I have an interior photo of the Uptown, viewing the ornate architecture it is some what peculiar to movie palaces in America. The photographer is standing in the mezzanine, an Italian term that loosely translates into mid way or middle. This section is sandwiched in between the balcony and the orchestra level. Another peculiar design element is that the seats along the side , which are known as Opera Boxes , or Box Seats, usually are independent of the other seats. This design gracefully sweeps into the side walls of the theater. View link View link
I’m from New York City and we are facing the same predicament as you are, we are trying to save a 1916 Thomas Lamb designed theater building named Ridgewood. Although this theater is name an ornate palace like your Uptown, we share the same love for the memories and historic value that these buildings hold. I signed the petition without hesitation and wish you the best of luck saving the Uptown. Please do visit us in New York City, and check out the CT Ridgewood page.
The same fate that consumed the Ridgewood and Jahn’s Ice Cream parlor could very well happen to this well preserved specimen. The time is now to consider landmark status for the Keith’s.
In reply to the comments regarding Warren’s departure I concur with the previous posts, although I have had many off color replies to my posts by Warren which will definitely not be missed, he also had the most interesting photographs and information that truly enhanced the CT site, especially the RKO Madison page. But to this day no one has yet to have an interior photo of the Ridgewood during its glory days.
Thats great news John..too bad you did not have a camera to document Ridgewood’s past. I remember from Ridgewood’s single screen days it had a huge chandelier, was it still intact?
The retail space that is being proposed will require much renovations, but according to a local newspaper article, the owners will preserve any architectural elements during the conversion. This is an excellent thought, but the lobby which is fully intact should be land marked and integrated with the entrance to the theater, and the retail portion should remain isolated, with its portion kept on Cypress ave,which as it looks today, could use the enhancements.If anyone has visited the RKo Keith’s Richmond Hill, it appears that Ridgewood’s auditorium will appear the same way.
Peter,
That was a graceful comment on that person’s abusive comments which I have also received.I support your comment.
Could he be that matron you described that worked the RKO Madison in drag?
Peter,
I did see that photo of Madison’s lobby, it was indeed grand, I think it was provided by our friend the lighting specialist somewhere in these links.
Peter, Bway
The windows above the marquee as I previously stated must be there for lighting purposes as opposed to ventilation ,this being because the light fixtures of the day were inferior in their illumination.
This brings to mind what Madison’s chandelier must have been like. Being to the Ridgewood many times during its single screen days, it was huge and grand. I bet Madison’s was even grander.
I have an interior photo of the Uptown, viewing the ornate architecture it is some what peculiar to movie palaces in America. The photographer is standing in the mezzanine, an Italian term that loosely translates into mid way or middle. This section is sandwiched in between the balcony and the orchestra level. Another peculiar design element is that the seats along the side , which are known as Opera Boxes , or Box Seats, usually are independent of the other seats. This design gracefully sweeps into the side walls of the theater.
View link
View link
I’m from New York City and we are facing the same predicament as you are, we are trying to save a 1916 Thomas Lamb designed theater building named Ridgewood. Although this theater is name an ornate palace like your Uptown, we share the same love for the memories and historic value that these buildings hold. I signed the petition without hesitation and wish you the best of luck saving the Uptown. Please do visit us in New York City, and check out the CT Ridgewood page.
Hi friends, found an excellent site which contains photos of theater conversions which have some sections intact from their days of showing films.
http://www.marchandmeffre.com/
Glad you liked it..any theater fan should visit the Keith’s, its a magnificent step back into history.
Another former Queens theater, the Elmwood, now a beautiful church,also had a parking lot adjacent to the premises, which is now an apartment complex.
A local newspaper clipping from the Glory Days of the Keith’s.
View link
The same fate that consumed the Ridgewood and Jahn’s Ice Cream parlor could very well happen to this well preserved specimen. The time is now to consider landmark status for the Keith’s.
DJF7,
Does your mother have any recollection of exactly where in the Madison that the organ was located? I
In reply to the comments regarding Warren’s departure I concur with the previous posts, although I have had many off color replies to my posts by Warren which will definitely not be missed, he also had the most interesting photographs and information that truly enhanced the CT site, especially the RKO Madison page. But to this day no one has yet to have an interior photo of the Ridgewood during its glory days.
Thats great news John..too bad you did not have a camera to document Ridgewood’s past. I remember from Ridgewood’s single screen days it had a huge chandelier, was it still intact?
That must be the marquee that took a tumble.
This is the first photo I ever saw with Odd Lot occupying the former Madison.At this point I believe the auditorium was intact.
Much appreciated Lost Memory.
Re posting a link to the photos of the RKo Keith’s Richmond Hill, a very fascinating theater.
View link
Madison had one of the classiest marquees I ever saw..it attracts like a magnet..look at all those patrons!
Nice photo Lost Memory
Any photos of the Ridgewood’s auditorium?
Here’s some recent photos of the RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill.
View link
Time to rework the entire site, the interface does seem a bit antiquated.
Doing the same Bway.
Absolutely, and with the architecture preserved,many will visit.
The floor of the RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill is not leveled, it makes for an interesting way to display merchandise without it rolling off the table!
The retail space that is being proposed will require much renovations, but according to a local newspaper article, the owners will preserve any architectural elements during the conversion. This is an excellent thought, but the lobby which is fully intact should be land marked and integrated with the entrance to the theater, and the retail portion should remain isolated, with its portion kept on Cypress ave,which as it looks today, could use the enhancements.If anyone has visited the RKo Keith’s Richmond Hill, it appears that Ridgewood’s auditorium will appear the same way.
TStathes,
Nice work, very interesting and enjoyable..I hope this gets the ball rolling on restoration efforts.Good luck!
Peter,
That was a graceful comment on that person’s abusive comments which I have also received.I support your comment.
Could he be that matron you described that worked the RKO Madison in drag?
Peter,
I did see that photo of Madison’s lobby, it was indeed grand, I think it was provided by our friend the lighting specialist somewhere in these links.
Peter, Bway
The windows above the marquee as I previously stated must be there for lighting purposes as opposed to ventilation ,this being because the light fixtures of the day were inferior in their illumination.
This brings to mind what Madison’s chandelier must have been like. Being to the Ridgewood many times during its single screen days, it was huge and grand. I bet Madison’s was even grander.