Posted by Paul Wright on June 12, 2002 at 18:09:54:
"Wick's theater, constructed in 1913, is the first substantial building for strictly amusement purposes ever erected in Kittanning, and will stand for years to come as a substantial and artistic monument to the enterprise of John Wick Jr. It is of concrete and steel and is stricly fire-proof, in addition, having eighteen exits, by which it can be emptied of an audience in a few minutes. Steam heat, electric lights, sanitary walls, soft carpets, comfortable seats and harmonious decorations make it the ideal of what a theatre should be. In addition the audience can see every part of the stage and the acoustics are perfect."
This was taken from a book on the history of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. The theater that is descibed here is still standing on Market Street. When you look at it as I did, you can not tell it is a theater. To me, it is the old Armed Forces Recruiting Center. To Others, It was the old Columbia Theater. Do you think it was Mr. Wick's intentions to build such a great building to have it sit almost completely empty? I don't think so. I would love to see how many of you out there would like to see this building become an intregal part of the downtown again and have it restored to it's original purpose - to promote live theatrical performances to the citizens of this county. If you have any info or would like to talk about this more, please post a message back to me. Thank you for reading this and take care.
Paul Wright
Armstrong Community Theater
Board President.