From the early performances at the Ulman Opera House to the recent shows at the Community Arts Center, Williamsport has rarely been without top-notch entertainment. Many film theaters have come and gone in the course of the past century, and it is this venue that is the main attraction in “THE THEATRE ROOM.”

By 1950, there were five theaters in Williamsport, many having changed hands ... and names ... several times over the decades:  the Park, the Karlton, the Rialto (next door to our Old City Hall), the Keystone, and of course, the Capitol Theatre. A young theater-goer had enough for bus fare, a movie ticket, and a small snack if he had but 50 cents in his pockets.

Today, no other theater in Williamsport stands as proud and magnificent as the beautifully-restored Community Arts Center. But during the roaring 20s, the grandest movie house of its day was the Capitol Theatre. Unfortunately, its heyday had come and gone by the 40s and eventually, even the one dollar admission price could not save it. “Driving Miss Daisy” was the last film shown before renovating it into the Community Arts Center.

“THE THEATRE ROOM” (Room 111) has a few unique features:  a crazy closet and stairs that lead to nowhere, and an old-fashioned popcorn maker turned towel stand. (Unfortunately, movie popcorn is NOT featured in this room!”) 

Our new “LEGACY” rooms are quite unique with their large windows, soft colors, and “outside-the-box” layouts.  Private toilet/shower rooms are brightly lit as well, and the original charm and character of this old city hall adds to the beauty of each room. These new rooms also share a small foyer along with a private conference room (code-accessible), called “THE HANGAR.” 

City Hall Grand Hotel would like to give “SPECIAL THANKS” to Karen Kennedy and the WILLIAMSPORT SUN-GAZETTE, who have granted access and use of a collection of theater images that have graced the pages of their publication over the years. We would also like to extend our appreciation to Courtney Fowler and the COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER as well for allowing us to share the Capitol Theatre images from their collection.