Roy’s Hall

In 1913, Blairstown saw the opening of Roy's Hall, a community hall and theatre opened on April 2, 1913, by Robert Roy and Raymond Smith. Its first floor was used for dances and similar activities, while the second floor contained an auditorium with a balcony all around and seating for 400 people. At first, shows were presented only on Saturdays, then, because of demand, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and eventually every night of the week. Matinees and evening showings featured live music, with advertisements promoting performances by the Blair Academy Orchestra. Matinees began at 3:00 p.m. and cost 10 to 15 cents, ending in time for the 4:50 p.m. train from Blairstown, while evening showings began at 8:00 p.m. with admission from 11 to 17 cents. Talkies debuted there in the 1930s. In February 1917, a fire of unknown origin, said to have started in the theatre's dressing rooms, destroyed the theatre along with a three-story apartment building, two shops, a barn, and other nearby buildings; the Blairstown Press reported the loss at an estimated $20,000. The owners rebuilt, modernized, and reopened on July 17, 1917. The theatre remained popular for years, but television brought a decline in attendance, and the original Roy's closed on November 2, 1961. Afterward, the building served as an antique shop, auction house, community arts center, and children's play house, among other uses. In January 2005, it was purchased, fully renovated as a theatre, and rejuvenated with quality entertainment offerings.

Blairstown, New Jersey · United States