The magic lantern theater is a unique place that provides a glimpse into the history of past lives. Through the use of this ancient optical device, visitors are transported back in time to witness the stories of those who came before us. The magic lantern, also known as a projection lantern, was a precursor to the modern-day projector. It used a light source, such as a candle or oil lamp, to cast images onto a screen or wall. This simple yet ingenious invention allowed for the telling of visual stories in a captivating and immersive way. At the magic lantern theater, the narratives told are not ordinary tales.
The Maine 4-H Foundation took ownership of the Magic Lantern theater on October 14, 2021, and opened the new Magic Lantern Innovation Center in December of that year. The theater and restaurant continue to operate, and the center has become home to engineering, media arts, theater and film, marketing, and culinary arts. It offers internship experiences and aspirational programs for youth. Read more here.
The magic-lantern -- the first projector and one of the leading antecedants of the movies -- was invented in the 1650s, probably by a prominent Dutch scientist, Christiaan Huygens. With the advent around 1905 of both a successful movie thriller, The Great Train Robbery, and inexpensive movie nickelodeon theaters, the magic-lantern quickly declined as an entertainment medium, relegated to illustrating the songs sung between the reels of the early movie features, or as a single act in vaudeville shows, and to educational functions.
At the magic lantern theater, the narratives told are not ordinary tales. They are accounts of real people who lived in the past, each with their own unique experiences and perspectives. The stories cover a wide range of topics, including the struggles and triumphs of historical figures, the daily lives of ordinary people, and even mythical and fantastical events.
History of past lives on display at magic lantern theater
The primary source for the history presented here is: Bridgton, Maine 1768, 1994 An updated Bicentennial history by the Bridgton Historical Society Second Edition, 1993; people with ancient memories filled in much of the rest:
From the Very Beginning, a Vital Part of Bridgton:
About 1808, the first useful bridge was built on the site of Steven's Brook when most of the area was pasture and wetland. At this time there was no road eastward to Pondicherry Square; that was to follow in 1822. The "Tannery Bridge" as it is still known as today, was probably built in 1836. This coincides with the construction of the first tannery in Bridgton by Rufus Gibbs on the glacial moraine at the edge of the brook. Rufus understood the importance of quality tanned hides to the growing population. The tannery passed through several hands, eventually thriving while under the ownership of Horace Billings, Rufus' brother-in-law.
The tannery burned on December 27th, 1855, to be rebuilt within eight months; certainly, this is an indication of the need for its products. Records dated January 7th, 1859 show that 8,000 to 10,000 hides were being tanned annually, using six to eight hundred cords of hemlock bark, while employing an average of twenty-five men. During this period, operations on the site spanned the entire area between Stevens and Corn Shop brooks; Depot Street, as we know it, was added when the railroad was built in 1882. Another account dated December 9th, 1868 described the tannery as "one of the oldest and best-established manufactories in the region".
The tannery burned again in 1893 and was rebuilt, again, two years later, employing as many as fifty men during the peak season.
Eventually, the tanning business succumbed to the changing economics of the 1920s and sat idle from 1926 through 1928.
A New Way for the Site to Serve Bridgton:
Claude Meserve bought the tannery in 1929, demolished the front section of the principal building, retained its wooden rear section, and attached a multi-story cement block building to it. The new structure, "The Brookside Building" is fronted directly on Main Street, adjacent to Tannery Bridge. A reflection of the changing times, the primary purpose of the Brookside was to house a car dealership, with car storage space on the first floor and, yes, a movie theater on the second floor.
The Meserve Theater opened on Wednesday, June 5th, 1929 with On Trial starring Pauline Frederick, Bert Lytell, and Lois Wilson. Though the film is now lost and not much is now known about it, an advertisement in the Bridgton News tells us that "if you like a good clean mystery story you will be sorry if you miss this one". Admission was 15 & 35 cents.
As the decades rolled on through the 40's, 50's, ,60's and 70's, The Brookside hosted apartments, various stores and businesses, a dental office, a dress factory, a foundry, and manufacturing companies. The movie theater was renamed the "Mayfair", then the "Brookside", and eventually the "Magic Lantern". The theater's 300 seat auditorium with a performing stage was always a vital part of the town. Even as late as the 1970's when television had co-opted much of Bridgton's evening time, The Magic Lantern's performance stage thundered under the feet of mid-night Rocky Horror Picture Show revelers. In 1990, theater's auditorium was split into two theaters and the performance stage was removed, the stage a victim of changing Hollywood business practices.
The Magic Lantern over the years has always found ways to be creative. Tom Goodman, the Young Bearded Entrepreneur (YBE) and the proprietor of The Lantern was the first in Maine to install Dolby surround-sound, much to the joy of Star Wars fanatics. Stephen King's The Shining premiered there in 1980, with Mr. King attending, as a benefit for the local hospital. The Manchurian Candidate also premiered in 2004 at The Lantern with its director Jonathan Demme seeing the final product of his efforts for the first time.
On Sunday, October 2nd, 2005, the last films were shown in the Brookside Building. Just Like Heaven, The Forty-Year Old Virgin, and The Chipmunk Adventure closed out seventy-six years of entertainment. The house was packed and the fond memories flowed. The Brookside Building's cement block structure could no longer manage the shifting ground underneath. Starting with pasture and wetlands, and then for 170 years the piling hemlock bark, boards, and anything else available on the site proved not to be a good way to build. During its last years, The Brookside Building's walls sagged and floors buckled, eventually sealing the fate of one of Bridgton's icons. On February 7th, 2006, the heavy equipment moved in and The Brookside Building was no more.
Or was it? Reinventing Again for the 21st Century:
A Town Meeting was held on December 13th, 2005 to consider offering special tax incentive status to the owners of the Magic Lantern. The turnout was overwhelming with more than 100 voters speaking, unanimously, to pass a Tax Increment District designation for the site. Inspired by the passions shared at the meeting and filled with resolve, the Magic Lantern's team committed to rebuilding The Lantern with some of the same, and much more of the new. The site on the glacial moraine, next to Steven's Brook, by Tannery Bridge, continues its cycle of building, razing, and building again. Always the vital center of Bridgton, changing as the world changes around it, the cycle continues.
The Next Big Shift: Can the Magic Lantern Movie Theater Spark Creativity? Learning? Connection?
The Maine 4-H Foundation took ownership of the Magic Lantern theater on October 14, 2021, and opened the new Magic Lantern Innovation Center in December of that year. The theater and restaurant continue to operate, and the center has become home to engineering, media arts, theater and film, marketing, and culinary arts. It offers internship experiences and aspirational programs for youth. Read more here.
R for some sexual content, language and bloody images.
What makes the magic lantern theater truly special is its ability to breathe life into these stories. The images projected onto the screen are often intricate and detailed, capturing the essence of the time and place they depict. Sound effects and narration further enhance the experience, making it feel as if one is truly a part of the story being told. Visiting the magic lantern theater is not just a form of entertainment; it is an opportunity to learn and reflect on history. The stories presented are carefully curated to represent different epochs, cultures, and perspectives, providing a comprehensive view of the past. By witnessing these stories, visitors are given a deeper understanding of the complexities and richness of human history. The magic lantern theater serves as a reminder that history is not just a series of facts and figures. It is a collection of individual stories, each contributing to the tapestry of human experience. Through the medium of the magic lantern, these stories are brought to life, allowing us to connect with and learn from the past. In conclusion, the magic lantern theater is a fascinating place that offers a unique way to explore the history of past lives. Through the use of this ancient projection device, visitors are able to witness and engage with captivating stories from different eras. By bringing history to life, the magic lantern theater provides an immersive and educational experience that enhances our understanding of the past..
Reviews for "Unraveling the mysteries: An immersive experience of past lives at the magic lantern theater"
1. Jane - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed by the "History of past lives on display" show at the Magic Lantern Theater. The concept sounded intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The entire presentation felt disjointed, and it was difficult to follow the narrative. The transitions between different past lives were abrupt, leaving me confused and unable to connect with any of the characters. The visuals were underwhelming and felt outdated. Overall, I left the theater feeling unsatisfied and wishing I had chosen a different show to attend.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - The "History of past lives on display" show was a complete waste of time and money. The storyline was convoluted and lacked depth. There was no character development, and I found it hard to care about any of the individuals portrayed. The set design and costumes were unimpressive, making it difficult to immerse myself in the different time periods. The show felt like a series of loosely related scenes with no clear purpose or message. I left feeling confused and disappointed in what could have been a fascinating exploration of past lives.
3. Amy - 2/5 stars - I had high expectations for the "History of past lives on display" show, but unfortunately, it failed to meet them. The pacing was incredibly slow, and there were several moments where I found myself drifting off. The dialogue was often unnatural and stilted, making it hard to connect with any of the characters. The performances were lackluster, with little emotion or depth. Overall, the show lacked coherence and failed to effectively explore the concept of past lives. I wouldn't recommend it to others looking for an engaging theater experience.