Victory Theatre

Step into a bygone era of grandeur and cinematic splendor at the Victory Theatre in Holyoke, Massachusetts. This historic gem, built in 1919 and opened in 1920 by the Goldstein Brothers Amusement Company, stands as a testament to the golden age of theater and cinema. With its Art Deco architecture, the Victory Theatre is considered the last of its kind between Boston and Albany, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.

The Birth of a Legend

The Victory Theatre was conceived during a time of great change and optimism. Samuel and Nathan Goldstein of Western Massachusetts Theatres Incorporated, pioneers in the movie business, built this magnificent theater as part of their expansion into the major leagues of entertainment. The theater's name itself is a nod to the Allied victory in World War I, celebrated on November 11, 1918. The Eagle Medallion at the center of the proscenium is a proud symbol tying it all together.

In the 1920s, the Victory Theatre was known as a presentation house, offering a unique blend of silent films and live stage shows for a single admission price. The Victory Symphony Orchestra provided musical accompaniment for the films, while the Grand Organ often took center stage during matinee performances. The relatively shallow depth of the stage suggests that the theater was designed for vaudeville-type acts rather than fully mounted stage productions. The arrival of talking pictures in the late 1920s eventually led to the elimination of live performances, but the theater continued to thrive as a movie house.

A Period of Decline

Despite its early success, the Victory Theatre faced challenges over the years. It suffered fire damage in 1942, but continued to operate on a continuous show basis through the early 1970s. The theater would open daily at 1:00 P.M. and run double feature film programs continuously until 11:00 P.M. However, by 1979, the theater had closed its doors and fell into a state of disrepair.

In the mid-1980s, the city government obtained the property from a landowner delinquent on more than $50,000 in back taxes. A local group of activists, Save the Victory Theater Inc., led by Helen Casey, worked tirelessly with the city to raise funds for its restoration. Industrialist Armand Hammer even put his private art collection on display to raise money for the project, netting about $450,000 (approximately $900,000 in 2017 USD) for the Victory Theatre Commission. Despite these efforts, the original restoration project, estimated at $4.5 million, never materialized.

A New Hope for Restoration

In 2009, the Holyoke City Council agreed to transfer ownership of the theater to the non-profit Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts (MIFA) for $1,500. The group aimed to restore and reopen the theater by 2016, but the project faced numerous delays. By 2017, the estimated cost of restoration had risen from $27 million to $61 million due to the building's deterioration and increased operating cost estimates for the initial five years of programming.

Despite these challenges, MIFA has made significant progress in securing funding for the restoration. The project has received $11 million in state bonds, $2 million in earlier authorized funds, and $28.2 million in tax credits and donations, bringing the total commitments to approximately $43 million. The group plans to move forward with construction once all funds are raised, with an estimated two-year timeline for completion.

Looking to the Future

The restoration of the Victory Theatre is not just about preserving a historic building; it's about breathing new life into a cultural landmark that has the potential to become a major performing arts center for the entire region. Phase 1 of the restoration process has been completed, including the removal of a building abutting the theater. The 134 Chestnut St. property on the north side of the Victory will be replaced with a new 14,500 square foot connecting annex designed by DBVW Architects. This annex will house essential services, facilities management, technical, dressing room, office, and loading dock space, transforming the Victory into a state-of-the-art 21st-century theater.

As the Victory Theatre approaches its rebirth, it stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. The theater celebrated its 100th birthday on December 31, 2020, with a virtual event featuring a magical digital treat and a specially commissioned centennial fanfare composed by Iván E. Rodríguez. This milestone is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Victory Theatre and the unwavering dedication of those committed to its restoration.

In conclusion, the Victory Theatre in Holyoke, Massachusetts, is more than just a historic building; it's a symbol of the community's spirit and determination. As you explore its storied past and witness its ongoing transformation, you'll be captivated by the theater's charm and inspired by the vision of its future. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a lover of the arts, a visit to the Victory Theatre is an unforgettable experience that will leave you eagerly anticipating its grand reopening.