Saint John, New Brunswick

May 5, 2004 at The Imperial Theatre

Historic Saint John New Brunswick was the first stop on the inaugural tour of the Canadian Antiques Roadshow. Incorporated by Royal Charter in 1785, Saint John is the town where Benedict Arnold first settled after the American Revolution. Home to the country’s oldest continuing farmer’s market, Saint John was the former residence of Louis B. Mayer of MGM fame, Donald Sutherland and Walter Pidgeon.

The venue for the first ever Canadian Antiques Roadshow was the Imperial Theatre. The theatre was built in 1912-13 by the New York City vaudeville chain Keith-Albee. Until 1929, the theatre was used for vaudeville performances as well as ‘talkies.’ It was then renamed the Capitol and used as a cinema until it was purchased in 1957 by the Full Gospel Assembly. In 1982, with a $1.00 down payment, the theatre was purchased by a group of citizens. It was returned to its former glory and has been used, for its intended purpose, ever since.

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