200 Block Main Street
William Kerr's Moving Pictures
photo credit: John G. Coleman Collection
William Kerr's original occupation was a jeweler. However, in 1906 he purchased property at 223 West Main Street, Smethport, PA, and opened Kerr Theater. The original offerings of the theater included stage shows and silent movies. His daughter Hester provided the music, including instrumentation and vocals. During his ownership of the theater, he lived in the apartment upstairs. The theater was later leased to Blatt Bros. of Pittsburgh and was operated as the "Star Theater." The property was deeded to Hester and her husband, William O. Halpenny, in 1946 and the theater continued to operate as the Star Theater until it was closed and sold in 1962 to Wallace Anderson of Mt. Jewett, PA.
1909
Sanborn-Perris Map
photo credit: Sanborn-Perris Insurance Map - Michael
Arthurs Collection