The Oldest Operating Movie Theater In The Country Is Right Here In Pennsylvania
By Beth Price-Williams|Published January 06, 2017
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Embrace the nostalgia of a time long gone when you visit The Newtown Theatre in Bucks County, America’s oldest operating movie theater. The old-fashioned theater promises a charming throwback experience complete with freshly popped popcorn and old black and white movies (from time to time).
Nestled in the Bucks County town of Newtown, the Newtown Theatre, then Newtown Hall, first opened in 1831 with a dual purpose: To serve as a town hall for community gatherings and as a congregation site for traveling priests.
Within a few decades, however, Newtown Hall transitioned into an entertainment center where townspeople would attend magic shows, concerts, plays, dances, and other social events.
Then, in 1906, Newtown residents gathered for the first movie showing, marking a poignant moment in town history: Newtown Hall, soon to be Newtown Theater, began its journey to becoming America's oldest continuously operating movie theater.
During its 100-year history, Newtown Theatre changed ownership several times and is now in the care of its trustee, The Newtown Community Welfare Council.
The historic movie theater hosts events throughout the year, including the Black & White Dinner, a fundraising event. Guests bring their own picnic dinner, dress in white and black, and watch a black and white film from Hollywood's Golden Era.
The Newtown Theatre welcomes community members and other theater-goers to become one of its members. Members enjoy such benefits as $5 movies and exclusive members-only events.
Pennsylvania boasts some of America’s oldest attractions, including The Newtown Theatre, America’s oldest operating movie theater and Bassett’s Ice Cream, the country’s oldest ice cream shop.
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