With the double hazards of intense heat from the Carbon Arc lamps and the highly flammable nitrocellulose film, new safety regulations were set in place all over the country very early in the 1900’s. Projection booths had a lengthy list of requirements. The Patricia Theatre’s room has concrete floor, walls and ceiling. There are double clad metal doors which in the day of carbon arc lamps were to be kept closed for the entire movie. The projectionist was not allowed to open the door or to leave the booth as he must monitor the machinery at all times. Therefore a toilet and sink was available.
The projection windows or ports had automatic shutters that could close in an instant to prevent the spread of fire to the rest of the auditorium. The workbench for rewinding and inspecting film is galvanized metal. No wood was allowed in the booth, even chairs were to be metal.
There is a electrical room attached to the projection room where the city power source could be amplified to drive the projectors and lamps.
Friends of the Historic Patricia Theatre 