DESCRIPTION

This 1927 Art-deco Mediterranean/neon persona movie palace/event center (readings, guest speakers, Portland Ignite, comedy fest, etc.) has been beautifully restored and renovated by the brothers Mike and Brian McMenamin. There is a lot to soak in here, the indoor/outdoor eatery, the fabulous, palace -like theater, and the seven-storied pub and pool table area, located behind the movie screen.

The rectangular building sits on four consecutive lots, and it was built to last the years, on a reinforced concrete foundation, with concrete walls, covered in stucco.

“Building heights vary from three-and-a-half stories on the north to three in the middle to five on the south.” (https://kids.kiddle.co/Bagdad_Theatre)

Other architectural features not seen every day on buildings include “multi-paned transoms, fanlight transoms, red tile hoods above windows, decorative molding, mock rafters, and wrought-iron balconets.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagdad_Theatre)

To further guard against fire, and add to the beauty of their masterpiece, Universal also used a variety of shed, hip, and flat roofs of red tile.

Inside the theater itself, the decor and paintings on the walls depict a building located in the Mediterranean. Decor includes trompe-l’œil tiles used in brilliantly colored mosaics, ornate, wrought-iron lighting fixtures, barreled arched doorways, and motifs involving painted Mediterranean designs and characters: animals and mythological creatures.

After entering the 700 ft. lobby, the patron can go to the viewing area of their choice to see the film or event. What is unique is that the theater auditorium has couches and tables, where patrons can eat, drink and enjoy the film or event on stage as well. The in-house eatery offers light fare and home-made beer, which can be consumed inside the auditorium, or at the eatery’s inside or outside tables as well.

The seven-story high Backstage Bar and pool table area is both modern yet has the same aura and decor as its historical 1927 beginnings! A boatload of money went into this beautiful renovation project, which included a huge 20-by-20-foot mural depicting the various tales, characters and memories from the Bagdad, reflecting its colorful history since its opening. Painted by the current McMenamin’s artists, it is also a perfect venue for live music.

The one complaint that was voiced on the Yelp review site, is that sometimes the quality of sound isn’t up to snuff. This is one area that is expensive to upgrade, and one that Mike and Brian McMenamin are probably saving their money for in the future.

Inside the theater itself, the decor and paintings on the walls depict a building located in the Mediterranean. Decor included trompe-l’œil tiles used in brilliantly colored mosaics, ornate, wrought-iron lighting fixtures, barreled arched doorways, and motifs involving painted Mediterranean designs and characters: animals and mythological creatures.

entering the 700 ft. lobby, the patron can go to the viewing area of their choice to see the film or event. What is unique is that the theater auditorium has couches and tables, where patrons can eat, drink and enjoy the film or event on stage as well. The in-house eatery offers light fare and home-made beer, which can be consumed inside the auditorium, or at the eatery’s inside or outside tables as well.

The seven story high Backstage Bar and pool table area is both modern yet has the same aura and decor of its 1927 nature! A boatload of money went into this beautiful renovation project, that included a “huge 20-by-20-foot mural depicting the various tales, characters and memories from the Bagdad “, reflecting its colorful history since its opening in 1927, painted by the current McMenamin’s artists it is also a perfect place to be a venue for live music. The one complaint that was voiced on the yelp review site, is that sometimes the quality of sound isn’t up to snuff. This is one area that is expensive to upgrade, and one that Mike and Brian McMenamin are probably saving their money to correct this problem in the future.

HISTORY

Two years before the talkies came out in 1929, the Bagdad Movie House was designed byThomas and Mercier, built by Christman and Otis Development Company, at a cost of $100,000. The result was the creation of a unique and fabulous theater, to entertain the citizenry of Portland, in the style of Hollywood era movie palaces and bars.

It became a place to see silent films, live theater, orchestras, talkies, and live stage and vaudeville shows; to escape the world for a little while, and enjoy the interesting decor, murals, and finery! To add to the magic, the theater originally had a fountain, and its female ushers dressed in uniforms meant to appear Arabian.

It evolved with the times to appeal to people’s entertainment tastes, that kept the theater pumping along, offering a variety of films throughout its history. Its design and aura inspired a variety of uses, including probably a speakeasy during prohibition, and a 1970s Art House and “Hippie” hangout. In 1975, the world premiere of “One Flew Over the Coo Coo’s Nest” took place at this theater, with the cast of the film in attendance.

When it clearly became a serious fixer-upper opportunity, Mike and Brian McMenamin bought the whole property, and restored and renovated The Bagdad Movie House and Pub, and opened it up once again to enthusiastic crowds of fans and movie lovers. There is of course, a private event space, which brings in rental money as well.

These two men love to restore and renovate old ballrooms, movie houses and pubs, and then run successful businesses. They have saved and restored several properties in Portland, including The Crystal Hotel and Ballroom.

In 1989, The Bagdad Theater and Pub was listed on the National Directory of Historic Places. It hosted the premiere of the film, “My Own Private Idaho” in 1991.

HISTORY OF MANIFESTATIONS

People who die in theaters, either by suicide or accident, sometimes hang around to either continue what they did there while alive, or enjoy what the living are doing there, perhaps trying to help, or to get their chuckles by teasing the living.

The Scott Theatre, TX (A broken heart caused a rash action).

Variety Theatre, OH (The spirit who was a lead member of the theatre’s past stage and lighting crew, who probably directed them in their work, had a deadly accident, but is not deterred from continuing in doing his job for the living).

Woodstock Opera House, IL (A distraught young ballet dancer, Elvira, killed herself here and now stays on as the spectral arts enthusiast, coach and critic)

The Bagdad Theater and Pub, OR (A stagehand is said to have taken his own life, or suffered a fatal accident. He may continue to do his job).

Dedicated employees, managers or owners of a business sometimes come back and visit in spirit form, trying to help the new owners run their business.

Bair Bistro, WA (Former spectral owners are a handful for the living as they try to be members of the staff!).

State Theatre of the Arts, PA (A spectral theatre manager became its guardian: with patience and perseverance).

The Eagle Hotel, PA (This is a place where the spectral supervisor can learn your name, especially if you work here!).

The Bagdad Theater and Pub, OR (An entity seems concerned about the quality of work done by the theatre’s employees).

MANIFESTATIONS

PARANORMAL FINDINGS

While staff and patrons have been reporting their experiences for a long time now, there have been no reports that have been posted online of paranormal investigations done at the Bagdad Theater.

However, the Boise City Ghost Hunters Paranormal Research and Investigation Group has stated on their website that The Bagdad Theatre and Pub has spectral residents, and lists some of the paranormal activity. Perhaps they did a private investigation for the owners.

STILL HAUNTED?

Probably so, though there isn’t any real evidence shared to back up the claims of either patrons or staff. While the feeling of being watched can be caused by high EMF levels, it is also possible that one or two spirits are keeping the living company, as theaters often sustain paranormal activity because of all the energy being created by their public use. Suicides or accidents are known to cause restless spirits, and a manager/owner who took his or her duties seriously may well still be doing so.

More evidence should be caught and shared, so more can be made known of the possible paranormal activity. Since the McMenamin brothers hosted a paranormal investigation at one of their other properties, the Crystal Ballroom, during the Halloween season, they may be open to having a paranormal event at the Bagdad Theater.

LOCATION

3702 Southeast Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, Oregon 97214
(503) 236-9234

Bagdad Theatre and Pub sits on the corner of SE 37th Ave., and Southeast Hawthorne Blvd., in the middle of the popular Hawthorne District.

SOURCES INCLUDE

• https://kids.kiddle.co/Bagdad_Theatre
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagdad_Theatre
• https://boiseghost.org/resources/forum/topic/the-spirits-at-mcmenamins-bagdad-theater-portland/
• yelp.com
• Bagdad Theater Wikipedia page
• ghostsandcritters.com
• Haunts of Western Oregon by Kent Goodman, pg. 90, Schiffer Publications, 2009

Our Haunted Paranormal Stories are Written by Julie Carr

Our Photos are copyrighted by Tom Carr

Our Photos are copyrighted by Tom Carr

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