Sunday, August 24, 2008

2820 Vine Street, Corryville

So anyone know the original purpose of this building?


Over one door says "CHAPEL" and the other "OFFICE". The architecture doesn't look very ecclesiastical however.

It is across from Schiel Elementary School and the Auditor's site says it was built in 1902.

7 comments:

CityKin said...

I know it was a nightclub in the 80's, I forget the name. I would guess this was one of the following: A funeral home, a firehouse, a Salvation Army type place...

It looks like the center was large doors for cars/carriages, and as I recall the interior is one large roofed space. I am curious too.

Dan said...

Hadn't thought funeral home . . . I did think of Salvation Army as a possibility but it looked so utilitarian.

CityKin said...

I just found out that it was a funeral home combined with a livery stable. Having them together was at one time quite common, partially because funeral directors were not well paid, and partially because funerals used lots of horses.

It was a movie theater with 3 small screens in the 60's. And Top Cats in the 80's.

Dan said...

Interesting. And thanks! It does make sense about the funeral home.

Anne said...

The movie theater was the Bijou Roxy Ritz -- three names, three small screens. I saw "Star Wars" there as a kid, no lie!

Wow I love this blog so much!!!

Dan said...

Anne, thanks so much for the kind words and glad you like it!

mel said...

This building was owned by my family for over 25 years. It was a furneral home and morge as well as a theatre