The Tower Theater, built in 1927, was opened a year later by John H. McClatchy as one of Upper Darby Township's first movie houses. Located just outstide the city limits of Philadelphia, the theater thrived in the busy area that was once the most highly traveled route to the city from the south. In its early years, Tower Theater showed both vaudeville acts and movies. Known for its natural acoustic properties, the venue has been used for recording live albums by many bands.