"Curtains" for the Wolly

The final stage of demo at the Wollaston Theater is the stage/screen area.  This theater was built in 1926 and originally staged vaudeville acts before changing to a film venue.  My friend's father was the manager and projectionist at the Wolly, so it was great fun going upstairs to the candy closet and helping ourselves.  Then we would head over to the trapeze swing, a leftover from vaudeville days, and try out our gymnastic skills.  Please share any memories you might have.

Just a Facade!

The Wollaston Theater marquee and facade are still standing.  I wonder if the 2 blue "Wollaston" neon signs will be available at the auction?  They used to be perched above the marquee in very distinctive script style.  One would work nicely in the Quincy Historical Museum.

Lights Out at the Wolly

Many people are sad to see the Wollaston Theater, fondly known as "The Wolly," come crumbling down this week.  The demo crew told me that the fixtures will be auctioned off at some point.  Maybe the historical society or the mayor's office will talk Mr. Fang (the property owner) into donating one of the fixtures as a museum piece or perhaps the chandeliers could be repurposed somewhere in Wollaston.  I will post a short series on the WollyTheater in coming days.  I encourage people to comment and share your stories about this special Wollaston landmark that bit the dust this week.

Last Picture Show

This was the last active movie house in Quincy. It took all summer to demolish it . . . gone but not forgotten. Enlarge this and check out some of the details.

Theater Revival

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The Boston Globe reports that a purchase and sale agreement for around $1.4 million was recently signed for “Wolly Theater.” The arts community is interested in restoring this gem of a building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, for use as a movie theater and community arts venue. This mosaic is one of the many details of this 1926 edifice which is one of the last intact single-screen theaters in Greater Boston and is widely regarded as a local treasure. I will continue to revisit “WT” and share updates.

Last Picture Show

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For sale: this Wollaston landmark, designed by James A. Tuck, and built around 1927 for a sum of $90,000. Original chandeliers, ticket booth, mosaic floors, stained glass transoms and more awaits someone with deep pockets and an interest in preserving this National Historic Landmark property.

Wednesday Doorway

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These doors belong to the Wollaston Theatre, a well-loved aspect of Wollaston community life. Though closed for the past few years, this was a very fine example of a 1920s "movie house" which survived the pre-television days. The architecture is attributed to James A. Tuck of Boston. Both the exterior and interior were richly decorated as you can see by the stained glass window above the doorway. It should be considered for the National Register of Historic Places. I will share the marquis and long view in a future post.