The Avalon Theater: A Chevy Chase Landmark Since 1923
If you are looking for a wonderful date night venue, The Avalon Theater is a best bet, especially this week!
It's currently playing Julie and Julia, a movie that spoke to me on so many levels that I may have to write a movie review! But here is what makes it special. There is a cafe that is serving as this week's special, the boeuf Bourguignom recipe from the movie.
The Avalon origianally opened in 1923 as the Chevy Chase Theater. They showed silent pictures, and a big old pipe organ played the background music. Over the years, there were renovations to add modern necessities like a sound system and air conditioning. At the time it was wired for talkies in 1929, the name changed to The Avalon.
In 2001, when the former owner went bankrupt, the theater was stripped. The seats, the sound and projection systems - all of it was gone. And we were all afraid that. like so many other historic theaters here in Washington, it would turn into one more CVS (not that we don't love our local pharmacy).
In 2006, with the support of the neighborhood, the Avalon Theater Project purchased and beautirully the property and is now running both major first run films and special art and foreign films.
They are supported, not only by ticket prices, but also by memberships that people in the community can buy.
The Avalon is located just south of Chevy Chase Circle, at 5612 Connecticut Avenue NW.
I love movies and old theaters..Glad to hear of this restoration..
HELPFULHANNAH
Hi Pat ~ That's a story with a happy ending - good to hear. I love these old theaters. It's really amazing how many of them there used to be in a city.
I remember reading a Boston Globe article that talked about how denser the city's population used to be with bigger families, multi-generations in one unit, etc and that it was that density that allowed so many shops and institutions to thrive in great numbers. Today they suggested we don't have enough people in our cities to support those establishments - which is why I guess the banks and cell phone stores (and chain drugstores!) fill the spaces.
Liz
What a nice story I would love to see a movie in an old movie theater instead of the new multi screen.
I'm with Hannah, it is wonderful to run across the preservation of this kind of history. Definitely will check it out next time I'm in town.
Be well,
Janice
Hi Pat, I am really dying to see that movie, but alas, I am a terrible movie goer and usually wait till I can see them in the comfort of my own home. :(
But, I wait to see your review!
I love old theaters, ours here in town has been renovated over the years, almost closed a million times, and it a wonderful landmark.
Pat,
We have a really cool old theater in Bellingham, Finally, the city bought it.
Hi Pat... I'll admit to enjoying the modern theaters with their rocing loung chairs and stadium-style seating, but there is nothing like seeing a movie in one of these old time theaters! There is something about the movie experience that is lost in the advancement of theaters for me or perhaps it's just a throwback to my youth!
Pat - Just confirmed that my parents used to go on dates in that theater. Small world