City of Jamestown Historian Ashley Senske gives the history of the Winter Garden Theater at the ceremony unveiling the city’s 78th Historic Marker.

Historic Marker unveiled at the former Winter Garden Theatre site (September 30, 2022)

The City of Jamestown unveiled its 78th Historic Marker at the site of the former Winter Garden Theater in downtown Jamestown.

City Historian and Historic Marker Committee Chair Ashley Senske described what the Winter Garden Theater looked like when it opened on December 25, 1913, “They’re showing ‘Beauty Unadorned’ for 10-cents a ticket. You attend the grand opening and head to this site here on North Main Street where you are greeted with a grand facade and a marquee 12-feet high in the air. Greeting you at the top of the steps of the entrance are six pairs of folding doors. Your first steps through the entrance take you into the lobby, finished in green oak with ivory furnishings and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.”

Senske said the theater was the first in Jamestown to premier “talkie” films such as “The Jazz Singer” and “Lights of New York” in 1928.

After multiple owners over the decades, the Winter Garden Theater closed for good in the early 1990s.

Senske said a study by the Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation determined the cost to renovate the building would be $2.3 million dollars, which led to the decision to go with a different renovation plan, “Redevelopment included restoration of Mechanics Alley as well as the creation of a public courtyard. The courtyard we find ourselves in today. The DJDC, along with others, decided turning it into a public plaza would be a better solution before the building became too hazardous, as the costs to renovate were skyrocketing.”

The book with all of Jamestown’s Historic Markers can be found online at https://www.jamestownny.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Historical-Marker-Book_March-2022.pdf

City Historian Ashley Senske said the Empire Worsted Mills was in operation at that location from 1896 to 1955, “They specialized in turning untreated wool into finished articles of men’s suit wear and women’s garments. They were the third largest worsted milling firm in Jamestown during the late 19th and 20th centuries, employed hundreds of people, mostly English immigrants. And when the mill closed in 1955, this facility spanned 5 to 6 acres in Jamestown’s industrial corridor along the Chadakoin River here.”

Mayor Eddie Sundquist said the now Gateway Center currently houses the Mental Health Association of Chautauqua County, Saint Susan’s, and Community Helping Hands, “As we move forward over the next few years, this wonderful building will be transformed into the Gateway Lofts. And I am happy to say that the adaptive reuse of one of the largest buildings in Jamestown is both a huge undertaking but a massive boost to the city. And will provide affordable housing and direct access to services for those who need it.”

The former Empire Worsted Mills building was named to the National Registry of Historic Places in January 2020.

City Historian B. Dolores Thompson and Mayor Samuel Teresi during an unveiling in 2013.

JAMESTOWN – The newest historical marker for the city of Jamestown will be unveiled Wednesday on the city’s east site along Curtis Street.

The marker program is spearheaded by city historian B. Delores Thompson and the historical marker committee, with more than 70 markers located throughout the city to remind residents of Jamestown’s rich past.

Earlier this year a marker was also erected along E Fourth St in downtown Jamestown, noting the history of Thurston Terrace Block and its series of row houses.

Wednesday’s unveiling will take place at 2 p.m. inside the Roger Tory Peterson Institute at 311 Curtis Street.

Tuesday afternoon was the unveiling of the city of Jamestown’s 75th historic marker commemorating the Thurston Terrace area of E. Fourth St. Clockwise from upper left: Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi; Maurice Paterniti, Maurice’s Beauty Salon owner, Jeff James, Frank Besse, Alexendria James – Labyrinth / Brazil co-owners; and Art Osterdahl, B. Delores Thompson, and Karen Livsey – Jamestown Historic Marker Committee members.

JAMESTOWN – A new historic marker has been added to downtown Jamestown.

On Tuesday afternoon the city’s historic marker committee was joined by mayor Sam Teresi, other city officials, and local business owners to unveil the marker for the Thurston Block, located along E. 4^th Street between Main and Pine Streets.

The area, which today is known as Thurston Terrace, features a series of row buildings that include various businesses and residences over the years.

The buildings were developed by Dr. J. Hamilton Thurston between 1875-1880. City historian B. Delores Thompson said Thurston was the first housing developer to build row houses in Western New York.  During the unveiling ceremony, Thompson also outlined the numerous residents and businesses that called the block home over the years. Today, businesses located on the block include Maurice’s Hair Salon, Labyrinth Press Co., and Brazil Craft Beer & Wine Lounge.

The historic marker is the 75th one installed in the city.