A former Nesquehoning theater that dates back to the 1920s but has sat silent since the 1960s, is coming down.

Demolition on the former Strand Theatre, later renamed the Roxy Theatre, on East Catawissa Street, began just before the new year; however construction crews made significant progress on the project this week, with the front of the theater expected to come down today.

It will then take approximately two weeks for the materials to be removed from the site.

Council had previous discussions with the building owner, Eli Goldwasser of New Jersey, after the building conditions began rapidly deteriorated.

The front windows and entrances were boarded up as a safety precaution.

Councilwoman Lois Kuba, who also serves as the borough’s historical society president, said that the demolition was being paid for by the owner so there was no cost to the borough.

According to historical records on Nesquehoning compiled by the late historian Denny Creitz, the theater building was designed by William Harold Lee and opened to the public in 1924.

The building, which had a mezzanine and domed ceiling, had a seating capacity of 1,000 and was known for its silent films and Vaudeville showings.

It was renamed the Roxy in 1929 when the theater introduced sound motion pictures.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the theater became a landmark for the town.

During World War II, patrons were asked to bring in metal. For every 25 pounds saved to help with the war effort, the patron would get a free movie ticket.

But television in homes led to a steady decline in the 1950s.

As a result, the theater was shuttered in the 1960s and has sat silent ever since.

Some items from the Roxy, including dishes that were given to guests on special nights, movie posters, film rewinders, and a row of seats, can still be seen at the Nesquehoning Historical Society museum. These items had been donated by former owner Bill Gardiner before selling the property to Goldwasser.