Reviving a Legacy: ThE Storm King Theater
Origins: Matthiessen Hall (1870-1935) Before the Storm King Theater became a cultural centerpiece of Cornwall-on-Hudson, its predecessor, Matthiessen Hall, played a significant role in the village of Cornwall-on-Hudson. Built in 1870 by the Cornwall Library Building Company, the three-story Matthiessen Hall housed a bank, a drug store, and a post office on its first floor. The upper floors contained a billiard room, a library, and a spacious hall that could seat up to 400 people. The hall became a gathering space for the community, hosting lectures, performances, and early film screenings.
Matthiessen Hall was one of the first locations in Cornwall to show moving pictures, with its first screening in 1900. By 1908, regular showings had begun, featuring Westerns like Ashes of Three and Shenandoah, along with newsreels and live performances. However, by the early 1930s, the building had become outdated. In 1934, it was decided that Matthiessen Hall would be demolished to make way for a state-of-the-art theater, funded by Charles H. Matthiessen, who also donated funds for the construction of the first Cornwall Public Library.
The Birth of the Storm King Theater (1935-1936) Construction of the Storm King Theater began in late 1935, and the new building was a marvel of modern design. The architect, Brandt H. Illessen, took inspiration from the grandeur of Radio City Music Hall, ensuring an acoustically superior space by designing a single-floor auditorium rather than including a balcony. This prevented sound distortion and created an immersive cinematic experience for all patrons.
The exterior featured a distinctive rounded entrance and a vertical neon sign spelling out “Storm King,” which became an iconic landmark in the village square. Inside, the theater was designed with a sophisticated aesthetic that combined both comfort and style.
The auditorium was adorned with a striking “soft blue” color scheme, buff walls featuring Art Deco trim with a “Mexican Indian look”. The ceiling was fitted with a modernistic box lighting system, with mirrored sconces that bathed the space in a soothing blue haze. The plush blue carpeting led to 600 seats, divided into orchestra and loge sections. The loge seats were slightly elevated and had padded backs, offering premium comfort. The ventilation and air-conditioning system were cutting-edge for the time, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience. The stage was framed by rich blue velvet curtains, while a second golden amber curtain concealed the screen. The theater’s modern fireproofing and safety measures made it one of the most advanced cinemas in New York State.
The lobby, in contrast to the rich tones of the auditorium, featured a lighter, more welcoming color scheme. The walls were a soft cream color with subtle Art Deco accents. The floor was covered in green patterned carpet, giving it a fresh and lively feel. A striking canary yellow couch sat as the centerpiece of the lounge area, inviting guests to relax before the show. The lighting in the lobby was modernistic, with sleek white and black lamps that enhanced the overall elegance of the space. A set of turquoise-hued doors led into the main theater, offering a dramatic contrast to the blue inside.
Grand Opening Night (July 1, 1936) The grand opening of the Storm King Theater on July 1, 1936, was an affair of unparalleled excitement and glamour. The entire village seemed to turn out, crowding the square as patrons eagerly awaited their first look inside Cornwall-on-Hudson’s newest entertainment palace. The theater was festooned with bunting and fresh flowers from well-wishers, and American Legion flags flanked the entrance, adding to the grandeur.
Dignitaries, including Assemblyman Mailler and Mayor Slater, addressed the audience before the curtain rose, extolling the theater as a milestone in Cornwall’s cultural evolution. Supervisor E.L. Sylcox proclaimed it “a temple of gorgeousness and splendor,” drawing approving applause from the packed house.
At precisely 8:45 PM, the house lights dimmed, and an expectant hush fell over the audience. The outer golden amber curtain began to rise, revealing the stage bathed in a soft, rose glow. The experience was heightened by the Storm King Theater’s state-of-the-art acoustics, ensuring that every note of the film’s sweeping score and every line of dialogue resonated through the auditorium with crystalline clarity.
The first film of the evening, The Road to Mandalay, was followed by a Universal Newsreel, a Traveltalk segment in Technicolor showcasing Holland’s tulip season, a whimsical Happy Harmonies cartoon, and the final feature, Doubting Thomas, starring Will Rogers. By the time the final credits rolled past 11:00 PM, the audience left the theater buzzing with excitement, marking the beginning of the Storm King Theater’s golden era.
A Changing Landscape: Ownership and Transformation (1936-1998) Over the decades, the Storm King Theater saw multiple ownership changes, new facades and transformations:
· 1940s-1950s: The theater remained a popular entertainment hub, known for its fresh popcorn, penny water dispenser, and plush red carpets. Children often flocked to Sunday matinees, with admission under a dollar.
· 1953-1962: Beloved local businessman Owen McGorman purchased the theater in 1953. During his ownership, the theater continued to be a major attraction for Cornwall residents, maintaining its reputation for quality entertainment. McGorman was deeply involved in the community and was known for his passion for preserving the theater’s legacy. In 1962, he sold the building to Samuel Mazzarelli, who took over operations.
· 1960s: The theater was purchased by Ella Marion Katz, a former Russian-Jewish actress. In 1963, she implemented stricter censorship policies, banning violent films and certain foreign movies. Her tenure was marred by incidents of anti-Semitic harassment, including vandalism and disruptive teenagers. In 1966, she had a well-documented clash with Mayor Michael Donahue, who reportedly told her to “clean it up or shut it down.”
· 1967-1970: The theater changed hands multiple times, transforming into a dinner theater in 1967 under the management of Neil Love. Dubbed The Playhouse on the Hudson, it featured professional performances of Where’s Charley?, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Three Penny Opera. By 1971, the venture folded, and the theater reverted to showing films under the name King Cinema.
· 1970s: In 1970, Robert M. Schuster purchased the building and converted it into an antique auction house known as Schuster Galleries. The space became a prominent venue for fine art and antiques, attracting collectors and dealers from across the region. Auctions were held regularly, featuring a variety of vintage and high-end items.
· 1980s-1990s: Joanne Grant and John Fish later transformed the theater into the Mid-Hudson Auction Gallery, continuing its role as a major auction destination. The auctions became a staple of the village, drawing crowds on Saturday nights.
By 1998, the Storm King Theater’s neon sign had gone dark, and the structure was at risk of being condemned. Local developer Raymond Yannone stepped in to save it from demolition, restoring the facade and relighting the marquee with the help of Mid-Hudson Neon.
The Restoration Effort (1998-Present) Despite multiple restoration attempts, the interior of the theater remained gutted and unused. Various redevelopment plans were proposed over the years, but the space never returned to its original purpose. However, renewed efforts have emerged in recent years, with the hope of restoring the Storm King Theater as a community space once more.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Storm King Theater The Storm King Theater Restoration Project aims to bring this historic venue back to life. More than just a movie house, the vision includes creating a cultural center where new traditions will be born—where young couples will share their first kiss in the back row, where films and performances will inspire, and where the Cornwall community can come together to share extraordinary experiences once again.
With hopes to reopen by early 2026, the Storm King Theater stands at the threshold of a new chapter—one that honors its storied past while embracing the future of entertainment and community engagement in Cornwall-on-Hudson.
