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Spruce Hill

    The Arena

    For over six decades the Arena marked the southeast corner of 45th and Market streets as a center for Philadelphia sports, entertainment, and civic events.

    Fans Theater advertises two second-run westerns, Gun Glory (1957) and The Sheepman (1958). Diary of a Madman, staring Vincent Price, first ran in theaters in 1963.
    Fans Theater

    Fans Theater advertises two second-run westerns, Gun Glory (1957) and The Sheepman (1958). Diary of a Madman, staring Vincent Price, first ran in theaters in 1963.

    Duke Ellington and his Orchestra
    Duke Ellington and his Orchestra

    Duke Ellington (pictured on left) frequently performed at Fay’s Theatre during its golden age.

    Fay's Theater Sign
    Fay's Theater Sign

    The small theater at 40th and Market Streets was most well-known as Fay's but it began it's life as the Knickerbocker Theatre.

    Fans Theater advertises two second-run westerns, Gun Glory (1957) and The Sheepman (1958). Diary of a Madman, staring Vincent Price, first ran in theaters in 1963.
    A Local Theater for Second-Run Movies

    Fan’s, the last incarnation of Fay’s Theatre, served as a second-run movie theater and occasional beacon for community outreach until 1964.

    Duke Ellington and his Orchestra
    Jazz at Fay’s

    Fay’s Theatre found success as a jazz club after managers expanded their target audience to reflect West Philadelphia’s changing demographics.

    Fay's Theater Sign
    Fay’s Theatre: Community Change and Community Space

    Fay’s Theatre, a small West Philadelphia entertainment venue, reflected the creation and transformation of community spaces during the Great Migration.

    Knickerbocker Theatre Newspaper Advertisement
    Knickerbocker Theatre Newspaper Advertisement

    A 1915 Evening Public Ledger advertisement for Knickerbocker Theatre's production of "Bought and Paid For." The play was typical fare for the Knickerbocker—seemingly scandalous but ultimately reinforcing traditional middle-class values.

    Knickerbocker Theatre Newspaper Advertisement
    Plays for the Local Audience

    The Knickerbocker Theatre, predecessor to Fay’s Theatre, debuted in 1914, offering performances catering to the local community.

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