General View of Jacksdale C1913 ~ Showing the Picture Palace (Back Right)
PICTURE PALACE FOR JACKSDALE ~ (Published Friday May10th, 1912)
The rapidity with which Jacksdale has grown into a thickly populated village is really astonishing, and now may be seen at the crossroads facing the Great Northern Station, an imposing looking building whose frontage instantly reveals the object of the undertaking. There has been a long felt need in the district to relieve the monotony of the common round of daily toil, and thanks to the enterprise of a few local gentlemen this has now been supplied in the nature of a smartly equipped picture palace, constructed on the most modern and up to date lines, where a healthy evening's recreation and amusement may be enjoyed by all classes.
The situation is pleasant and a large and spacious brick structure has been erected, well ventilated, and having seating accommodation for 650 persons, the dimensions being 81 feet by 30 feet. The buildings has been brilliantly lighted throughout with electricity, the plant being driven by an up to date sixteen and a half horse power engine. Interior decorations have been artistically carried out, whilst hot water radiators throw off a regular supply of heat and the luxurious manner in which the furnishing has been accomplished leaves nothing to be desired for comfort and ease.
Tip-up chairs upholstered in red plush are to be found in the best parts of the house. The Pathe bioscope has been installed and will flash onto the screen the best pictures obtainable, as the Jacksdale Electra Palace Co. (which is the style of the newly formed company) are intent on getting first-class films only, with a view to showing pictures of an educational and instructive nature. There is a well proportioned stage 21ft by 18ft and it is the intention of the proprietors to utilise the building for theatricals, first class concerts, and other entertainments when pictures lose their attraction. The operating room is of the most modern type being fire proof and fitted with an extinguisher. Collapsible exit doors have also been supplied, and the palace will be disinfected before each performance. Mr Parkes late manager of the Fenton Picture Co. has been appointed manager with a capable staff to assist him. There are to be two performances nightly at 6.15 and 8.15 with a matinee for children on Saturday afternoon, and sacred concerts on Sunday evenings at 8.15. The popular prices of 6d, 4d and 2d will be charged. The opening took place on Wednesday night, and besides a series of interesting pictures, Mr Wilfred Caunt has been especially engaged to give illustrated songs.
Copy of Article kindly provided by D. Scotece.
The Opening ~ May 1912
Photograph (Above) & Article (Left) Extracted from a Book by
David Roddis
The Picture Palace Jacksdale by David Roddis
Situated on the Selston Road, in the centre of Jacksdale, the Picture Palace was opened in 1912 by the Jacksdale Palace Co. Mr J Pollard of Mansfield was the managing director. He later became Mayor of Mansfield. The Palace originally seated 630 people but this gradually reduced to 470, in a stadium type auditorium with hand painted views on the walls. The first of many managers was Tom Key. There was only one projector for many years. The next manager was James Reid. He was followed by Albert Hall, who later left to manage the Empire at Ripley. Mr Hall was a singer who used to sing to some of the films, whilst Sid Robinson played the piano. Sid Robinson accompanied the films during the week, but on Saturday nights and some Bank Holidays a small orchestra was employed. This consisted of harmonium played by Ossie Smith, violin played by J. Calladine and W. Belshaw, who played the drums. There was also a double bass whose player carried the instrument along the canal tow path from Pinxton.
Fred Parr was the next projectionist, working at the Palace for over a quarter of a century. He didn't just show films, he tended the boiler and the gas engine that provided the electricity, assisted for many years by his son Bill, who worked at the Palace from the age of 11 years. Officially, he was the errand boy, earning 5/- a week, but he helped his father in the 'box' rewinding the films, watching the arcs and doing all the other jobs required by a small staff.
Above: The Picture Palace during its days as 'The Grey Topper' Nightclub
Above: the Picture Palace Summer 2005 - Then used as 'Micro-lites' Lighting Factory Shop.
Up For Sale 2005/2006
June 2006 - Demolition Begins
July 2006 - Frontage Removed
June 2007 - The new Co-operative Store Opens