The Glove Theatre

The Next One-Hundred Years

A new era dawned on October 9, 1914, with the Grand Opening Gala of the Glove Theatre; a music, movie, vaudeville, and civic venue designed by Utica-based architect Linn Kinne in the Classical Revival style, owned by Cady & Dartch. In 1920, brothers J. Meyer Schine and Louis W. Schine purchased the Glove Theatre building as the flagship headquarters of Schine Enterprises; at its height, a theater chain of 150 venues in five states. Innovations in theater equipment were first tested at the Glove Theatre before widespread distribution. In 1928, for example, the Glove Theatre was among the first in the nation to be equipped with sound.

A complete makeover of the Theatre during the late 1930’s resulted in the distinctive and beloved Art Deco architectural style, whose vestiges remain prominently around the theatre to this day. The iconic Glove marquee, with its hundreds of flashing incandescent lightbulbs, provided a sense of community and optimism during the depths of the Great Depression through the eve of the Second World War. Centerstage for the latest news on “the war”, Hollywood’s finest films, renowned vaudeville performers, recording artists, and civic events, the Glove Theatre presented Paramount Newsreels and children’s cartoon programming to inform, entertain, and delight the community.

Then, after more than half a century since the Theatre’s founding, Gloversville, like other communities across America, entered a different era—the era of Urban Renewal. The Glove ceased regular operations in 1971 and, by 1995, was being strongly considered for demolition to make way for a parking lot. Thankfully, the Theatre was saved by a group of community members who raised the necessary funds to resurrect the theatre. On October 25, 1997, the next era of The Glove Theatre began with a grand re-opening event: “The Phantom of The Glove.” Since then, the Glove Theatre has hosted, presented, and produced numerous movie screenings, musicals, theatrical, cultural, and community events.

In the aftermath of COVID-19, the Board of Directors has taken an aggressive approach towards the revitalization and programming of the venue including movie screenings held at least once per week as well as musical theatre, live and orchestral concerts, variety shows, dance parties, youth productions, and public information sessions. These events are at little to no cost to the public, and provide a place for family and friends to gather and be creative. As of 2023, the Board of Directors employs a General Manager and a Facilities Manager who, amongst other responsibilities, oversee the building and expedite programmatic needs.

In November 2022, $1.993 Million was awarded to The Glove Theatre by New York State Governor, Kathy Hochul, as part of the City of Gloversville’s winning application for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). While this amount is beneficial for The Glove Theatre’s capital improvements, The Board of Directors is looking to raise additional funding from both public and private sources.