Goodwill Theatre, former movie theater in Johnson City, New York, United States
The Goodwill Theatre is a movie house built in 1920 in Johnson City, designed in the Neoclassical style. The three-story brick building with limestone and marble facing features tall columns across its front, while the interior contains ornamental plaster work, a painted ceiling with classical motifs, a stage about 44 feet wide, and once seated over a thousand patrons.
The theatre opened in 1920 as a gift from George F. Johnson, founder of the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company, with its first showing featuring a film called 'What's Your Hurry.' After decades of operating as a movie house, it closed in 1960, sat vacant for many years, and was gradually revived starting in 2007 when a nonprofit group took over restoration efforts.
The theatre was financed by George F. Johnson as a gift to factory workers and the community, reflecting his belief that people deserve access to entertainment and shared gathering spaces. Its name and purpose show how this building became central to how residents experienced their town's social and cultural life.
The theatre sits along Willow Street in downtown Johnson City and is easily accessible on foot, with nearby parking options. The building entrance is at street level, making it approachable for walking visitors, and staff can provide information about current restoration progress and upcoming events throughout the year.
The interior features a deep blue painted ceiling designed to resemble a clear sky, decorated with elaborate plaster moldings and classical ornaments rarely seen in theatre buildings of that era. These hand-crafted details remain visible today even as restoration work continues, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of the original builders.
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