The Belmont Theatre was located on 52nd Street near the intersection of several different neighborhoods in West Philadelphia. Some of these neighborhoods include Haddington, Dunlap, Mill Creek, and Walnut Hill. The specific location of the theatre most closely aligns with either Haddington or Dunlap, but the surrounding neighborhoods embodied similar cultures both then and now.
1910s (The Belmont Theatre is Built):
During the period the Belmont Theatre was built, this region of West Philadelphia was relatively prosperous. Local government and residents alike prioritized environmental conservation and community celebration. As represented by the dot map, the vast majority of this area was white.
1920s-1960s (Life of the Belmont Theatre):
Over the subsequent decades, the area underwent major population demographic shifts.
The population was still predominantly white in the 1930, but the number of Black residents was increasing.
During 1940, in the height of the Great Depression, the ratio of White to Black residents noticeably changed.
Though we could not find specific data for 1950, the 1960 data shows dramatic racial demographic changes from previous years.
Late 1960s-Early 1970s (The Belmont Theatre Closes):
During the period the Belmont Theatre closed, the Haddington area underwent a lot of major changes. Amidst the changing demographics, the physical neighborhood saw many attempts to modernize the area as well as establish a sense of community. In these attempts, residents were shoveled further into poverty, and spaces dedicated to the arts were now designated for businesses. Almost all the residents of the area at this time were Black.
Today (2023):
Sadly, most of the news surrounding the area today revolves around violent crime.
The area is currently a strange blend of small businesses and large corporations, and almost every building is either a store or a bank. On the SEPTA ride to the area, the train was packed and the majority of those onboard were Black. Upon entering the neighborhood, the majority of residents were also Black, and there were posters scattered throughout the neighborhood encouraging Black residents to fight against colonialism. When walking through the area, one is bound to hear the sounds of police sirens or see an ambulance zooming by. Though the Belmont Theatre is gone, the neighborhood still values the arts; All around 52nd Street Station, there are painting of Black icons like Omar Tyree, Barrack Obama, and Patti LaBelle, all accompanied by messages encouraging youth to explore the paths paved by said icons.
The location of the Belmont Theatre is now home to a garage (front) and an empty lot (back), both of which were covered in garbage.
In an interview with a lifelong resident of the neighborhood, she shared her experiences surrounding her perception of the neighborhood and how it has changed over time. According to her, the only building that has maintained the same purpose from the time of her childhood (1960s) was a Bank 3 blocks down. Most of the major changes in the neighborhood occurred in the 1970s, and building and business ownership changes constantly today. She had never heard of the Belmont Theatre.
Works:
VACANT LOTS IN CITY ALLOTTED FOR CULTIVATING: PHILADELPHIA SOCIETY PROVIDES NUMEROUS FAMILY GARDENS ON NEW HADDINGTON FARM FOR ITALIAN RESIDENTS IN CITY SECTION. (1915, May 25). The Christian Science Monitor (1908-) Retrieved from https://proxy.library.upenn.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/vacant-lots-city-allotted-cultivating/docview/509404946/se-2
April 22, 1917 (page 13 of 74). (1917, Apr 22). Philadelphia Inquirer (1860-1934) Retrieved from https://proxy.library.upenn.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/april-22-1917-page-13-74/docview/1829219887/se-2
Haddington area residents favor urban renewal plans. (1967, Jul 08). Philadelphia Tribune (1912-) Retrieved from https://proxy.library.upenn.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/haddington-area-residents-favor-urban-renewal/docview/532429281/se-2
FAIRORTH, L. (1967, Jun 24). 2500 families may have to pay $2,000 for ‘home improvements’: Haddington area residents ready to lodge protest. Philadelphia Tribune (1912-) Retrieved from https://proxy.library.upenn.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/2500-families-may-have-pay-2-000-home/docview/532467853/se-2
Haddington center activities: MODELING AND CHARM. (1968, Aug 03). Philadelphia Tribune (1912-) Retrieved from https://proxy.library.upenn.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/haddington-center-activities/docview/532635471/se-2