Legar’s Theatre opened in 1915. In 1918, the name was changed to the Bijou Theatre. Sound equipment was installed in the theater in 1929.
The theater was purchased in 1956 by J.R. Cianchette, and closed for remodeling, and equipment and furnishings upgrades. In 1962, the theater was sold to Glen Wheaton, who closed the theater in 1975 due to economic pressures. At that time, the theatre was purchased for $6,000 by the Maine National Bank and Cianbro Corporation, who donated it on 19 April 1975 to the nonprofit Pittsfield Community Theatre Association. Glen Wheaton continued with the theater as projectionist and, later, operations manager until 28 December 1978. In 1977, the theater was purchased by the Town of Pittsfield for $24,000. The theater continues to operate as the Pittsfield Community Theatre.
References: Additional information provided by Bill Lashon. |