The first Victoria Theatre, built in 1915-1916, was located on the south side of Independence St. between 8th and Diamond Sts. Shortly after it was built, it was destroyed in one of Shamokin’s most costly fires with damages estimated at $1,000,000. The Woolworth Building was later built at this location.
The elaborate Beaux-Arts Victoria Theatre was built in 1917 for and housed the central offices of the Chamberlain Amusement Company, which operated eight theatre houses in the region. The “Vickie” opened in downtown Shamokin in January 1918 and was located at the corner of Independence and Diamond St. The theatre was later sold to Victoria Amusement Enterprises and managed by John Gillespie. In 1985, the theatre was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Designed by noted architect W. H. Lee, the building met the challenging entertaining needs of the day, showing movies as well as accommodating live stage performances. Lee, who began his architectural practice in Shamokin, later moved to Philadelphia. He was responsible for the design of over 200 theaters during his career including the Easton’s State Theatre in 1926 and the Reading’s Astor Theatre in 1928.