The Colonial Theatre still stands, although it has not been used for years, and its appearance demands concern. It is designated as a city historic site, but its fate awaits the action of Augusta citizens and elected officials. Its present-day condition not withstanding, the Colonial Theatre represents an important piece of Augusta history - that of the early film (silent and sound) industry in this country. In 1918, Edgar Jones Production, Inc. opened a motion picture studio in Augusta, and in 1919, Mary Astor and Evelyn Brent made movies here. Maine writer and film producer Holman Day made a number of films in the Augusta area and premiered them at the Colonial. Dorothy Lamour made an appearance here during WW II, for a bond drive.

In its heyday, the Colonial was a primary site for entertainment for residents before the age of automobiles, videotapes and cable TV. The Colonial was one of two theatres in Augusta; its competitor, the Capital Theater, was at the other end of Water Street.

Pat and Pauline Coloumbe (now Knox and Dickson) remember, even into the late 1930's, going to films at the Colonial where live music entrained customers and prizes - generally household items - enticed people to come. They recall it was possible to –go all day for a dime," but you would have to watch the same film three times!

 

Site #41.1 Sources:

	Augusta, Maine Sesquicentennial. Special reprint of Daily Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine, Sesquicentennial Edition, Wednesday, July 30, 1947.
	Dickson, Pauline Coulombe, Pat Coulombe Knox, and Melanie Knox LaPierre. Interview by Phyllis vonHerrlich, 8 November 2000, Augusta, Maine.
	Owen, Joseph (President, Kennebec Historical Society). Interview by Phyllis vonHerrlich, 8 March 2001, Augusta, Maine.
	Northeast Historic Film. Online resource available at http://www.acadia.net/w95062/collections/eFoster.htm. Accessed 2 September 2001.