John P. Harris
Encyclopedia
John Paul Harris was a Pittsburgh businessman and politician who opened the world's first theater devoted entirely to showing Motion pictures
.
Harris' work in the entertainment industry began at Harris Comedy and Specialty Co., a company run by his father that produced vaudeville shows. In 1897 Harris Comedy and Specialty Co. showed Pittsburgh's first motion picture. On June 19, 1905, Harris and his brother-in-law, Harry Davis opened a small film theatre in a Pittsburgh storefront. The theatre, known as the Nickelodeon, was the first devoted exclusively for the exhibition of movies.
In addition to owning theaters, Harris held shares in two National League
baseball clubs. From November 15, 1910-December 17, 1910, Harris served as the principal owner of the Boston Doves
. Following his sale of the Boston club, Harris purchased interest in the Pittsburg Pirates
.
Harris was also involved in politics. From 1922 until his death he represented the 45th District
in the Pennsylvania State Senate
.
The Harris Theater in Pittsburgh is named in honor of Harris.
Flim
Flim may refer to:*FLIM, Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy*Flim , from Northern Ireland*Flims, a municipality in Switzerland...
.
Harris' work in the entertainment industry began at Harris Comedy and Specialty Co., a company run by his father that produced vaudeville shows. In 1897 Harris Comedy and Specialty Co. showed Pittsburgh's first motion picture. On June 19, 1905, Harris and his brother-in-law, Harry Davis opened a small film theatre in a Pittsburgh storefront. The theatre, known as the Nickelodeon, was the first devoted exclusively for the exhibition of movies.
In addition to owning theaters, Harris held shares in two National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
baseball clubs. From November 15, 1910-December 17, 1910, Harris served as the principal owner of the Boston Doves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
. Following his sale of the Boston club, Harris purchased interest in the Pittsburg Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
.
Harris was also involved in politics. From 1922 until his death he represented the 45th District
Pennsylvania Senate, District 45
Pennsylvania's 45th Senatorial district includes parts of Allegheny County and Westmoreland CountyAllegheny County*Elizabeth Township*East Deer Township*Harmar Township*Springdale Township*North Versailles Township*South Versailles Township*Clairton...
in the Pennsylvania State Senate
Pennsylvania State Senate
The Pennsylvania State Senate has been meeting since 1791. It is the upper house of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Pennsylvania state legislature. The State Senate meets in the State Capitol building in Harrisburg. Senators are elected for four year terms, staggered every two years such...
.
The Harris Theater in Pittsburgh is named in honor of Harris.