The Shore Theatre opened its doors on October 28, 1946, in what was known as the Armory Hall on Southeast Front Street. However, the Shore Theatre was not the first location where thespians honed their craft. The first mention of theatre in Milford was in Dorsey Hall.
According to the Milford Historical Society “History of Milford, Delaware,” W.N.W. Dorsey constructed a brick building in 1878 on vacant land where the Windsor Hotel now stands. The first floor held retail establishments, and the second floor held sleeping rooms. The third floor was to be used as a public hall. Once it was completed, it was known as Dorsey Hall.
“Many were the theatrical entertainments and dances given there so that the very name still brings pleasant recollections to our older citizens,” the book, written in 1926, reads. “Dramatic societies were formed by the young people and plays and musicales were put on that required long rehearsals and were really good productions to which the entire town looked forward.”
The book recalls a performance on Thanksgiving night in 1883 put on by the Milford Dramatic Club called “Among the Breakers.” The cast included Dan Collins, Dan Hirsch, May Davis and Lillie Maranville. The next year, the Young People’s Literary performed “The Boston Dip” with a cast including Lynn Pratt, Katie Humes, Virginia Gilman and Lillie Causey.
In 1890, an amateur theater group was caught in a photograph which included Minnie Sipple, Nan Abbott, Addie Johnson, Mary Ratcliff Baynum, Cora Pitcher Evans, Bess Sample, Van Lewan and Mame Smith Macklin as well as a few unknown young ladies.
In 1897, a production of “The Daughter of the Regiment” was performed with the part of “Cigarette” played by Lizzie Sidham. Sidham was just one of a group of young people known for their acting and musical ability. Many were taught music by Emma Delamater.
Nixon’s Palace Theatre was the first to bring silent movies to Milford. Nickelodeons were popular in stores, but soon people shifted to movie houses. Nixon’s was located in the Jump Block, the west side of Walnut Street. The theatre was owned by William Warren.
In 1922, the Plaza Theatre opened on the land where Jesus Love Temple stands today. The town was very proud of this theatre as it was luxurious and held a large audience. There was also an “open air” movie located on the corner of North Washington and Northeast Front Street.
On September 23, 1946, the Plaza Theatre caught fire and burned with firemen still on duty 12 hours later. It was rebuilt and became the Schine Theatre with seating capacity increased from 1,000 to 1,800. Until it was reconstructed, movies were shown at the Community Building or the Old Firehall.
The Lions Club and other groups put on minstrel shows at the theatre and high school graduations were held there.
On October 28, 1946, the Shore Theatre opened in the Old Armory Hall. A gala opening included a dedication by Dr. Frank Herson and words from the Honorable J. Wallace Woodford, Mayor of Dover. The Honorable Mayor Edward C. Evans spoke as did James P. Pierce. There as a production of “March of Time” by the Problem Drinkers and the performance of “Here Comes the Circus” by “Novelty.” A cartoon entitled “Exterminator” was followed by the feature presentation “Junior Prom” starring Freddie Stewart, June Presser and Judy Clark.
