The Glove Theatre History
111 Years of Entertainment
Honoring our Past & Planning for our Future. For over a century, The Glove Theatre has stood as Gloversville's architectural and cultural crown jewel - from grand opening gala to near-demolition to thriving regional destination.
1914 - The Grand Opening
A new era dawned on October 9, 1914, with the Grand Opening Gala of the Glove Theatre - a music, movie, vaudeville, and civic venue designed by Utica-based architect Linn Kinne in the Classical Revival style, owned by Cady & Dartch. The theatre quickly became the centerpiece of downtown Gloversville's cultural life.
1920s - The Schine Era
In 1920, brothers J. Meyer Schine and Louis W. Schine purchased the Glove Theatre building as the flagship headquarters of Schine Enterprises. At its height, Schine Enterprises operated a theater chain of 150 venues across five states.
The Glove Theatre served as the testing ground for innovations in theater equipment before widespread distribution. In 1928, the Glove Theatre was among the first venues in the nation to be equipped with sound technology - a testament to its role as a leader in the entertainment industry.
1930s-1950s - The Golden Age
A complete makeover of the Theatre during the late 1930s resulted in the distinctive and beloved Art Deco architectural style, whose vestiges remain prominently around the theatre to this day. The iconic Glove marquee, with its hundreds of flashing incandescent lightbulbs, provided a sense of community and optimism during the depths of the Great Depression through the eve of the Second World War.
By the 1950s, The Glove Theatre was the largest movie house in Fulton County, with 800 seats serving as the community's centerpiece for entertainment and gathering. The theatre presented Paramount Newsreels and children's cartoon programming alongside Hollywood's finest films, renowned vaudeville performers, recording artists, and civic events—informing, entertaining, and delighting generations of community members.
1970s-1990s - Facing Demolition
After more than half a century since the Theatre's founding, Gloversville, like other communities across America, entered the era of Urban Renewal. The Glove ceased regular operations in 1971.
By 1995, the theatre was being strongly considered for demolition to make way for a parking lot. Thankfully, The Glove was saved by a group of dedicated community members led by Vincent DeSantis, The Glove's first president, who arranged to purchase the rickety, decaying building for $1 in 1995. The building reopened to the public in 1997.
What followed were years of fundraising, some programming, more fundraising, planning, repairs, and more fundraising - a testament to the community's unwavering commitment to preserving this historic landmark.
2000s - Community Theatre Renaissance
On October 25, 1997, the next era of The Glove Theatre began with a grand re-opening event: "The Phantom of The Glove."
Since then, The Glove Theatre has hosted, presented, and produced numerous movie screenings, musicals, theatrical productions, cultural events, and community gatherings. The theatre became a volunteer-driven organization, with dedicated board members and community supporters working to restore the building and expand programming.
Capital improvements during this era included radiant heating installation, ceiling restoration, and stage and lighting improvements—ensuring the historic venue could continue serving the community for generations to come.
Today's Programming: The Glove presents diverse year-round programs and entertainment including concert & tribute performances, movie screenings, theatrical performances and musical theatre, education and community events, and our free GloveArts Theatre Institute Summer Youth Theatre Programs. Many of The Glove's offerings are provided at little or no cost to the public, providing a place for family and friends to gather and celebrate the arts and our community.
2020s - Award-Winning Regional Destination
In the aftermath of COVID-19, the Board of Directors took an aggressive approach toward revitalization and programming, dramatically expanding the theatre's role in the community.
Major Milestones:
2022: Named to receive $1.993 million from New York State as part of the City of Gloversville's winning application for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), awarded by Governor Kathy Hochul.
2023: Named to receive an additional $2 million under the State of New York's Restore New York grant program.
*Both grants are reimbursement-based — The Glove will receive these funds as capital improvement work is completed and expenses are documented.
2024:
200+ events hosted throughout the year
7,800+ guests welcomed to downtown Gloversville
3,500+ volunteer hours contributed by 100+ volunteers
Launched GloveArts, providing FREE professional theatre training to 100+ students
2025:
Named the "Barbara V. Spraker Tourism Partner" by the Fulton Montgomery Chamber of Commerce -- for our role in promoting cultural tourism and enhancing the local arts scene. Glove patrons now come from not just Gloversville and Johnstown -- but also from Caroga, Amsterdam, Albany, Saratoga, Clifton Park, Utica, Syracuse and beyond!
Received a New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) grant that provided funding in 2025 ($49,500) to help cover a portion of our operating expenses, enabling us to bring more events to our stage.
Hired 2 employees to enable The Glove to continue our growth and to serve our expanding audience.
Partnered with many local organizations to expand their reach and ours -- including: Gloversville Schools, Gloversville Recreation Commission, Fulton County Regional SPCA, Caroga Arts Collective
Celebrated our biggest year yet for our FREE Summer GloveArts program – welcoming over 100 participants ranging from 1st to 12th grade!
Looking Ahead - Capital Improvements & Future Vision
While state grants totaling nearly $4 million will significantly advance The Glove Theatre's capital improvements, the Board of Directors continues to raise additional funding from both public and private sources.
The Glove is working with architectural partner Thaler Reilly Wilson (TRW) Architecture & Preservation to develop comprehensive design plans for:
The theatre proper (stage, seating, systems)
Second and third floor spaces
The carriage house space behind the theater
Our vision: Preserve The Glove's cherished historic past while ensuring a bright, sustainable future as a cultural and economic catalyst for downtown Gloversville and the entire region.
