The Bijou Theatre is the oldest building in America that opened as a movie and live performance space and is still operating as a movie theater and live entertainment venue. The story began in 1909 when Lillian L. Ashmun purchased the property, located at 269-275 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport. She commissioned architect Ernest G. Southey to design a three-story commercial building to include an opera house and retail store. However, during construction, the plans for […]