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Source: Ed Carter
The Utica Delux opened in January of 1949. The theater seated 1000, was completely air conditioned and had a sound proof nursery. It was located at the corner of Van Dyke and Chapoton in Utica. After closing its doors as a movie theater in the early 70s, the building was renovated to become a Sveden house restaurant.
In 2002 after being used as a bingo hall the theater was acquired by the congregation of Stony Creek Church and is used as their church building. Stony Creek church has and is continuing to make many improvements in the former Theater Building. Many of the original architectural elements such as the round room used as a lobby and the soffited ceiling in that room are still intact today. The original caretakers apartment has been remodeled and is still in use as an apartment.
Source: Mert (Beemer) Steinmetz
I worked there in 1962 - 1964. My first job was working the concession stand (candy girl), then Usherette. Carol Shmidt was the ticket seller and Joan Eadie was usherette when I first hired in. Mr. Spangler was the manager at the time. I have MANY great and happy memories from the old Deluxe Theater (which was THE spot to go on the weekends).
The Deluxe Theater was state of the art for it's time. I remember going there to watch the movie The Tingler starring Vincent Price in 1959/1960. The had a few of the seats 'wired with a vibrating hook up and when it said in the movie that the tingler was loose. those few scattered seats would vibrate (and it felt like a little electric tingle). people stated screaming and jumping up. LOL that is one of the funniest memories that I have from there.
I met my first 'real' boyfriend there one weekend and we dated for quite some time. I sure wish I could run into some of the many friends I made during my employment there. It sure would be fun to reminisce about the old show and the times we had. Does anyone remember the name of the bowling alley that was next door to it? I think it was Colonial Lanes, but I'm not sure.