The History Center on Main Street
The History Center
on Main Street
83 and 61 North Main Street
Mansfield PA 16933

The Museum of Us
December 2017
Volume 2, Issue 9
A Century Ago - The Star Theater
In 1916 the Star Theatre was built by W. A. McCausland and E. G. Cornwell. It was later purchased by the Van Norman family. It was not the first theater in Mansfield having been preceded by Saks Theatorium on Hoard Street which burned in 1916. Films had also been shown in the Opera House and Union Hall which was upstairs over the bank.
The Star Theater showed its first "Talkie" in June 1930 with the movies shown above. Before that movies were silent with a piano or organ accompaniment. 
Twain 1957
The History Center's Memory Project allows us to preserve the stories and memories of our residents. We have two interviews of people closely involved with the Twain Theater.
The Twain Theater
In 1936, The Star operated as the Rialto very briefly. We have artifacts in the museum from both the Star and the Rialto including seats and posters.
In 1937 Harry Taylor and Hack Swain bought the theater and refurbished it. The name Twain is a combination of their names.
From 1947 to 1957 Francis Murphy of Tioga worked as projectionist at the theater. Frances died just last month, but we have preserved his stories in this 2014 interview.
Francis Murphy
In 1959 Effie and John Antonio bought the theater and ran it for another twenty years.
In 2013 we interviewed John about his years at the Twain as Uncle Johhny. John died in February this year.
John Antonio
2018 Memberships
Membership dollars are a very important part of keeping The History Center in the community. We do not receive support from government entities. Our budget is small. We rely on the individuals and businesses that support us and believe that preserving our heritage is worth doing.
If you believe our local history, the memories of our families, businesses and town is worth keeping, please help by becoming a new or renewing member or donor.
We are sending out membership reminders to current members. Please renew. Thank you.
Coming to Mansfield for Christmas?
Will you be in town over the holidays? We don't want to miss the chance to show you and your family what we're doing. We will be open our regular hours, but if we are not open while you are here, just give us a call or an email so we can arrange to open up for your tour. Bring your family and show them the Mansfield you remember.
Christmas 1908
The History Center on Main Street
A 501c3 organization
83 North Main Street, Mansfield PA 16933
5702-250-9829
http://www.joycetice.com/histcent.htm