I was in the Roxy for a concert given by Olympic College showcasing their Jazz ensemble and band. The place is amazing, It would be an easy restore and should be bought by someone who will turn it back into a cinema. While competition with the multi screen venues is not possible a specialty movie house might work along with live events. This is an “art modern” dream. The building is in very good condition thanks to the church,(although a little seedy). At least it has not been destroyed like so many others.
Just had the pleasure to tour the theatre, and I must say it looks incredible! Aberdeen is going to have a fist class entertainment venue when this place re-opens in mid-year. Although I have had the good fortune to tour the place several times since the renovations started I am always amazed at the beauty of the D&R. Another treasure has been saved from oblivion.
This is what a multi screen cinema should look like. If more owners were to spend the money and the attention to detail it would bring back the magic and escape of going to the movies. This place embodies all of the qualities of the old picture palaces and none of the cookie cutter attributes of the modern multi screen cinema.
The Lynwood now has an Organ of it’s own. We purchased a Conn 652 and used it in January with a screening of “The Gold Rush” staring Chaplin. It sounded great and now makes it easier for us to do a wider variety of programing.
John Yonich is doing a magnificent job with the D&R, one can only hope that he can come to an agreement with the church to purchase and save the Aberdeen (Warner) theatre. A restored Aberdeen theatre along with the D&R and the Morck Hotel will jewels in the crown for Aberdeen’s rebirth.
Just received a call from my mother who lives in Aberdeen and she stated that the marquee has been installed. I can’t wait to make a trip to Aberdeen to take a look for myself! I’m sure it’s spectacular! If anyone has any photo’s they can post it would be great to see.
It’s a movie! Fiction not reality, NY is the subject for many films that include it’s destruction because NY is one of the most famous cities in the world. While what happened on 9-11 was tragic and should be held in a place of respect and rememberence, this film and it’s ad material is in no way offensive. I doubt NY is going to forgo all the film revenue on future projects just because the material may inclue the cities destruction.
The Lynwood now has a new marquee made of S.Steel and is emblazioned with neon. The new signage was in the process of being fabricated when the photo was taked by Lost Memory. Also the front of the theatre as well as the building has been cleaned up and is nicer looking today.
Was in the 7th st. on 10/30 for the “In the Mood” 1940’s big Band show and what a treat! There was a very large audience, almost capacity, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. It was nice to see an historic theatre with a house full of people!
Was just in the D&R on 10/30 and work is coming along. There’s a long way to go but this place is going to be AMAZING when finished.. Theatre should be open before the end of 2008.
That’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time. Having grown up there and seen the steady decline of the harbor it always made me sad to go visit and look around only to see less and less of my hometown. This area has GREAT potential!
Aberdeen needs to gasp!! Hopfully this will kick the other business owners in the rear and prompt some serious downtown revitalization!!! Other than the Morck Hotel and the theatre’s.
Lost Memory, thanks for the great photo’s, here’s what I have been told is being done to the theatre. The marquee and awning is being reproduced. The marquee that is going back up is going to resemble the “Art Deco” 2nd one that graced the theatre dating from about 1935. The one that came down is from the late 40’s. The box office is going to be restored and the tiled entrance is going to be re-done to also resemble the way the theater looked in the 1930’s. I believe the current Box will be retained although it is from the late 40’s. The roof has been repaired and the paint on the building has been redone. Now that the building is sealed up for the winter interior work is going to begin. I was informed by the project mgr that the plan is to have the place re-opened sometime next year. This theater is going to be used as a live venue and should be first class when finished.
Recieved an e-mail from a gentleman who toured the Aberdeen last week and he states that the place is relatively intact. From the sound of his description the chruch has painted over all the decoration except in the balcony so a full restoration would be needed. Not to mention putting the lobby back into the original configuration. There is a screen but all sound and projection equip. has been removed. Seats would have to be replaced also. Thankfully there is a very extensive photo record of how the place once looked and most of the changed are painted decor. So it shouldn’t be to expensive or hard to replicate. The biggest challange is going to be the lobby, outer foyer, and a marquee.
I worked for Tom Moyer (Luxury Theaters)in the early 1980’s and was visiting the home office in Portland and had an opportunity to visit the Fox. The theater was in great shape very well kept and the auditorium was beautiful. His other theaters especially the ones outside of Oregon were not very nice But this one was amazing. It was like stepping back into the 1940’s / 50’s. Nothing much had been done from the last remodel, the colors and interior styling were just as Fox West Coast had put in. Such a shame!
I did'nt write this, the above comment was writen by TJ Faddis who just happened to be using my computer and the site was signed on in my name. She didn’t see my sign on when she wrote the above comment.
In reviewing my previous postings it has been almost 2 years since my last visit inside the theatre. That explains the difference in interior conditon.
I was very briefly in the D&R on Tuesday 8/28/07 and had a chance to look around with all the junk from the provious owner removed. It has been about a year since the last time I was in their and there is more deterioration. It looks like the place was rescured in the nick of time. The previous owner took all the lighting fixtures and pretty much stripped the place so John Yonich will have to replace everything. But the bones are solid so it should be a real show place when he is finished. Aberdeen is very lucky to have someone who is willing to spend the kind of resources that it is going to take to put this building back togather again. Not to mention the Morck Hotel and the other projects that are planned. My hat is off to you Sir.
As an outsider to The 7th Street Theatre, I recently had chance to see the place. My initial response of seeing the grandeur of this treasure was, “My word, what an exqui- … WHAT THE HELL ARE THOSE DOING THERE?” Who in heaven’s name would mount huge JBL speakers in the sky? It certainly destroys the illusion of an atmospheric theater!
As future improvements come down the pike for this exquisite theater, my hope is that the powers-that-be keep in check those neanderthals who only see what task they have at hand with absolutely no regard to the asthetics of this historic gem. Get a second opinion from another set of “experts” before allowing a goon squad to destroy your atmospheric qualities. There will always be SOMEBODY who can appreciate your unique theatre while providing your needed services.
Best of luck with your ceiling repairs and repainting. This will enhance the 7th Street even more. Once completed, the effect will stun everyone who comes thru your front doors.
A note about your seats: The seats themselves have lost their spring and comfort capabilties. They need replaced – also because today’s posterior is larger than those fannies from the 1920’s. If you were to contact the original manufacturer [and several are still in business, like Irwin Seating Company], they would send someone out to see your theatre and propose overhauling your seats – in the same style & using those wonderful iron end plates – into something more plush and comfortable … all the while using your original seat design. You would lose some seating capability with the wider seat cushions, but would that affect your overall box office draw going from 1,000 seats to 850?
My last suggestion would be to replace the dingy fabric on the back walls and on front of the projector booth with a lovely new wall fabric available to theaters today. This fabric is almost carpet-like in its appearance and comes in a LOT of colors. You could find one that most fits the decor of the 7th Street, and best of all, it’s fairly affordable. It goes up with glue, has a textured appearance, is virtually undamagable by human hands, and provides the sound dampening effect you need back there. And it looks great. If you’d like to know what fabric I’m talking about, let me know and I’ll research it for you.
You guys have a real jewel in the 7th Street Theatre, and you should be commended for the hard work and dedication you put into the place. To my mind, the 7th Street Theatre rivals Seattle’s Paramount and 5th Avenue Theaters. I hope one day to see it in all its original splendour.
It’s true the Aberdeen theater is going to be re-opened as a movie house. The format has'nt been decided yet and there are some restoration issues to be taken care of. I just found out that this theater opened as the “Roxy” then it became the “Warner Bros.” then “Warners” and finaly the “Aberdeen”. The “Roxy” moved over next to the Finch bldg on Heron st. sometime in the early 1930’s. If my memory serves me correctly the theater opened in October 1929 a couple of weeks before the stock market crash. All the news paper articles state it opened in 1930. There used to be the exact date written on the wall in the projection booth by the first projectionists. Also I have been told that the place is in really good condition so a lot of money won’t have to be invested to get the place running again. John Yonich said he would like to remove the churches remodel in the front and restore the entrance with the box office and of course erect a marquee. This was such a pretty theater that any restoration work will only enhance a building that was a vital part of the harbors entertainment history.
Also, as far as the seating issue, the downstairs seats in the D&R were from the 1949 redecorate and they are good seats so it would depend on what they now look like. The balcony seats were the original ones (1923)and the same thing applies. I know you can send them all off and have them refurbished and they wil be returned looking like brand new so the decision is going to be based on the cost of refurbishment vs purchasing used seats and their condition. Personnally I would probably go with newer seats, just NO high backed ones. Patron comfort is the key.
Rocky, my e-mail address is I would like to speak to John very much, or anyone connected with these projects. I would also be willing to help in any way I can, I have a lot of information and am willing to provide time, labor, info, or whatever is needed.
I was in the Roxy for a concert given by Olympic College showcasing their Jazz ensemble and band. The place is amazing, It would be an easy restore and should be bought by someone who will turn it back into a cinema. While competition with the multi screen venues is not possible a specialty movie house might work along with live events. This is an “art modern” dream. The building is in very good condition thanks to the church,(although a little seedy). At least it has not been destroyed like so many others.
Just had the pleasure to tour the theatre, and I must say it looks incredible! Aberdeen is going to have a fist class entertainment venue when this place re-opens in mid-year. Although I have had the good fortune to tour the place several times since the renovations started I am always amazed at the beauty of the D&R. Another treasure has been saved from oblivion.
Yes it can, and in any town. There is always going to be a market for smart intelligent film entertainment.
This is what a multi screen cinema should look like. If more owners were to spend the money and the attention to detail it would bring back the magic and escape of going to the movies. This place embodies all of the qualities of the old picture palaces and none of the cookie cutter attributes of the modern multi screen cinema.
The Lynwood now has an Organ of it’s own. We purchased a Conn 652 and used it in January with a screening of “The Gold Rush” staring Chaplin. It sounded great and now makes it easier for us to do a wider variety of programing.
John Yonich is doing a magnificent job with the D&R, one can only hope that he can come to an agreement with the church to purchase and save the Aberdeen (Warner) theatre. A restored Aberdeen theatre along with the D&R and the Morck Hotel will jewels in the crown for Aberdeen’s rebirth.
Great photo’s from everyone, This new sign is amazing!!!
WOW! That’s great. Tom I would like to know what’s going on with the rest of the work. Drop me a note at talk to you soon.
Just received a call from my mother who lives in Aberdeen and she stated that the marquee has been installed. I can’t wait to make a trip to Aberdeen to take a look for myself! I’m sure it’s spectacular! If anyone has any photo’s they can post it would be great to see.
It’s a movie! Fiction not reality, NY is the subject for many films that include it’s destruction because NY is one of the most famous cities in the world. While what happened on 9-11 was tragic and should be held in a place of respect and rememberence, this film and it’s ad material is in no way offensive. I doubt NY is going to forgo all the film revenue on future projects just because the material may inclue the cities destruction.
The Lynwood now has a new marquee made of S.Steel and is emblazioned with neon. The new signage was in the process of being fabricated when the photo was taked by Lost Memory. Also the front of the theatre as well as the building has been cleaned up and is nicer looking today.
Was in the 7th st. on 10/30 for the “In the Mood” 1940’s big Band show and what a treat! There was a very large audience, almost capacity, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. It was nice to see an historic theatre with a house full of people!
Was just in the D&R on 10/30 and work is coming along. There’s a long way to go but this place is going to be AMAZING when finished.. Theatre should be open before the end of 2008.
That’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time. Having grown up there and seen the steady decline of the harbor it always made me sad to go visit and look around only to see less and less of my hometown. This area has GREAT potential!
Aberdeen needs to gasp!! Hopfully this will kick the other business owners in the rear and prompt some serious downtown revitalization!!! Other than the Morck Hotel and the theatre’s.
Lost Memory, thanks for the great photo’s, here’s what I have been told is being done to the theatre. The marquee and awning is being reproduced. The marquee that is going back up is going to resemble the “Art Deco” 2nd one that graced the theatre dating from about 1935. The one that came down is from the late 40’s. The box office is going to be restored and the tiled entrance is going to be re-done to also resemble the way the theater looked in the 1930’s. I believe the current Box will be retained although it is from the late 40’s. The roof has been repaired and the paint on the building has been redone. Now that the building is sealed up for the winter interior work is going to begin. I was informed by the project mgr that the plan is to have the place re-opened sometime next year. This theater is going to be used as a live venue and should be first class when finished.
Recieved an e-mail from a gentleman who toured the Aberdeen last week and he states that the place is relatively intact. From the sound of his description the chruch has painted over all the decoration except in the balcony so a full restoration would be needed. Not to mention putting the lobby back into the original configuration. There is a screen but all sound and projection equip. has been removed. Seats would have to be replaced also. Thankfully there is a very extensive photo record of how the place once looked and most of the changed are painted decor. So it shouldn’t be to expensive or hard to replicate. The biggest challange is going to be the lobby, outer foyer, and a marquee.
I worked for Tom Moyer (Luxury Theaters)in the early 1980’s and was visiting the home office in Portland and had an opportunity to visit the Fox. The theater was in great shape very well kept and the auditorium was beautiful. His other theaters especially the ones outside of Oregon were not very nice But this one was amazing. It was like stepping back into the 1940’s / 50’s. Nothing much had been done from the last remodel, the colors and interior styling were just as Fox West Coast had put in. Such a shame!
I did'nt write this, the above comment was writen by TJ Faddis who just happened to be using my computer and the site was signed on in my name. She didn’t see my sign on when she wrote the above comment.
In reviewing my previous postings it has been almost 2 years since my last visit inside the theatre. That explains the difference in interior conditon.
I was very briefly in the D&R on Tuesday 8/28/07 and had a chance to look around with all the junk from the provious owner removed. It has been about a year since the last time I was in their and there is more deterioration. It looks like the place was rescured in the nick of time. The previous owner took all the lighting fixtures and pretty much stripped the place so John Yonich will have to replace everything. But the bones are solid so it should be a real show place when he is finished. Aberdeen is very lucky to have someone who is willing to spend the kind of resources that it is going to take to put this building back togather again. Not to mention the Morck Hotel and the other projects that are planned. My hat is off to you Sir.
As an outsider to The 7th Street Theatre, I recently had chance to see the place. My initial response of seeing the grandeur of this treasure was, “My word, what an exqui- … WHAT THE HELL ARE THOSE DOING THERE?” Who in heaven’s name would mount huge JBL speakers in the sky? It certainly destroys the illusion of an atmospheric theater!
As future improvements come down the pike for this exquisite theater, my hope is that the powers-that-be keep in check those neanderthals who only see what task they have at hand with absolutely no regard to the asthetics of this historic gem. Get a second opinion from another set of “experts” before allowing a goon squad to destroy your atmospheric qualities. There will always be SOMEBODY who can appreciate your unique theatre while providing your needed services.
Best of luck with your ceiling repairs and repainting. This will enhance the 7th Street even more. Once completed, the effect will stun everyone who comes thru your front doors.
A note about your seats: The seats themselves have lost their spring and comfort capabilties. They need replaced – also because today’s posterior is larger than those fannies from the 1920’s. If you were to contact the original manufacturer [and several are still in business, like Irwin Seating Company], they would send someone out to see your theatre and propose overhauling your seats – in the same style & using those wonderful iron end plates – into something more plush and comfortable … all the while using your original seat design. You would lose some seating capability with the wider seat cushions, but would that affect your overall box office draw going from 1,000 seats to 850?
My last suggestion would be to replace the dingy fabric on the back walls and on front of the projector booth with a lovely new wall fabric available to theaters today. This fabric is almost carpet-like in its appearance and comes in a LOT of colors. You could find one that most fits the decor of the 7th Street, and best of all, it’s fairly affordable. It goes up with glue, has a textured appearance, is virtually undamagable by human hands, and provides the sound dampening effect you need back there. And it looks great. If you’d like to know what fabric I’m talking about, let me know and I’ll research it for you.
You guys have a real jewel in the 7th Street Theatre, and you should be commended for the hard work and dedication you put into the place. To my mind, the 7th Street Theatre rivals Seattle’s Paramount and 5th Avenue Theaters. I hope one day to see it in all its original splendour.
It’s true the Aberdeen theater is going to be re-opened as a movie house. The format has'nt been decided yet and there are some restoration issues to be taken care of. I just found out that this theater opened as the “Roxy” then it became the “Warner Bros.” then “Warners” and finaly the “Aberdeen”. The “Roxy” moved over next to the Finch bldg on Heron st. sometime in the early 1930’s. If my memory serves me correctly the theater opened in October 1929 a couple of weeks before the stock market crash. All the news paper articles state it opened in 1930. There used to be the exact date written on the wall in the projection booth by the first projectionists. Also I have been told that the place is in really good condition so a lot of money won’t have to be invested to get the place running again. John Yonich said he would like to remove the churches remodel in the front and restore the entrance with the box office and of course erect a marquee. This was such a pretty theater that any restoration work will only enhance a building that was a vital part of the harbors entertainment history.
Also, as far as the seating issue, the downstairs seats in the D&R were from the 1949 redecorate and they are good seats so it would depend on what they now look like. The balcony seats were the original ones (1923)and the same thing applies. I know you can send them all off and have them refurbished and they wil be returned looking like brand new so the decision is going to be based on the cost of refurbishment vs purchasing used seats and their condition. Personnally I would probably go with newer seats, just NO high backed ones. Patron comfort is the key.
Rocky, my e-mail address is I would like to speak to John very much, or anyone connected with these projects. I would also be willing to help in any way I can, I have a lot of information and am willing to provide time, labor, info, or whatever is needed.