New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Historical records show a number of other venues that served as popular destinations for entertainment in the 19th century, but very little in terms of useful information. There was a Nelson’s Tavern, an Academy Hall, an Alcazar Theater owned by Harry Joseph, the Big Nickel owned by Joseph Tablas, and a Mr. Holmes’ meeting house on the corner of Purchase and Elm streets. Hopefully by the end of this series, some more light will be shined on these types of venues and I can return to this inaugural article and delete this portion. 😉
In my preliminary research I’ve come across 25 theatrical venues that existed in New Bedford from the late 19th century into the 20th century besides those I’ve mentioned. It is my hope that these 25 pages serve as a sort of “Wiki”, whereby information is added to each page perpetually, being corrected an improved by US. I do not remotely consider myself an authority, and would hope as I do with all my historical articles that YOU will participate in this discussion, and contribute your anecdotes, knowledge and feedback. For practical purposes, I found it best to do these installments alphabetically. Enjoy and please contribute!
Allen’s Theater
Built: 1909
Location: 1514 Acushnet Avenue on the east side of the street between Phillips Avenue and Coffin Avenue.
Seating Capacity: 620 (700 after expansion)
Demolished: 1940 by fire
One of the smaller theaters in New Bedford, Allen’s Theater was nonetheless a very popular venue especially with neighborhood children. Built in 1909, named and built by theater mogul George W. Allen, Jr., it featured weekly serial cowboy movies. Allen’s Theater advertised “Motion Pictures & Illustrated Songs” and shared its site with a real estate office and confectionery.
On February 12, 1933, a bomb exploded in the empty theater as well as one in Fall River. I have been unable to find any further documentation of this on historical record. This was during the Great Depression when the US economy bottomed out and virtually the entire world was suffering economically. Any specific connection to the depression and possible reason for bombing the theater is tenuous at best and would only be wild speculation. In 1940, a rather large fire completely destroyed a number of businesses on this stretch of “the Ave” including Allen’s. While the strip was rebuilt, where Allen’s Theater sat is today right next door to Cafe Mimo.
All photos used in this article are through the generosity of Spinner Publications.
