The intersection of Proskurivska and Proskurivskoho Pidpillya Streets was developed in the late 19th – early 20th century, when these streets were named Oleksandrivska and Aptekarska (“Apteka” translates to “pharmacy”).
Nobleman Ludwig Derevoyed, owner of the best and largest pharmacy in the city built the high old house at the corner (13 Proskurivska Str.) This pharmacy occupied the entire first floor of the building, had a “koktory” – premises for pharmaceutical operations, an “herbal room” – a drying room for medical herbs, and a “compounding room” – for ordering and purchasing medicines. In the second and third floors were apartments, and by renting rooms the homeowner made a profit. That is why this and similar buildings were called “profits”.
A modern two-story house (15 Proskurivska Str.) was built opposite the pharmacy at the beginning of the 20th century. The restaurant “Slon” (“Elephant”) opened on the first floor and immediately became the most popular in the city. It was famous for its original cuisine, delicious snacks and desserts. Another feature of the restaurant was an orchestra of blind musicians who played every evening. Above the restaurant on the second floor were hotel rooms. In September of 1938 a film crew under the direction of the outstanding filmmaker Oleksandr Dovzhenko, stayed here while shooting scenes in Proskuriv for the film “Shchors”.
The city’s first movie theater the “Modern” opened in 1910 opposite the restaurant, in an old house №18 (now a children’s music school). In the evening it was illuminated by the glow of electric lamps. Advertising stands were placed at the front entrance and the front doors were decorated with artistic carvings (by the way, the original door has been preserved). A doorman was on duty. Inside the theater was a spacious lobby, a snack bar, and a hall for 200 persons with soft armchairs and sofas. During the film a small orchestra played, and just before the showing, the announcer presented the film title and summarized the plot.
Also in 1910 and just a few meters from the intersection, in a one-story building (34 Proskurivskoho Pidpillya Str.), another cinema – the “Oasis” also opened its doors. It was famous among Proskuriv citizens because it periodically provided its hall for performances of circus strongmen, athletes and wrestlers which was fashionable at the time. In 1930 the cinema was named after Lenin and became the most popular in town. Here, the premiere showings of films and film festivals took place. In the years 1944-1982 this building became the philharmonic theater and then in 1982-1992 years served as the “Myr” movie theater. Today, there are theater performances here by the one-actor-theater “Kut”, which was established in 1993 by actor Volodymyr Smotrytel.
