| The Capitol Theatre
in Cornwall opened in January 1928 as a class
A establishment, exhibiting both theatrical performances and motion
pictures; it seated 1261. It was one of only 15 theatres in Canada
built in the atmospheric style, characterized by the clouds and
stars that were projected onto the curved ceilings.
One of the most striking features of this particular theatre,
however, was the fact that the inspectors never had a bad word
to say about it! The Theatre Inspector’s Report of October
8 and 10, 1955, states that....
“Wooden floor
etc., but exceptionally well looked after. This building
[is] an example as to how older construction can be maintained
for public safety”
RG 56-9-0-15-8 |
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to see a larger image (111K)
Capitol Theatre, Cornwall, exterior, 1947
Theatre photographs
Reference Code: RG 56-11-0-46-1
Archives of Ontario, I0011937 |
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Capitol Theatre, Cornwall, front of auditorium, 1947
Theatre photographs
Reference Code: RG 56-11-0-46-7
Archives of Ontario, I0011940 |
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to see a larger image (91K)
Capitol Theatre, Cornwall, lobby, 1947
Theatre photographs
Reference Code: RG 56-11-0-46-4
Archives of Ontario, I0011939 |
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to see a larger image (92K)
Capitol Theatre, Cornwall, box office, 1947
Theatre photographs
Reference Code: RG 56-11-0-46-3
Archives of Ontario, I0011938 |
The Capitol Theatre was demolished in the 1990s after years
of struggle on the part of the Save the Capitol committee
and the Capitol Action Group.
The committee asked the Cornwall City Council for forgiveness
of taxes in order to keep the theatre running. It had been declared
a heritage building on the municipal, provincial, and national
levels, and the provincial and federal governments had committed
to provide nearly 75% of the estimated five million dollars
needed for a complete restoration. The city sold the property
to developers, claiming that the province wanted the site for
a government building. The provincial government had no such
plans.
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