Novelty Theatre - Oakland

from Vernon Sappers collection ¹

The Novelty Theatre was the second theater in Oakland to show motion pictures, opening in 1902 run by Tony Lubelski. It was at 1063-1065 Broadway (1117-1121 Broadway after 1912 renumbering). ² Manager Guy C. Smith took over the theater in 1909 and renamed it the Broadway Theatre. ⁵

NB: Theatres of Oakland says it was at 1122 Broadway then moved across the street, but newspapers and directories show it in this space from the beginning in 1902. Similarly, the OHA newsletter says it became the Lyric Theatre in 1908, but that was across the street at 1122 Broadway. ^1,2,6

The Farbians appearing on the sign in the above photo suggest the photo was taken either in 1902 or 1903.

Following the deadly fire in the Arcata House in 1903, Lubelski held a fundraiser for the firefighters and their families.

The theater was expanded in 1903, adding 400 more seats. They added a penny arcade in 1904. ³

1904 ³1904 ³1912 Sanborn excerpt

Guy C. Smith, formerly manager of the MacDonough, joined as manager in 1905.

Following the 1906 earthquake, Lubelski donated the proceeds from the Grand Theater in Reno to support earthquake victims. The Novelty had been damaged, but he said as soon as it was repaired, they would do the same with proceeds from it.

They made major changes (one article suggests a tear down) and held a grand opening for the 'new' Novelty Theatre in 1908. ⁷

1908 ⁷

In 1908, they had a "Ladies Matinee" on Thursday afternoons. These women-only events were apparently very popular. ⁴

1908 ⁴

The major remodel was costly. A 1909 article says they the theater company had run up $1,500 in debt via the Bank of Germany. The bank then refused to pay $438 due to Tribune Publishing for printing and advertising, and a suit was filed. The bank said the debt the responsibility of the theater company, so a new suit was filed against it.

Guy C. Smith took over running the theater, and renamed it the Broadway Theater. ⁵