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Emerton (Bruce) Collection on the Pomona Fox Theater Reopening
0056
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Title: Bruce Emerton Collection on the Pomona Fox Theater Reopening
Collector:
Emerton, Bruce
Identifier/Call Number: 0056
Contributing Institution:
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Special Collections and Archives
Language of Material: English
Physical Description:
0.21 Linear Feet
(1 box)
Date (inclusive): 1931-2009
Abstract: The Bruce Emerton Collection on the Pomona Fox Theater Reopening contains materials relating to the time the Pomona Fox Theater
reopened in 2009 after being refurbished. The collection is primarily comprised of materials relating to the reopening of
the Pomona Fox Theater.
Advance notice required for access.
Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository
and the copyright holder.
[Box/folder# or item name], Bruce Emerton Collection on the Pomona Fox Theater Reopening, Collection no. 0056, Pomona Valley
Historical Collection, Special Collections and Archives, University Library, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection was donated to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona by Bruce Emerton in 2010. A related edition
of the
Poly Post was gathered from Special Collections and Archives files.
Bruce Emerton, former Architecture Librarian at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, collected items pertaining
to the history of the Pomona Fox Theater and its grand reopening in 2009.
The Pomona Fox Theater opened its doors on April 24, 1931 at a cost of $300,000. The Pomona Fox was designed with an Art Deco
design by architects Balch and Standberry of Los Angeles and equipped with 1750 seats. Designed with top-notch technology,
including a new projection and sound system and one of the first commercial air-conditioners, the interior décor of the Fox
featured murals and tapestries, elaborate plaster panels, ornamental iron work and couches.
During the 1950's and 1960's came the age of suburban living, freeway building and the rise of shopping centers and malls.
After a refurbishing in 1957, the theater fell in disarray in the 1960's and 1970's. It was closed in 1976.
The Pomona Fox Theater was bought by Arteco Partners and Glasshouse Inc. in 2008 to reopen the Theater. Now as a Historical
Landmark the theater was brought back to the original 1931 look with the help of "Friends of the Pomona Fox." The website
for the Friends of the Pomona Fox states that they are "non-profit organization, dedicated to the historic preservation of
the Fox and its role as a cornerstone of Pomona's Downtown."
This collection contains materials relating to the reopening of the Pomona Fox Theater. This collection includes one reprinted
newspaper article from 1931 documenting the grand opening with mention of the Los Angeles architects, Balch & Stanberry. The
majority of newspaper articles consist of the reopening that chronicle the changes that have been made such as technological,
building codes and market analysis. Included in the collection is a DVD that is a short documentary containing interviews
of past theater patrons. Also included in the collection are magazine articles and flyers dated at the time of the reopening
in 2009. The materials range from 1931-2009.
La Verne Magazine. 2009.
The collection was processed by Special Collections and Archives staff in 2010. The collection number was changed from SC2010.02
to 0056 and the collection title changed from Pomona Fox Theater Reopening Collection to Bruce Emerton Collection on the Pomona
Fox Theater Reopening in 2020.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Pomona (Calif.)