The LaSalle was designed by Harle B. Long, a local Kirkland Lake architect; it was financed and constructed by KL investors who formed “Cinemas Rousson-Trudeau Ltd.” The contractors and suppliers who contributed to the construction of the LaSalle were all local Kirkland Lake businesses and trades people.
The LaSalle was a state of the art facility intended to present first run films and live theatrical productions. It was constructed at a cost of $125,000.00 in 1939.
In its first incarnation the LaSalle: presented 3 new programs weekly; booked films and live performances provided through “RKO Vaudeville” and local talent; ran continuous showings from 1:00 p.m. daily; and presented 3 weekly midnight shows.
Alas, this ambitious schedule was cut short by the onset of World War II. The LaSalle closed in mid 1940 and was used as a Pentecostal Tabernacle until it re-opened as a first run film theatre in 1945.
The theatre operated from 1945 (with several short closures) until January of 2012 – when it finally closed.
The LaSalle Theatre is one of the very few intact remaining Art Deco theatres in North America; this is due to the dedication of the original owners, the Kaplan family and their associated companies (who puchased the theatre in 1945), Wendy Sadoquis (who purchased the theatre in the mid 80’s and ran it for 17 years), and Robert Kasner and family (who purchased the theatre in the early 2000’s) and who undertook several important renovations including an overhaul of the original electrical system.
As of May 22, 2013 the LaSalle Theatre is now under the ownership of “SaveTheLasalle” – a non profit corporation.
The content of this listing was copied from:http://www.savethelasalle.com/history This listing was uploaded by the National Trust for Canada, on July 8, 2024. Please confirm details at the site’s own website before planning your visit. Are you the owner/operator of this historic place? Would you like to make changes to this listing? Please contact us at historicplacesday@nationaltrustcanada.ca
