadian Department of Labour. It was seen as a move to eliminate competition and create a monopoly in the industry.
McCarthy did not stay away from the entertainment scene for very long. In 1938, in a bold competitive move, he opened the McCarthy Theatre just a few doors down from the Belle. He was 71 years old at the time. He passed away in 1945, but the theatre remained in operation under the Odeon Group until 1961. In a cynical twist of fate, it was sold to Famous Players who closed it soon after the purchase. The property remained empty until 1972 when it was restored and operated as a sports and hobby store. Luckily, the owner, Gerry Bongard, made only minor changes to the interior, hoping for a future return as an entertainment location. In 2002 it was sold again, renovated and re-opened for live shows and movies in 2003 as the Empire Theatre.
Plan your visit and experience the finest national and international recording artists, rock and roll Hall of Famers, Grammy and Juno award winners, and iconic and cutting-edge comedy.
21 Front St, Belleville, Ontario. https://theempiretheatre.com/
The ‘Now and Then’ series, unveils the rich tapestry of South Eastern Ontario’s historical landmarks and buildings, all waiting to be discovered on your travels. Delve into the intriguing stories behind these iconic structures and the vibrant communities they call home.
Written by Ginette-Guy Mayer; her interest as a writer revolves around history, genealogy and women’s stories within those contexts. Now retired, she lives in Cornwall, Ontario, where she volunteers with various heritage, history and genealogical groups. She is the author of the biography Unforgotten Mary Mack, the Elizabeth Grant Mysteries, set in 1930s Cornwall and the DS Henry Stafford Mysteries series, set in 1980s Winchester/Chesterville.
Images credit: Archives of Ontario