Ad for Arcadia Theater Opening Day, showing of Metro Picture’s The High Road staring Valli Valli. Admission 15¢ for matinee and 25¢ for evening shows. Also mentions Crosskey Theater (opened December 28, 1914) playing photoplays. By Jake M. Chanin

Ad for Arcadia Theater (opened Apr. 24, 1915) for continuous “A. M. to 11.15 P. M.” showings of The Bride of Hate staring Frank Keenan and Margery Wilson.  By Jake M. Chanin

Ad for Arcadia Theater (showing Niobe starring Hazel Dawn) and others. By Jake M. Chanin

The period from 1906-1915 was a time of major growth for film. There were many new theaters constructed in Philadelphia during that time period. In addition, many old theater spaces for plays and musicals were adding short films to their billings

Metropolitan Opera House (Sunday Morning September 6, 1914): “A big holiday bill for every day of the week. We have picked some good programs, but this week’s list suggest a ‘Top Notcher.’ Aside from the liste features we have a few others each day that are in the surprise list. YES, ONE DIME, THAT’S ALL” The ad displays uses Mary Pickford’s name in capital letters to help promote the movie. It’s an early example of the importance of the star. One for the films Mr. Burglar MD was a reissue of At a Quarter of Two (1911).

Adelphi Theatre: Ad read “Showing Help Wanted!” playing of WWI to “recruit” Jack Latt’s comedy.  By Jake M. Chanin

Advertisements for amusements including theater, motion pictures, vaudeville, and photoplay. Day before opening of Crosskey. 

Motion picture from WW I being shown at Chestnut St. Theater. The film was taken by The Chicago Tribune and was described as “the most marvelous historical record ever made.” Film from the war was seen as providing a historical, indexical document. 

Also the ads demonstrate the integration of movies into vaudeville shows, such as in the Palace Theater ad. The Palace advertised showings of Paramount Pictures.  By Jake M. Chanin