Susanville’s Orpheum Theater

The Orpheum., circa 1913.

The name Orpheum was practically a generic name for theaters across the country, and Susanville was of no exception. The Orpheum located at 804 Main Street was constructed in 1913. It was a multi-functional building and when  completed housed the town’s first movie theater.  It should be noted that the first movies to be shown in Susanville occurred in 1907. When the Orpheum first opened, movies were shown usually two to three nights a week. Besides showing movies, the building was the scene of numerous dances and other activities.  Whatever the case may be, it became one of the most popular social hubs in town. It should also be noted, that the basement of the Orpheum housed a bakery.

In 1921, the Orpheum had competition when the Liberty Theater opened at the present site of Sierra Theater. The Orpheum adapted and at times had a skating rink and bowling alley. Many a civic organization held meetings and social fundraisers there.

However, times were changing and fifty years later the Orpheum had outlived its original purpose. On May 16, 1963, Paul Langslet had the building demolished for a used car lot.

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