This one-storey brick building on Portage Avenue in the St. James area of Winnipeg, measuring 32 feet by 128 feet, was built between 1925 and 1926 for theatre operator George A. Graham. It opened in January 1926 and operated until 1957 when the building became a community centre. It is presently (2024) occupied by a billiards room and restaurant.
The former Classic Theatre building (January 2020)
Source: George Penner
The former Classic Theatre building (May 2024)
Source: Jordan MakichukSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.87888, W97.21555
denoted by symbol on the map above
“The Classic, A new neighborhood first run house, owned by George Graham, has opened,” The Film Daily, 8 January 1926, page 4.
“City and district - replies to Mayor,” Manitoba Free Press, 28 April 1926, page 4.
“Get out of theatre in less than minute,” Manitoba Free Press, 22 November 1926, page 4.
Henderson’s Winnipeg and Brandon Directories, Henderson Directories Limited, Peel’s Prairie Provinces, University of Alberta Libraries.
“Reel life to real life,” Winnipeg Free Press, 13 July 2018.
This page was prepared by George Penner and Jordan Makichuk.
Page revised: 1 July 2024
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