At one time many years ago, Erie, Pa. liked to call itself the "Gem City." It's kind of an optimistic nickname, wouldn't you say? But the truth is that right smack in the middle of downtown Erie lies a true gem -- the Warner Theatre.

Built in 1931 for the then astronomical sum of $2 million -- don't forget that America was at the height of the Great Depression -- the theater has always been Erie's showplace. As a young reporter for the Times-News, I can recall writing stories on the occasion of the theater's 40th anniversary, when people in the 60's and 70's would remember strolling through the Warner's ornate lobby, and plunking down in a plush seat just to enjoy the cool of the theater's air conditioning system.

In 1971, though, the Warner was beginning to fall on hard times. Extravagant movie palaces were giving way to multiplex theaters in suburban malls, and nobody was quite sure what would happen to grand old ladies like the Warner.

Fortunately, forward-thinking city officials joined with state officials to sell the Warner to Pennsylvania, and turn the theater into a performing arts center.

The state has since pumped millions into the theater, and a local group of movers and shakers also raised a considerable sum to update the building. Today, the Warner is back in the headlines of the Times-News for the opening of a new addition at the rear of the theater.

An important part of the story for our readers, believe it or not, is the women's restrooms. The main theater is equipped with only a few stalls for women, which meant long lines at intermission at virtually every concert or stage show. Now, that should no longer be the case.

Last spring, when the Times-News featured a page 1 story about the lack of toilet facilities for women at the theater, photos of long lines of women was a big part of the coverage. Tacky? Well, I suppose tacky is in the eye of the beholder -- or, in this case, the reader. But we received a big response from women who said, in essence, "Thank you for pleading our case." And now, with the addition of the new toilets in the women's restrooms, there will be a total of 37 toilets at the Warner.

Incidentally, a large donation from the Times Publishing Company, which publishes the Erie Times-News, helped fund the new facilities. As always, we are here to serve.

-- Kevin Cuneo

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