Hey. What's up? Managed to weasel into the Liberty Theatre (also known as Hardy's) on Van Ness over the weekend as the Fresno Grand Opry show crew did some scout work for the upcoming KFSR benefit. Very happy about it as the inside has not been seen by most Fresnans.
The Liberty was built in 1917 and is Fresno's oldest theater. Mr. William Saroyan used to hang out there, so that makes it automatically awesome.
Keep in mind: We only had a iPhone without a flash, so the pics aren't good and fewer because of this... but they're something. Also, unable to do proper prep for this as it was a spur-of-the-moment sneak in.
Couldn't get this ticket dispenser to work. Curious to know what movie the last ticket was given out for:
The bottom level is still in decent shape as the current residents, Victory Church, try and keep it up the best they can. View of the stage:
Here's your seat, enjoy the show:
Bathrooms are located on both floors and in decent shape...
...just watch out for hornyass peeping pigons:
Watch your step as we head up to the balcony:
Some original fixtures remain (even with the modern bulbs):
View of The Chuck through grimmy second level window:
The balcony section isn't in shape. It could be still if somebody wanted to do some cleaning up though. You have to get through some stuff to get up there:
When you're sitting on the floor level, you almost can't tell there is a level above you, complete with good views of the stage:
There's a third level that can be accessed from the balcony. There are no seats, only benches (and junk):
Next we borrow a keychain light and sneak into the projector room. It's a mess and unused. But very cool as it looks like it hasn't been touched since the last film was played. There's even a film canister lying around...
... and bulbs and such for the projector...
There are two projectors in there, here's the back of one:
Side view:
That concludes our dimly lit tour. Drive safe:
Sorry. The tour deserves someone with a real camera and flash. But, you can take your own camera next month when you go to the KFSR "Fresno Grand Opry" benefit (although it's doubtful they'll be letting people in the balcony or projector room as it's sorta a lot unsafe). Purchase tickets. Event flier:
*Thanks to our Creative Fresno brothers along with these dudes (and Amanda's flashlight) for holding the door and to Pastor Ray of Iglesia Victoriosa Church.
