Lyman H. Howe (1858-1923)
Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
From headquarters in Wilkes-Barre, Howe's six touring shows introduced motion pictures to rural Americans. Pioneer exhibitor of "high class" film programs with coordinated sound. Filmed world & local events, including Pres. Theodore Roosevelt's visit here in 1905.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
From his base in Wilkes-Barre, Lyman H. Howe ran six touring companies that carried the new marvel of motion pictures to small towns and rural audiences across America. Billing his programs as "high class," he paired films with coordinated sound effects and captured world and local events alike—including President Theodore Roosevelt's 1905 visit to the city. For many Americans, a Howe show was their very first movie.
Why it matters
Howe helped spread early cinema beyond the big cities, shaping how ordinary Americans first encountered the medium that would dominate 20th-century entertainment.
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Related people
- · Lyman H. Howe
- · Theodore Roosevelt
Themes & tags
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