A Change of Scenery
by Jeff Yocum
How Majestic!
Moving pictures were all the rage in 1925. That’s the year Henry Scharf added an annex to the Gettysburg Hotel. The annex included more guest rooms, a gymnasium, and a 1,200-seat theater called the Majestic.
Just three years earlier, young Scharf was a freshman at Gettysburg College. He took control of the family’s hotel business at just 19 years old when his father passed away.
The Majestic would see the full range of motion picture formats, from the silent pictures to today’s CGI and AI films. The scope of the Majestic’s productions is not limited to films. Live performances have been enjoyed by audiences since the completion of the Majestic’s $16.5 million renovation and 80th birthday in 2005. Performances include Broadway shows, classical and popular music, dance, comedy, children’s shows, independent films, and cinematic classics.
President Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie were regulars. On one occasion in 1955, the Eisenhowers were attending the Majestic’s 30th anniversary. It happened to coincide with Mamie’s birthday, so the audience sang “Happy Birthday” to her.
The harsh days of winter will be here soon enough. We all will be looking for reasons to get out of the house to shake off some of winter dreariness. Consider spending an evening or two enjoying some of the Majestic’s charm. A visit to the website will let you know all the upcoming events and what dates to mark your calendars for a night of entertainment at www.gettysburgmajestic.org.
If you want to make a whole evening of your excursion, grab a bite to eat at the Lincoln Diner, located directly across the street, featuring good American-style food and a display of desserts.
The Majestic’s Grand Marquee.
The Lincoln Diner’s dessert showcase. Helpful
