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Holiday Theatre
1973 Photo from the Gordon Bachlund collection.
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16705-11 Bellflower Blvd
Bellflower CA
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| Record #16167 |
Opened: 1929
Closed: Yes (date unknown)
Current Use: Church
Demolished:
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Capacity: 900 seats
Architect(s): FE Woodruff
Architectural Style(s):
National Register:
Current Organ: none |
| Also Known As: Bellflower, NuBel |
| Previously operated by: Statewide Theatres, South-Lyn Theatres, California Cinema Co, Allied Theatres of California |
Information for this tour was contributed by Gordon Bachlund. The Holiday Theatre (the name at its closing), which began life as the NuBell Theatre, was designed by F. E. Woodruff and built in 1929, and located at 16705 Bellflower Blvd., on the southwest corner of Bellflower and Laurel Street. The late date probably accounts for the lack of organ chambers, though there was a full stage with fly gallery and an orchestra pit, dressing rooms, etc., so vaudeville use was obviously intended along with motion pictures.
My partner and I re-opened both the Holiday Theatre in Bellflower and the Arden Theatre in Lynwood in the early 1970s, after an attempt at operating the Imperial Theatre in Inglewood failed owing to the changing demographics of the neighborhood. We operated both of these single-screen theatres until the late 1970s when we were forced to close due to competition from the multiplexes. It was rumored that the City of Bellflower might buy the property and use it as a performing arts center.
I have a blueprint of the theatre, showing its name as the NuBell, that was made when new seating was installed ca. 1960, affording a total capacity of about 900 seats including the balcony. About the same time, a fire wall was installed to close the proscenium opening and a new wide screen and waterfall title curtain was installed.
The theatre was purchased by the Calvary Chapel of Bellflower in 1986, and very nicely cleaned up inside and out. The group’s volunteers performed a first class restoration of the interior and exterior, including a new brick veneer on the exterior walls beneath the marquee and entrance. The tall tower sign was fitted with lighted lettering spelling out the word HOSANNA where the word HOLIDAY once was.
While it would have been nice had the house become a performing arts venue, at least it was saved from the wrecking ball by the church group. Photos
Photos remain the property of the Member and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Member. |
May 2004 photos from the Ron Pierce collection.
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1973 photos from the Gordon Bachlund collection.
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A view of the exteri... | 
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The projection booth... | 
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Gordon Bachlund in t... |
Postcards
Images remain the property of the Member and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Member. |
Postcards from the Joe Egerszegi collection.
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Last featured 2002-12-27. Last edited 3/5/2023.
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