Palace Theatre in Westmoreland County Celebrates 100 Years of History and Entertainment

Pennsylvania is a wealth of history with so many theaters that are 100+ years old and Greensburg is no different. 

This year marks a milestone for the Palace Theatre as it celebrates 100 years of entertaining audiences. The landmark first opened as the $750,000 Manos Theatre, delighting audiences with vaudeville acts, silent films and the music of its impressive Wurlitzer organ.

Later the theater evolved into a venue for Broadway tours, comedians, concerts and community events. Its first century tells not only the story of entertainment in Westmoreland County, but also of a community that rallied to preserve one of its most treasured landmarks. Today, the Palace stands as the crown jewel of the Laurel Highlands.

A Brief History

The Palace opened in 1926 as the Manos Theatre just as the motion picture industry was entering a new era. The following year, The Jazz Singer, starring Al Jolson, introduced audiences to synchronized sound, forever changing the movie business.

As talking pictures became the norm, Warner Bros. acquired theaters across the country, including The Manos. Vaudeville gradually gave way to films and independent theatres flourished for a time. By 1973, however, movie distribution had changed significantly, making theatre ownership less important to major studios. The Manos was sold to Pittsburgh-based Cinemette Theatres.

The rise of suburban multiplexes dealt another blow to standalone theaters, forcing the Manos to close temporarily. Cinemette later sold the theater to local businessman Carl Marinelli and his partner Adelaide DelVitto. They renamed it The Palace Theatre and DelVitto eventually sold her interest to Marinelli.

Marinelli expanded the theater’s offerings to include both movies and live performances with acts like Gloria Estefan & The Miami Sound Machine, Dr. Hook and Mel Tillis. Despite these efforts, the Palace still struggled financially. Marinelli considered selling the building to an out of-state businessman who planned to raze it.

Before sale, Marinelli died.  In response, the mayor, City Council and other leaders worked with Marinelli’s heirs to save the theater. Their efforts led to the creation of the non-profit Greensburg Garden and Civic Center Inc., which purchased the Palace in 1990. The organization later became the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, with a mission to restore the theater and operate it as a self-supporting performing arts center.

An Important Part of the Community

Ben Luczak, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, said the preservation has always been a partnership between the community and local philanthropy.  

Financial support from the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation and the Richard King Mellon Foundation during the 1990s enabled the Trust’s board to develop a long-term strategic plan focused on arts education, community engagement and financial stability.

“That it continues to thrive is a wonderful accomplishment,” Luczak said. “Many theaters in communities our size have disappeared. The fact that ours has been preserved and continues to do so well is a testament to our supporters.”

Beyond its cultural impact, Luczak said The Palace serves as one of downtown Greenburg’s strongest economic engines.

“We are the main driver of foot traffic after 4 p.m. Hotels, businesses and restaurants depend on us,” he said.

A Place to Escape

Daniel Stainer, Director of Marketing and Patron Experience, said that the 1,367-seat theatre attracted 57,424 guests last year. He believes audiences continue to seek shared experiences that only live entertainment can provide.

“Life is tough these days and there’s a lot of pressure out in the world,” he said. Historically, arts have provided necessary escapism. We market joy and there’s a lot of truth to that,” he said.

Stainer notes that people remember coming to the theatre to watch cartoons and newsreels during World War II or seeing legendary performers. “From George Carlin, to Wiz Khalifa, the Jonas Brothers, Jay Leno, Boz Scaggs and ZZ Top. It’s a place where memories are made,” he said.

A Thing of Beauty

People like Robert Seiler hold a special place in his heart for the theater.  His father, Alvin Seiler, worked alongside the theater's architects and designers, to ensure the Manos Theatre was not only visually stunning but also engineered for exceptional acoustics, sightlines and stage performances. “I’m extremely proud of my father for his accomplishments and the pride that he took in his work,” said Seiler.

The Palace is also special to Harrold who ushered there from 1965-1968. “I met my wife there when she worked the candy counter and we married in 1969,” Harrold said.

Harrold’s wife’s family was involved in the construction and both of her parents were employees of the Manos Company. Harrold now volunteers as a ticket taker at the Palace.

Stainer said first-time visitors are often stunned by the theater’s French Renaissance architecture. Much of the original craftsmanship survives today, including Vermont marble staircases, Grecian marble balustrades, and Louis F. Grell murals, all restored during preservation effort.

“Even Bill Murray was in awe during a recent visit. He admired the vintage cameras and remarked on how gorgeous the theatre is,” said Stainer.

Looking Towards the Future

Luczak and Stainer agree that the Trust's mission moving forward is to preserve the Palace for the next century.

If the pandemic reinforced anything, Stainer said, it's that people crave shared experiences. While technology has changed how audiences consume entertainment, nothing can replace gathering in a historic theater to create lasting memories together.

As the Palace Theatre begins its second century, its stewards are dedicated to ensure it lives and thrives for generations to come.

A Centennial Weekend

A Centennial Grand Gala will feature a black-tie event on September 19, with a sit-down dinner and an intimate live performance by Grammy Award winner Lee Ann Rimes with proceeds benefitting the Westmoreland Cultural Trust.

A public concert featuring LeeAnn Rimes will follow on September 20, with tickets starting at $73.

 

Art and Cocktails: Visiting the SCAD Museum of Art and American Prohibition Museum in Savannah

Savannah is one of my favorite southern cities, and now that I've moved to the Greenville area, I'm grateful that it's just a short drive away. I plan to explore much more of this charming area, so this won't be the last of my Savannah adventures.

On this visit, I explored two attractions that couldn't be more different yet together offered a fascinating glimpse into American creativity and history: the SCAD Museum of Art and the American Prohibition Museum.

Savannah's SCAD Museum of Art

One interesting thing about the SCAD Museum of Art is the building itself.  It occupies the former headquarters of the Central Georgia Railway built in the mid 1880s and is part of the only surviving antebellum railroad complex in the United States. 

A passenger train car that students and preservation experts restored.

The building underwent a multi-year restoration and expansion in 2011 and blends historic architecture with contemporary design.

Its permanent collection includes more than 4,500 works from paintings, to sculpture, photography, prints, textiles, fashion and decorative arts from around the world.

Fashion enthusiasts will especially appreciate the museum's collection of haute couture featuring creations by legendary designers including Yves Saint Laurent, Oscar de la Renta and designs from Chanel and Givenchy and others.

The museum introduces new exhibitions every academic quarter ensuring repeat visitors (likely parents of students) have something new to discover. The galleries showcase both internationally acclaimed artists and emerging contemporary talent.

During out visit, we experienced A Gathering of Bells by Davina Semo, who has been creating bells since 2017. The interactive exhibit featured more than 50 one-of-a-kind beautiful bronze bells that guests were encouraged to ring.

The exhibit was not only striking (pardon the pun), but also joyful, turning museum guests into active participants.

The SCAD Museum of Art is located at 601 Taylor Boulevard in Savannah and is open Monday and Wednesday-Sunday. 

Learn More about a Failed Experiment in American History

The American Prohibition Museum, located in the heart of Savannah's historic City Market, is the only museum in the United States devoted entirely to the history of Prohibition (1920-1933).

Rather than focusing solely on those 13 dry years, the museum traces the temperance movement that began before national Prohibition and explains how public attitudes toward alcohol have evolved over the years. (One visitor gave me a chuckle when he joked that the people below resembled his relatives.)

The museum features recreated streetscapes, saloons, speakeasies, and multimedia presentations that bring the era to life.

Those who are unfamiliar with Carrie Nation will learn more about the fiery temperance activist who became famous for smashing up saloons with a hatchet. Reading about her, I couldn't help but wonder if she inspired the phrase "hatchet face."

Little hatchets and small hatchet stickpins.

One statistic I found especially interesting was that prior to prohibition, approximately 40 percent of all U.S. taxes were paid by brewers and distillers.

Of course, Americans found countless ways to sidestep the law. Some stocked up before Prohibition took effect, while others frequented hidden speakeasies, made homemade moonshine, or purchased alcohol through the black market. 

Some even convinced doctors to write prescriptions for it. Patients paid around $3 for a doctor's note and $3 to have it filled, which was a pretty big sum in those days, enabling only the wealthy to be able to skirt the law. Some doctors abused the system by writing hundreds of prescriptions per day for ailments like indigestion, depression, cancer and anxiety. 

The collection includes more than 200 historic artifacts from moonshine stills to law enforcement memorabilia, vintage vehicles and Prohibition-era memorabilia.

Visitors may be surprised that bootlegging helped shape the early history of NASCAR, as rum runners modified their cars to outrun law enforcement. The museum also explores the rise of gangsters like Al Capone and explains why Savannah earned the nickname "The Bootleg Spigot of the South."

At the end of the tour is a 1920's speakeasy where visitors over 21 can enjoy a period-era cocktail.

Whether your interests lean toward contemporary art, or colorful American history, these two museums offer different but memorable experiences and make for an enjoyable day of sightseeing in Savannah.

Asheville: A Must-See Destination for Art Lovers

My husband and I are settling well into South Carolina and because Asheville is a mere 1.5 hours away, we finally decided to take a look and it turns out we didn't know what we were missing. One of my favorite things to do is post art I see on Facebook and it turns out, I had plenty to share.

Asheville leans into its quirkiness, like here with this coffee bus and below with this giant iron.

A Celebrated Mountain Destination

Before Asheville became one of the South's most celebrated mountain destinations, it was a busy railroad town, a haven for artists, and a shady refuge for people drawn to the Blue Ridge Mountains as a way to escape the summer heat.

Today, visitors can still discover pieces of that rich history tucked between trendy hotels, colorful galleries, and eclectic eateries. During a recent two-night getaway, I found myself exploring both Asheville's past and present.

Our trip began at The Moxy, one of the newer hotels located in the heart of the action.

What better way to check into a hotel than with a drink?

While decidedly modern, the hotel places guests within easy reach of downtown's restaurants, breweries, and attractions. The lively atmosphere, contemporary design, and walkable location make it an appealing choice for travelers who want to experience Asheville's energetic side while using the hotel as a comfortable home base.

A Repurposed Woolworth

One of my favorite discoveries was the historic Woolworth building in downtown Asheville. Originally opened in 1938 as a branch of the famous five-and-dime chain, the building now houses the Woolworth Walk. The former lunch counter and retail space have been transformed into a gallery showcasing the work of dozens of regional artists. 

The building retains much of its vintage charm while serving as a reminder of Asheville's long-standing commitment to the arts and we were glad we visited. I ended up with the bluebird photo and the cat perched among the books shown here.

Grovewood Village

Another stop that offered a fascinating glimpse into Asheville's history was Grovewood Village. Located adjacent to the famed Grove Park Inn, the village occupies buildings that once housed the weaving and woodworking operations of the Biltmore Industries. 

Today it is home to artifacts, art and even classic cars.

A Spectacular Stone Hotel

The Grove Park Inn from the front.

Not far from Grovewood Village is a spectacular stone hotel now owned by Omni. The historic Grove Park Inn has been welcoming guests since 1913. Built from massive granite boulders gathered from the surrounding mountainside, the Arts-and-Crafts-style resort, known for its humongous stone fireplaces and sweeping views, has become one of the south's most iconic destinations and has hosted celebrities, authors and presidents over the years.

When I visited the Grand Bohemian Hotel owned by Marriott in Greenville, I thought I had seen the largest stone fireplace featured in a hotel, but it turns out I had not. The Grove Park Inn fireplace, albeit more rustic, trumps that of the Grand Bohemian.  

A Cozy Speakeasy

A view from the bar.

When I read about the Crow and Quill speakeasy, of course I had to weave that into our plans, so my husband and I walked from our hotel to the cozy space tucked away behind an unassuming doorway on Lexington Avenue.

The Crow & Quill feels like a step back into another era. Opened in 2014, the speakeasy-style cocktail bar has become one of Asheville's most beloved nightlife destinations, drawing visitors with its dim lighting, antique furnishings, live music, and an extraordinary collection of more than 1,000 spirits, including hundreds of whiskeys. 

The entrance is intentionally discreet and adds to the sense of discovery that has made the venue a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

Laughs with LaZoom

She kept us laughing while regaling us with Asheville information.

Of course, no Asheville visit would be complete without a little fun. That's where the wildly popular LaZoom tour comes in. Equal parts sightseeing excursion and rolling comedy show, LaZoom delivers local history with a generous dose of humor. The guides have a knack for sharing Asheville's quirks, legends, and colorful characters while keeping passengers entertained from start to finish.

What makes Asheville so appealing is its ability to embrace both the new and the old. Historic buildings become art galleries, former craft workshops evolve into creative destinations, and nearly every street seems to tell a story. Whether you're interested in architecture, local art, history, food, or simply enjoying the mountain atmosphere, Asheville offers a blend of experiences that keeps visitors coming back.

After just two nights, I left with a camera full of photos, a deeper appreciation for the city's heritage, and a growing list of places I'd like to explore on my next visit. In Asheville, history and art aren't confined to museums—they're woven into the fabric of everyday life.