Find out at “Tuesdays with Grace,’ January 24 with the Babcock Theater Preservations Society
By Mary Gardner-Ruch,
My earliest memory of going to the movies at the Babcock Theater was to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs when I was around 5 years old. I cannot recall who took me, it could have been a parent, an older sibling, or my Grandmother. What I do recall is the magic of the film, the taste of the hot buttered popcorn, and the smell of the Theater. Back then, it cost about 75 cents to see a movie.
Throughout my childhood, it was a special outing when a film that we wanted to see came to Wellsville. I saw many of the Disney productions there. I remember the Litchards who owned the Babcock. Mr, Litchard would stand outside the door collecting tickets.
My neighborhood friend, Shelly, and I decided to dress up to go to the movies. We had matching dresses and were old enough to go on our own. Mr. Litchard commented on how nice it was to see two young ladies in dresses. It was a rare occasion.
The first double date that I had was the summer before Seventh Grade when my friends and I went to see a movie. I was a nervous wreck and when the boy held my hand, it was sweaty and awkward. There were so many first dates held there.
I remember going with groups of teens, boyfriends, and jumping out of my seat on to my friend’s lap during the movie Carrie.
Read the news from early 2025 when the Babcock Theater Preservation Society became official
So many of us who grew up in the Wellsville area have movies that have stayed with us that were experienced at the Babcock Theater. We have memories of sharing big boxes of popcorn or picking out candy and drinks. We have memories that involve outings with family or friends. Some of us remember wanting to sit in the back so we could hope for a first kiss in the dark.
There is something of value missing with the doors closed at the Babcock. If you wonder what the plans are going forward, you are invited to hear Barry Glickstein, Board Chair of the Babcock Theater Preservations Society address this. He will also talk about the history of the Theater. Barry is the guest speaker at the next “Tuesdays With Grace” on January 20th. The event takes place at Grace United Church at 289 North Main Street in Wellsville. A free lunch will be served at 12:30 and will be followed by the presentation. All are welcome.
