| Billed
as the "Showplace of the Tonawandas", the Riviera Theatre was built during the
year 1926, by the Yellen Family. The architects Leon H. Lempart and Son drew the
plans, which were patterned after the Italian Renaissance. The interior artwork
was painted at the Rochester Studio of Willard M. Lusk, by Ferdinand Kebely. The
Riviera Theatre has a Mighty Wurlitzer organ which rises from the orchestra pit
just as it did opening day, December 30, 1926. During
the depression years, the theatre became a Shea's Theatre, and the name was changed
from "New Rivera" to "Shea's Riviera". The
Riviera became part of the Dipson Theatre chain. Approximately June 15, 1970 the
Riviera changed from a Dipson Theatre, and was sold to MDA Associates. The theatre
operated under MDA until April 5, 1971 when the theatre closed suddenly. The future
of the Riviera was overcast; it went up for auction on August 12, 1971, when it
was reacquired by Smith Properties (owned by Max Yellen). The Riviera remained
closed for a year, until it was acquired by MACDOP Enterprises and reopened April
27, 1972 with North Tonawanda's mayor present for the opening. The
Riviera Theatre was placed on the Register of Historic Landmarks by the U.S. Department
of the Interior - April 22, 1980 - but the future of the building was somewhat
in doubt. A "Save the Riviera" benefit concert was held in June of 1981. Early
in 1988, the Riviera was once again put up for sale, along with its Mighty Wurlitzer.
The organ club (Niagara Frontier Theatre Organ Society) decided an attempt should
be made to purchase the theatre, by the club itself, and on August 12, 1988 a
Ôgentleman's agreement' was reached with the owners. In the next few months a
fund raising drive was undertaken in the Tonawandas and Western New York. Even
the City of North Tonawanda itself attracted widespread interest and help. On
February 14, 1989 the Niagara Frontier Theatre Organ Society (N.F.T.O.S.) closed
the deal to purchase the Riviera and its Wurlitzer. Every effort of the club,
city and Western New York is geared towards the goal of preserving the Riviera
and its heritage, and to turn this fine theatre into a "Performing Arts Center
of the Tonawanda". The
theatre has been the product of extensive restoration and renovation since 1991.
This work has been carried out by many dedicated volunteers who donate many hours
of their time. The
80 year history of the Riviera Theatre has indeed been very interesting and frightful
on a couple of occasions. Fortunately, the wrecking ball was evaded, as was the
fate of over 30 other theatres in Western New York. The Riviera and the Shea's
Buffalo are the only standing examples of the movie palaces and their original
"Mighty Pipe Organs" in an area which once boasted over 40 theatres with organs.
Riviera Theatre and Organ Preservation SocietyÊ - that many more successful chapters
of the Riviera's history will be written in years to come, and that this heritage
may be shared for many future generations. Call
the Riviera Theatre at 716-692-2413 to arrange individual or group tours or arrange
to attend a live performance. | 
