The Historic Patricia Theatre © Powell River Tourism
WA L K I N G I N T H E I R F O O T S T E P S
PATRICIA THEATRE FOREVER NINA MUSSELLAM
In a newspaper published on November 8, 1928 a headline
over the giant movie screen forever—unless enough
screams, "New Theatre Opened!" The story begins: "The
funds can be raised. The nonprofit Powell River Film So-
beautiful new Patricia Theatre was opened in very appro-
ciety is trying to purchase the property from the current
priate style. The task of the official opening devolved on
owner, Ann Nelson, who is set to retire after a long career
Mr. R. Bell-Irving who accomplished his task in a very
as operator extraordinaire/chief instigator.
pleasing manner.”
In the early days, moving pictures were not the only
Now, after 93 years as Canada’s Longest Continuous-
choice of entertainment—live performances were com-
ly operating movie theatre (pre-Covid-19), the Patricia
mon, with both local talent as well as vaudeville enter-
Theatre’ s hand-stencilled velvet drapes are set to close
tainers who arrived with the weekly steamship up the
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W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
