Truro’s former Capitol Theatre
‘A moving picture second to none in any town in Canada’
Two notable theatres in Truro during the first half of the 20th century were the Capitol Theatre and the Royal Theatre.
In 1934, the Capitol Theatre opened. It was located on “a spacious and valuable lot on the north side of Prince Street, bounded on the west by St. James Presbyterian Church and on the east by the First Baptist Church” and almost opposite the intersection of Prince and Young Street.
The theatre was comprised of 800 seats — 600 on the main floor and 200 balcony seats. It was noted for its lighting effects, including aluminum light fixtures with rose insets. The lobby was described as bright, cheery and softly li ghted with walls done in “California stucco finished in buff.”
Aisles in the theatre consisted of heavy rich carpets and decorations and draperies were described as “rich and beautiful.” The stage was equipped for both pictures and vaudeville or other stage productions. The building included heating, ventilation and sound equipment.
The theatre was owned by Spencer Company and built by contractor James N. Kenney, who had constructed several theatres throughout the province for Spencer
Company. The interior was designed by a well-known local interior designer, C.F. Marble. An article from the Truro Daily News on the 14th of April, 1934, boasted that the theatre was “a moving picture theatre second to none
in any town in Canada.” The Capitol Theatre operated for 25 years, closing in 1959.
Stay tuned for more information on the Royal Theatre, another Theatre in Truro that was owned by F.G. Spencer Company Limited.