Don & Lois Divel (Official San Clemente Patriarch & Matriarch) in the theatre's forecourt, looking over the San Clemente Theatre's opening day program. In their school and courting days, they ushered at the historic hometown theatre.
Opening Day Program Dedication ~ THE BUILDER
• “Where once the lustrous California Moon threw her limpid beams down on the solitude of the great Creator there now stands man’s mighty contribution to beauty. The New SAN CLEMENTE THEATRE , woven out of the warp and woof of character and charm into a mantle of hospitality, and entertainment, this gorgeous institution is and will ever be visible evidence of the operators of the San Clemente Theatre’s profound faith in this city.
• “To you who seek the most of life, who naturally yearn for fitting intellectual stimulation, will come an ever increasing warmth of appreciation, as you respond to the moments of joy, hours of delight, nights of glorious romance and adventure in these inspiring surroundings.
• “Let the world move as it may . . . let crowns fall and governments totter . . . let the mountains rock and the very ocean overflow its restraining banks . . . the new San Clemente Theatre will remain an appealing shrine of comfort and luxury, a haven of relaxation.”
Adolph Ramish, President
PACIFIC STATES THEATRES, Inc.
Opening Day Program Dedication ~ A GRATEFUL CITY
• “The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce extends hearty greetings to the officers and executives of the San Clemente Theatre upon its opening in San Clemente.
• “The building is a fitting tribute to the progress of San Clemente. Its modern architecture, beauty of design, utility, and spaciousness indicate a faith in the future growth and development of this community which we know will be justified.
• “We are happy to have the influence and inspiration of this theatre, which has been erected through the insight and faith of the Capital Company to serve a public purpose with the satisfaction that it will contribute to the cultural values of San Clemente and the entire community.
• “We greet the management of the San Clemente Theatre and wish them every success and we pledge our support to the goal which we all have in common, our City and Community’s betterment.”
Roy R. Divel [Sr.], President
SC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Opening Day Program Dedication ~ THE ARCHITECT
SAN CLEMENTE, the city of old world atmosphere! How refreshing, how appealing, in this day of modernism, is this “show place” of Southern California, where community effort has perpetuated the glamorous and romantic past. Here is recalled the spirit of California of nearly a hundred years ago. Where along the El Camino Real could be found a spot more suitable to be found a “Spanish City” than here? Nestled among the gently rising slopes from the Pacific’s shores, San Clemente presents a scene of rare beauty unequalled in California.
In such surrounding has been erected the San Clemente Theatre, another unit in this fast growing community of fine homes and smart shops. Carrying out the style of Spanish California architecture adopted for the city, the theatre building is a fitting addition to the group of commercial structures fronting the main thoroughfare. The exterior treatment is an attempt to embody the informal lines and mass of early California buildings in a modern structure whose shape is generally set. The use of the typical tile roofs, hewn wood beams and textured plaster, has created an effect in keeping with the natural setting.
The interior treatment likewise has been kept as nearly as possible true to style, insofar as possible within the necessary requirements of a theatre structure. A modern note has been touched in the color decorations of the interior where the color scheme has been kept in a lighter character than is usual in a structure of this design. Seats, draperies and furniture have been carefully chosen for comfort and beauty, each element serving to create an intimate, restful atmosphere in keeping with the purpose of the building.
The architects are proud to offer the results of their efforts to the community of San Clemente and it is with no small amount of pride that they see this building project reach its finale on the opening of this building to the public. The architects wish to share the honor on its completion with the builders, the firm of Strang Brothers, whose cheerful cooperation has gone far toward the happy conclusion of this work.
