San Jose Signs Index 

The Towne Theatre began its days as the Hester Theatre (1925)—San Jose’s first neighborhood theater. Following its opening, the Hester showcased silent films, accompanied by an organist, as well as live performances. In 1930, the Hester became the first theater in San Jose to install a sound system for the “talkies.” In 1955, the theater received a facade-lift and was renamed the Towne. Over the years, the Towne has presented Hollywood hits, pornos, independent films, and Bollywood favorites. This little neighborhood theater has been a fixture on The Alameda for nearly 100 years!
--Heather David