The curved ‘window’ in the old photos of the Ritz reminds me of the curved ‘signature’ window in the now demolished Tivoli in Mishawaka Indiana that was recently taken down by a mean wrecking ball! If I ever find myself in Mishawaka Indiana I will stand before that former theatre’s location and have a moment of silence THEN pay the Mayor a visit!
And thank you, State of Florida for the money grant to help restore this theatre for future generations to enjoy! I know after being a member of Cinema Treasures that they all can’t be saved, but this one will be! :–)
And I view multi-screen, mega-plexes as door # l, door #2, door #3, etc. They simply have NO charm, but then again what does today’s youth know about….charm! :–(
Steve: Interesting to note that the Arcada Theatre is owned by someone in Seattle WA! Can’t believe that this Todd Smith has not responded, but hopefully he will as will Scott Price!
Steve: After reading about that theatre in Mishawaka, Indiana that made contact with that wrecking ball I’m more than hopeful that you can help with this theatre in St. Charles! That Illinois town has so much to offer and should continue to have a downtown theatre and that’s all I have to say about that, for now!
Steve: Sure sounds like you are working hard on your St. Charles theatre inquiry, but sorry to read that you aren’t getting any follow-up cooperation so will keep my fingers crossed in this worthwhile effort! At least you did have a positive theatre conversation with the Pres. of the St Charles Downtown Partnership which is a BIG step in the RIGHT direction. Keep pushing forward as all of us on CT are behind you to help with this ‘push’!
Ziggy: Just read your Buffalo comments. As everyone knows winters can be tough in Buffalo, but the other seasons are just fine and if one knows where to look one can find out of way great neighborhoods, historical buildings, wonderful restaurants and friendly folks along the shores of Lake Erie! I plan to check out the North Park Theatre and the Riviera this summer. I think Shea’s takes top honors for the City of Buffalo though.
Rob: Your Drive-In Nights video is beyond wonderful and the lyrics are RIGHT ON! And thanks so very much for including a copy of those RIGHT ON lyrics! You captured our drive-in memories in that song! Have a good Wyoming day!
Thanks Tom! Are these additional theatres that you have listed all gone now? The one called the Tennessee is also the name of the recently restored theatre in Knoxville TN and supposedly the Nashville Tennessee marquee is now at the Knoxville theatre since it was the same name!
Though I do recall the Roanoke star that was on the side of a nearby mountain that could be seen from near and far! The following website gives background information about this star: View link
I hope to see this theatre someday while traveling through VA as I am somewhat familiar with the area yet don’t recall the Grandin when I was there visiting a boyfriend who attended college with me in MI back in the 60’s.
Simply said……….restore NOT destroy!
The curved ‘window’ in the old photos of the Ritz reminds me of the curved ‘signature’ window in the now demolished Tivoli in Mishawaka Indiana that was recently taken down by a mean wrecking ball! If I ever find myself in Mishawaka Indiana I will stand before that former theatre’s location and have a moment of silence THEN pay the Mayor a visit!
And thank you, State of Florida for the money grant to help restore this theatre for future generations to enjoy! I know after being a member of Cinema Treasures that they all can’t be saved, but this one will be! :–)
“Inside, the auditorium held a balcony, a small orchestra pit, dressing rooms and an organ.” Is the organ still there?
So Feb. 10th will NOT be a grand day for us theatre buffs! :–(
And I view multi-screen, mega-plexes as door # l, door #2, door #3, etc. They simply have NO charm, but then again what does today’s youth know about….charm! :–(
John: Well said and I ditto your thoughts!
Don’t see many theatres listed as having Egyptian style and it’s GONE! So sad! :–(
Don’t senior citizens of SF like to see old movies?
Yes, another sad story which seems to ‘come with the territory’ when visiting this cinema site. And all in the name of progress! :–(
Steve: Never underestimate the power of this CT site and the members who are here to help with one’s worthwhile theatre project!
Bryan: Great idea and I’m sure Steve will appreciate this valuable information!
Steve: Interesting to note that the Arcada Theatre is owned by someone in Seattle WA! Can’t believe that this Todd Smith has not responded, but hopefully he will as will Scott Price!
Steve: After reading about that theatre in Mishawaka, Indiana that made contact with that wrecking ball I’m more than hopeful that you can help with this theatre in St. Charles! That Illinois town has so much to offer and should continue to have a downtown theatre and that’s all I have to say about that, for now!
Steve: Sure sounds like you are working hard on your St. Charles theatre inquiry, but sorry to read that you aren’t getting any follow-up cooperation so will keep my fingers crossed in this worthwhile effort! At least you did have a positive theatre conversation with the Pres. of the St Charles Downtown Partnership which is a BIG step in the RIGHT direction. Keep pushing forward as all of us on CT are behind you to help with this ‘push’!
Ziggy: Just read your Buffalo comments. As everyone knows winters can be tough in Buffalo, but the other seasons are just fine and if one knows where to look one can find out of way great neighborhoods, historical buildings, wonderful restaurants and friendly folks along the shores of Lake Erie! I plan to check out the North Park Theatre and the Riviera this summer. I think Shea’s takes top honors for the City of Buffalo though.
E. Summer: Interesting post in regards to the Tiffany lamps as I wonder how many historic theatres had or have Tiffany lighting?
The style Pueblo Deco would be interesting and different!
Rob: Your Drive-In Nights video is beyond wonderful and the lyrics are RIGHT ON! And thanks so very much for including a copy of those RIGHT ON lyrics! You captured our drive-in memories in that song! Have a good Wyoming day!
Can anyone tell me the Grand architect(s)?
Thanks Tom! Are these additional theatres that you have listed all gone now? The one called the Tennessee is also the name of the recently restored theatre in Knoxville TN and supposedly the Nashville Tennessee marquee is now at the Knoxville theatre since it was the same name!
I urge anyone who comes upon this page to click on Rob’s website and just enjoy! He has a guestbook you can sign, too.
Photos of the Roanoke star in fog, by day, at sunset and at night can be viewed at the following website: View link
Though I do recall the Roanoke star that was on the side of a nearby mountain that could be seen from near and far! The following website gives background information about this star: View link
I hope to see this theatre someday while traveling through VA as I am somewhat familiar with the area yet don’t recall the Grandin when I was there visiting a boyfriend who attended college with me in MI back in the 60’s.