Saturday at the Ulman
On a recent visit to the Plaza, I noticed some activity taking place on what has been a vacant lot for many years. The lot is next to Parker Place Antiques on the south side of Main St. Memories flashed back to the early 1950’s and what that spot meant to anyone of my generation. The building that had occupied that space was the Ulman Theater and, if it was Saturday, they were playing a Western movie - and more. For the princely sum of ten cents, you were able to see the main feature, a cartoon, the Movietone news of the day and another segment of a serialized story that kept you coming back week after week.
Before the events began, the theater was dimly lit just enough that the ever-present usher with his flashlight could throw an accusing beam of light upon anyone he suspected of chunking a Jujube at another attendee. When the lights dimmed and we had listened to at least thirty minutes of Humoresque, we knew the show was about to begin. A great roar went up and then silence. The show was about to begin and we did not want to miss a word.
This was the end of an era for Salisburians that began in 1888 when the Ulman family opened their Grand Opera House in the same building. What started out as vaudeville and the occasional traveling opera company to give it the elegant name, the Ulman Opera House later changed to the silent films complete with accompanying piano player. When the “talkies” came out, they had them at the Ulman. While the original entertainment facility was on the second floor, the first floor was the Ulman’s liquor store. With Prohibition came another change. The ground floor was now the Ulman Furniture Store. Until the Arcade Theater was built in 1914, the Ulman Opera House was the setting for any large gathering in Salisbury. Its 610 seat facility saw graduations, recitals and just about anything else that needed a large venue.
It amazes me now that I could have elicited so much joy out of $.25. That was half my allowance. The other half had to be saved for our next summer’s vacation. My Pop had a blue metal box that had six compartments in it for money. Those were certainly simpler times.
7 comments:
Our parents took us to the Ulman Theater on Saturday afternoons to watch the triple feature.That was in the 60's.For 25 cents each,plus a couple bucks for pop corn and drinks we could be entertained all day.A guy would throw paper plates down from the balcony with prizes written on them.Whoever caught the plates would get the specified prize.I saw my first 3-D movie at the Ulman.Thanks for bringing back such great memories.
Thsnk for the memories George, always a treat.
What a wonderful story. What a shame Salisbury has kissed off so much of its history.
my husband and i and our families remember all of this. of course we always went to the movies on saturday afternoon. wonderful, clean and inexpensive entertainment for all ages.
Wow , what a legacy you have George , enjoyed your company for many years.
Wasn't Mr. Charlie Brewington the Manager then ???
OH....... what good times
Who remembers the Yo-Yo demonstrations and contests...? I was good at it, but not good enough to compete.. I remember "the porch swing" and "walk the dog."
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