History of the Allendale
The Allendale, one of Buffalo’s first neighborhood theatres, was built in 1913 by clothing retailer Levin Michaels. The Neo-Classical Revival-style theatre included gold trimmed walls, leaded glass windows and a stunning domed ceiling with dozens of modern light bulbs. At first, the popular movie house specialized in silent films and photoplays of Broadway productions, with a custom-built symphonic organ for accompaniment.
In 1919, the owner added a lavish proscenium stage and dressing rooms that attracted the Buffalo Players (a local theatre group including members of the Knox, Schoellkopf and other prominent families), as well as national acts such as the Barrymore brothers and W.C. Fields.
