Back
The 1920's

The 1920's

Miss Irene Wolf ended up performing in Publix revues from Boston to California, and then onto a career as a singer on radios and in operas after winning at Shea's Buffalo. She was described as a tall, slender girl with dark hair and flashing brown eyes. She has a delightful alto voice of wide range which she displayed with much fervor to an enthusiastic audience last night. Miss Wolf is 24 years old and lives with her parents in Tonawanda. She has been employed by the Bank of Buffalo for several years. She has studied voice under Isobelle Wheaton Stranahan, and has often sung from Buffalo radio stations. <br><br> "I am very happy to have been named the winner in this contest," said Miss Wolf. "It means a great deal to me because I have longed to go onstage for years. Ever since I was a child I have had this desire, but it was not until the advent on this contest that I felt I should ever have a chance to realize my heart's desire."

Photo Credit: The Buffalo News - August 4, 1928

Miss Irene Wolf ended up performing in Publix revues from Boston to California, and then onto a career as a singer on radios and in operas after winning at Shea's Buffalo. She was described as a tall, slender girl with dark hair and flashing brown eyes. She has a delightful alto voice of wide range which she displayed with much fervor to an enthusiastic audience last night. Miss Wolf is 24 years old and lives with her parents in Tonawanda. She has been employed by the Bank of Buffalo for several years. She has studied voice under Isobelle Wheaton Stranahan, and has often sung from Buffalo radio stations.

"I am very happy to have been named the winner in this contest," said Miss Wolf. "It means a great deal to me because I have longed to go onstage for years. Ever since I was a child I have had this desire, but it was not until the advent on this contest that I felt I should ever have a chance to realize my heart's desire."

Photo Credit: The Buffalo News - July 23, 1928

Photo Credit: The Buffalo Evening News - July 16, 1928

Shea's Buffalo "Personality Girl" Contest of 1928

In 1928, Shea's Buffalo Theatre and the Buffalo Evening News joined forces to announce a contest for the "Personality Girl" - girls in Buffalo and Western New York could enter to win the contract as a featured artist onstage at Shea's Buffalo - she would perform for a month, earning $75 a week. And if she impressed "theater experts" if she has "the necessary stage brilliance", she might get a chance to take her career to New York City and tour the nation!

To become the "Personality Girl", she must be: 1) between the ages of 18 and 26 and unmarried. 2) "They must have personality capable of development for the stage". 3) "They must be attractive and talented". 4) Singers preferred but even better if she can dance or play an instrument!

Photo Credit: Motion Picture News - June 26, 1926

Photo Credit: Motion Picture News - April 1927

Photo Credit: Motion Picture News - February 1926

Health Commissioner Francis E. Fronczak wrote a letter to Michael Shea, praising his installation of the refrigeration system used at Shea's Buffalo - such technology was still incredibly new (first invented in Buffalo twenty-five years earlier!) and was advertised to movie-going audiences looking to escape the summer heat. Although we've since upgraded our A/C systems over the past century, the original cooling plant is still in our basement!

Photo Credit: The Buffalo Courier-Express - July 11, 1926

Health Commissioner Francis E. Fronczak wrote a letter to Michael Shea, praising his installation of the refrigeration system used at Shea's Buffalo - such technology was still incredibly new (first invented in Buffalo twenty-five years earlier!) and was advertised to movie-going audiences looking to escape the summer heat. Although we've since upgraded our A/C systems over the past century, the original cooling plant is still in our basement!

"Comparing in gorgeousness of decoration, completeness of equipment, and conveniences for patrons with the finest theatres of the capitals of the world, Shea's Buffalo Theatre has been open to the expectant public which now is singing its praises on all sides..." Shea's Buffalo Theatre is prominently featured in an article on Ultra Modern Theatres built by C. W. & Geo. L. Rapp

Photo Credit: Motion Pictures News - December 25, 1926

"Comparing in gorgeousness of decoration, completeness of equipment, and conveniences for patrons with the finest theatres of the capitals of the world, Shea's Buffalo Theatre has been open to the expectant public which now is singing its praises on all sides..." Shea's Buffalo Theatre is prominently featured in an article on Ultra Modern Theatres built by C. W. & Geo. L. Rapp

Sound AND air-conditioning? Shea's was the place to be in the summer of 1928!

Photo Credit: The Buffalo Courier-Express - July 29, 1928

Sound AND air-conditioning? Shea's was the place to be in the summer of 1928!

When Shea's Buffalo Theatre was built, all films were silent pictures accompanied by a live orchestra but that would change on October 6, 1927 when <i>The Jazz Singer</i> premiered. Less than a year later, Michael Shea announced the upgrades to our theater's at a cost of $35,000.

Photo Credit: The Buffalo Courier-Express - July 8, 1928

When Shea's Buffalo Theatre was built, all films were silent pictures accompanied by a live orchestra but that would change on October 6, 1927 when The Jazz Singer premiered. Less than a year later, Michael Shea announced the upgrades to our theater's at a cost of $35,000.

Jackie Coogan and Father, John Coogan,

September 17 - 23, 1928
October 18, 1928 - Ginger Rogers at Shea's Buffalo

October 18, 1928 - Ginger Rogers at Shea's Buffalo

Jack Benny headlines

October 20, 1928
A rare behind-the-scenes article about the Wurlitzer organ at Shea's Buffalo Theatre with organist Henry B. Murtagh!

Photo Credit: The Buffalo Courier-Express - November 11, 1928

A rare behind-the-scenes article about the Wurlitzer organ at Shea's Buffalo Theatre with organist Henry B. Murtagh!

Tom Mix and "Tony" make special appearance

February 23, 1929

Bing Crosby appears as one of the "Rhythm Boys" with Paul Whiteman, the "King of Jazz"

October 2 - 8, 1927 / June 2, 1928

Photo Credit: October 2, 1927

Photo Credit: The Buffalo Times - February 7, 1926

Photo Credit: The Buffalo Times - February 7, 1926

Photo Credit: The Buffalo Times - February 7, 1926

"This usher system was the cause of universal comment at the Friday private opening. All the employees were either in full dress semi-military uniform, or else in formal full dress, and they make an imposing array. Like soldiers they stand at their posts, answering all questions in subdued voice and quickly pointing the way with their silver-topped canes. They are marvels of fast, yet courteous efficiency, and they succeed in impressing their patrons."

Photo Credit: The Buffalo Courier - January 17, 1926

"This usher system was the cause of universal comment at the Friday private opening. All the employees were either in full dress semi-military uniform, or else in formal full dress, and they make an imposing array. Like soldiers they stand at their posts, answering all questions in subdued voice and quickly pointing the way with their silver-topped canes. They are marvels of fast, yet courteous efficiency, and they succeed in impressing their patrons."