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Officially opened Dec. 26, 1941 as the Roxy Theatre, the building was a state of the art movie theatre employing the latest construction techniques, audio equipment and safety features. Designed by noted Toronto architect, Benjamin Swartz, the theatre was part of a chain of movie theatres owned by Samuel Fingold under the name of Roxy Theatres. Described in the Dec. 26, 1941 issue of the Standard-Freeholder as "One of the finest theatres in the province....costing approximately $75,00, the new Roxy.....displays the very finest in theatre construction and convenience." The port Theatre has gone through several renovations in its lifetime both inside and out. but the original structure itself remains basically unchanged from the day it opened. The Port is the last existing neighbourhood theatre in the city of Cornwall that continues to operate for the showing of movie films. The specific features of the heritage importance of the Port include: Rounded plaster valence in the foyer directly in front of the concession stand including a vaulted ceiling. Pot lights under the outside canopy including several hundred little exterior bulbs. Original exterior terrazzo flooring in the vestibule Rounded entrance way (plaster bulkhead) in the shape of an Art Deco "R" at the bottom of the stairs leading to the balcony (the R standing for Roxy). The seat support standards with a small crest/emblem at the end of each isle. There are many more features listed in the new bylaw document that will be available soon in the history room of the Cornwall Public Library for your viewing on request. -30-
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