The listing of 1100 seats is what the theatre seats today. Several rows of seating have been removed to provide more leg room. When I was there in 1988, the seating capacity was 1500. I was informed that even when the seating was at 1500 some seats had already been removed. The official website does show a nice interior shot.
A newer, even bigger multi-plex with all stadium style seating, (located only about a mile and a half away) was the culprit. I believe, but not positive, both complexes were owned by Cineplex-Odeon. The new multi-plex is called the Queensway and is a free standing structure with its own huge parking lot. It was probably built to save the high rent plus percentage of the gross which malls charge their tennants. Despite its $13.50 admission fee and very overpriced confectionaries, the Queensway is usually very busy.
The official website for The Sanderson Centre is: http://www.sandersoncentre.on.ca/album.htm
I passed by the Sanderson Centre in 1999 and because a function was ongoing, I couldn’t get past the foyer. What I saw was very impressive. The website’s many photos have somewhat diluted my dissapointment in not having seen the auditorium.
I attended one of the festival theatres on March l9th, and inquired about the Music Hall. Although not 100% positive an imformed person, employed by the chain, informed me that the theatre’s closing was not because of a lease disagreement (as I would have thought) but over an insurance problem. I was told the theatre needs some major repairs and updating before proper insurance can be issued. I’m not sure if it’s a fire insurance or liability problem or a combination of both. Anyway, until the lessor or lessee or both spend some money the fate of the Music Hall remains in limbo.
The only time I was in the Esquire was in 1966, when I saw “Endless Summer”. Its expansive marquee was quite impressive. The almost stark interior was in sharp contrast to the more opulent Chicago B&K movie palaces like the Granada, Uptown, and Chicago theatres. The chome or stainless steal railings were in sharp contrast to the softer toned wood and brass railings to which I was accustomed.
I believe the Esquire was under the Playboy fold in the 60’s and 70’s. I think it was purchased shortly after Hugh bought the Palmolive building.
I passed by this theatre in 1980 while trying to locate a recording artist who lived in the area in the 1960’s. Although I never found the recording artist, I got to see the amazing exterior of this theatre. Although closed and in disrepair, it was still impressive. Unfortunately, I knew from the neighborhood’s blight that the theatre would never reopen.
I was looking for a recording artist who I included on an album titled, “The Other Kings”. The “other king” may have eluded me but I found his “palace”
The Irving showed movies into the late 50’s and maybe even the early 60’s. It stood empty for a few years and I’m almost positive was not torn down until the mid 1960’s. It’s exterior was either a very light brick or a white terra cotta. It had a nice marquee and an impressive vertical which only spelled “Irving”. My first unofficial date was spent at a Saturday matinee in the Irving in 1958. I believe it was the only time I was in the theatre.
The official website for the Lyric (formally the Capri) is: http://www.kcopera.org/s/about/history.htm
There are a couple of small pictures on the site. The theatre certainly looks like it’s worth a visit.
What a beutiful theatre. Although I’ve never seen the inside of this theatre, I plan to soon. The official web site for the Ritz is: http://www.ritztheatre.org/
Once you’re on the website, you’ll find some great interior photos if you click on “75 Year Celebration”.
Ohio here I come again.
The Star Theatre, designed by architect, Louis Pelton, opened its doors on June 4, 1921. The balcony which is really more of a loge has had its seats removed but otherwise is fully intact. The loge is “U” shaped. The sides of the loge extend a considerable distance along the exterior walls and are almost as close to the proscenium as opera boxes would have been if the theatre were built differently. The rear of the loge has very little depth.
I was in the theatre in 2002 and again on February 29, 2004 to see a movie and refresh my memory about the theatre. It’s more ornate than many village theatre and combines a blend of different architectual accents and motifs. Its art deco wall sconces and its neo classical plaster interior go well together.
The theatre supports a reasonable sized 3-sided marquee and a nice size vertical.
Unfortunately, the screen is rather small but still certainly as large or larger than the older multi-plexes or the older plexed single screen theatres. The proscenium certainly provides room for a considerably larger screen and hopefully, some day the Star will get one.
The Chelten Theatre was showing Spanish language films to packed houses from 1978 into the early 80’s. The numerous lay offs at south side steel mills in the 80’s, however, soom caused rapid declines in attendance. During this time period the theatre was owned by Ricardo & marge Ruiz. According to the Ruiz’s the Moorish-style theatre had seating capacity of 1250.
My most unpleasant memory about the Adelphi was the time when a hugh electrical storm knocked out their power about 15 minutes into the movie. After waiting about 20 more minutes with no power, the management announced appropiately enough, “rain checks” for everyone. I asked for a refund and explained that because I lived in Toronto I didn’t know when or if I I’d be able to use a rain check. I can’t remember if I won the argument or not. I do remember though we all piled into the car and drove to the Riveria to see another movie. The Riviera’s power stayed on but the roof almost didn’t. Buckets of rain poured into the auditorium and several workers placed numerous buckets in the various strategic locations.
While in a closed movie palace in Pennsylvania, I ran across several clippings about movie theatres. One clipping was from the local newspaper with an A.P. article about the Madison. The last film it showed before the closing and “plexing” was “Exit to Eden”. The theatre sat 700 patrons and boasted a hugh 54ft by 26ft screen covered with retractable curtains. Barry Rosenblatt was the owner and the theatre has been in his family since 1976. Sorry, no date was visible on the article
Sorry, I think the semicolon at the end is the problem. I added it to distinguish between the two websites. Try this, I think it’ll work now. View link
I visited the Royal recently after I decided to see “School of Rock” for the second time. The Royal is part of the Festival Theatre chain and one which they own rather than lease. They’ve installed the newer “rocker seating” and done some minor updating inside. Before being bought by Festival, the theatre underwent a name change to the “Golden Dragon” and as the name implies, showed Asian films. The format was unsuccessful and the theatre closed. The city had plans to demolish the theatre and use the space for municipal parking to alleviate some of the neighborhood parking problem. The neighborhood outcry of local residents prompted the city to abandon this plan and Festival stepped in and purchased the building.
Two websites were you can find more information about the Fulton are View link View link
Unfortunately, you’ll find only a small photo of the interior but there is a nice exterior picture at the official site. I’ve been informed that this is an interium website and that soon some interior photos will be diplayed. The town itself is an architectual gem with many impressive buildings in addition to the Fulton.
The State was a beautiful theatre even in the late 1970’s which was the first ime I saw the theatre. Its Gothic or castle like motif was very impressive. I can’t remember who owned the theatre in the late 70’s but even then he was not a young man. I remember we talked about the movie theatre business as well as his theatre. Although I’ve forgotten his name, I’ll always remember a quote of his, “ I know of no other business where the supplier tries so hard to put his customers out of business.” Ithaca has at least two facilities in town that show art or non mainstream films. A worker
from Historic Ithaca Inc. to whom I talked in the fall of 2003 didn’t seem to think there was room for a third. It looks as if the State will be almost strictly a live venue facility.
Certainly was one of the nicer neighborhood theatres in Toronto. Although I never saw a movie there, I did see the inside of the theatre when it was still operating. The second screen was added where the balcony is so the main auditorium was left intact. The theatre was run by The Famous Players chain when it closed forever. I know the theatre was also closed for several years earlier and then reopened. The theatre was designed by the architectural firm, Chapman and Oxley. A sister theatre exists in Cornwall, Ontario. The address, in case you want to look at the building, is 2223 Bloor St. West
A beautiful theatre which after many years I finally got see inside.
I first discovered the Rutland in 1989. It was closed and so was the other theatre (see Strand, Rutland Vt., which I’ll submit after completing this comment) around the corner. The downtown area of Rutland at this time was bleak but it looked like things were beginning to happen. A walkway behind the theatre had been gussied up with interlock and old style street lights installed. The day I was there no one was around except two “kids” trying out their skateboards on the new interlock. The rebirth of the Paramount and the opening of much previously empty retail space has brought life back to downtown Rutland. Unfortunately, a tight restoration budget forced the Paramount to skimp on air conditioning. A Rutland native told me the theatre has no air conditioning and he attends no summertime functions. Well, I’m sure eventually the air will be up and blowing.
I just found the for sale listing sheet from 1992, so I’ll share some of the information on the sheet. Designed by Rapp & Rapp, 70' by 30' stage, 700 auditorium seats plus 50 in the balcony with dining area. The only 50 seats in the balcony reflects the removal of many seats for the dining area. The theatre was built in 1926. Finding the listing sheet reminded me how nice the marquee was. I also now remember the theatre organ had been removed. The last owner tried other things to supplement the movie income. I remember at least one live production took place and probably more. I hope this time around it receives better community support.
You could have bought The Hollywood Theatre for $125,000 back in 1992. It was a beautiful theatre with gumwood entry doors and stained glass inserts. I thought about buying it but every time I went to a movie there were never more than 20 or so people in attendance.
The Hollywood was built by a wealthy “glue tycoon” whose wife missed the theatre life of N.Y.C. The last owner removed some of the balcony seats and installed tables and chairs. He’d planned to offer waiter service from the snack bar to the balcony in exchange for an increased admission price. I don’t know if this concept actually ever happened before he closed the theatre and moved to Calfornia. The owner prior to the last owned a twin in Seneca, N.Y.
Yes, the hotel was originally part of the theatre complex. I wish I could add more detailed information about the Covent Garden but I never saw the theatre’s interior. I did as a younster, however, see the exterior. I vividly remember the hotel because I stepped just inside its entrance hoping to get a glance at the then already closed theatre. There was , of course, no glimpse of the theatre from inside the hotel, but when you are eleven or twelve years old and much further away from home than you are permitted to be, rationalization takes a back seat. I’m also nearly sure the theatre had been demolished by 1960 or before. My older brother who’d been to the Covent Garden told me the Century (just one block away) was the nicer of the two theatres.
The thing I remember most about the Covent Garden was its huge vertical signage of
C
O
V
E
N
T
The huge unlite vertical sign with its super-imposed back to back “C’s” but facing opposite directions made the sign look like
O
O
V
E
N
T
from both directions. When the neon was lit, of course the sign would have been easily read. Not being able to figure out how to pronounce “OOVENT”, I finally gave up my pride and asked my older brother how to pronounce “OOVENT”. He told me the first “O” was a “C”. Although I felt dumb and angry at the sign people, I thought it was nice to have an older brother who could solve life’s many complex problems.
During the early 1980’s the Fredonia showed only or at least mostly movies. The small marquee and ticket window were along the side of the building at street level. You then went upstairs to enter the theatre. I tried many times to see the inside of the theatre before finally succeeding. Finally, during the time frame between its movie era and its restoration I got inside. It looked exactly what it was —sort of a makeshift movie theatre. Several years later and after the renovation I returned. You wouldn’t believe it was the same facility. It’s gorgeous inside and definitely worth a long drive to see. There are several excellent, but pricey, restaurants and many fine places to stay overnight in Fredonia
The Strand is located at 20 Third St. Each of the balcony theatres seat approximately seventy. The main auditorium seats 360. The name of “the smokin” restaurant is The Well Dressed Hog.
The listing of 1100 seats is what the theatre seats today. Several rows of seating have been removed to provide more leg room. When I was there in 1988, the seating capacity was 1500. I was informed that even when the seating was at 1500 some seats had already been removed. The official website does show a nice interior shot.
A newer, even bigger multi-plex with all stadium style seating, (located only about a mile and a half away) was the culprit. I believe, but not positive, both complexes were owned by Cineplex-Odeon. The new multi-plex is called the Queensway and is a free standing structure with its own huge parking lot. It was probably built to save the high rent plus percentage of the gross which malls charge their tennants. Despite its $13.50 admission fee and very overpriced confectionaries, the Queensway is usually very busy.
The official website for The Sanderson Centre is:
http://www.sandersoncentre.on.ca/album.htm
I passed by the Sanderson Centre in 1999 and because a function was ongoing, I couldn’t get past the foyer. What I saw was very impressive. The website’s many photos have somewhat diluted my dissapointment in not having seen the auditorium.
I attended one of the festival theatres on March l9th, and inquired about the Music Hall. Although not 100% positive an imformed person, employed by the chain, informed me that the theatre’s closing was not because of a lease disagreement (as I would have thought) but over an insurance problem. I was told the theatre needs some major repairs and updating before proper insurance can be issued. I’m not sure if it’s a fire insurance or liability problem or a combination of both. Anyway, until the lessor or lessee or both spend some money the fate of the Music Hall remains in limbo.
The only time I was in the Esquire was in 1966, when I saw “Endless Summer”. Its expansive marquee was quite impressive. The almost stark interior was in sharp contrast to the more opulent Chicago B&K movie palaces like the Granada, Uptown, and Chicago theatres. The chome or stainless steal railings were in sharp contrast to the softer toned wood and brass railings to which I was accustomed.
I believe the Esquire was under the Playboy fold in the 60’s and 70’s. I think it was purchased shortly after Hugh bought the Palmolive building.
I passed by this theatre in 1980 while trying to locate a recording artist who lived in the area in the 1960’s. Although I never found the recording artist, I got to see the amazing exterior of this theatre. Although closed and in disrepair, it was still impressive. Unfortunately, I knew from the neighborhood’s blight that the theatre would never reopen.
I was looking for a recording artist who I included on an album titled, “The Other Kings”. The “other king” may have eluded me but I found his “palace”
The Irving showed movies into the late 50’s and maybe even the early 60’s. It stood empty for a few years and I’m almost positive was not torn down until the mid 1960’s. It’s exterior was either a very light brick or a white terra cotta. It had a nice marquee and an impressive vertical which only spelled “Irving”. My first unofficial date was spent at a Saturday matinee in the Irving in 1958. I believe it was the only time I was in the theatre.
The official website for the Lyric (formally the Capri) is:
http://www.kcopera.org/s/about/history.htm
There are a couple of small pictures on the site. The theatre certainly looks like it’s worth a visit.
What a beutiful theatre. Although I’ve never seen the inside of this theatre, I plan to soon. The official web site for the Ritz is:
http://www.ritztheatre.org/
Once you’re on the website, you’ll find some great interior photos if you click on “75 Year Celebration”.
Ohio here I come again.
The Star Theatre, designed by architect, Louis Pelton, opened its doors on June 4, 1921. The balcony which is really more of a loge has had its seats removed but otherwise is fully intact. The loge is “U” shaped. The sides of the loge extend a considerable distance along the exterior walls and are almost as close to the proscenium as opera boxes would have been if the theatre were built differently. The rear of the loge has very little depth.
I was in the theatre in 2002 and again on February 29, 2004 to see a movie and refresh my memory about the theatre. It’s more ornate than many village theatre and combines a blend of different architectual accents and motifs. Its art deco wall sconces and its neo classical plaster interior go well together.
The theatre supports a reasonable sized 3-sided marquee and a nice size vertical.
Unfortunately, the screen is rather small but still certainly as large or larger than the older multi-plexes or the older plexed single screen theatres. The proscenium certainly provides room for a considerably larger screen and hopefully, some day the Star will get one.
The Chelten Theatre was showing Spanish language films to packed houses from 1978 into the early 80’s. The numerous lay offs at south side steel mills in the 80’s, however, soom caused rapid declines in attendance. During this time period the theatre was owned by Ricardo & marge Ruiz. According to the Ruiz’s the Moorish-style theatre had seating capacity of 1250.
My most unpleasant memory about the Adelphi was the time when a hugh electrical storm knocked out their power about 15 minutes into the movie. After waiting about 20 more minutes with no power, the management announced appropiately enough, “rain checks” for everyone. I asked for a refund and explained that because I lived in Toronto I didn’t know when or if I I’d be able to use a rain check. I can’t remember if I won the argument or not. I do remember though we all piled into the car and drove to the Riveria to see another movie. The Riviera’s power stayed on but the roof almost didn’t. Buckets of rain poured into the auditorium and several workers placed numerous buckets in the various strategic locations.
While in a closed movie palace in Pennsylvania, I ran across several clippings about movie theatres. One clipping was from the local newspaper with an A.P. article about the Madison. The last film it showed before the closing and “plexing” was “Exit to Eden”. The theatre sat 700 patrons and boasted a hugh 54ft by 26ft screen covered with retractable curtains. Barry Rosenblatt was the owner and the theatre has been in his family since 1976. Sorry, no date was visible on the article
Sorry, I think the semicolon at the end is the problem. I added it to distinguish between the two websites. Try this, I think it’ll work now.
View link
I visited the Royal recently after I decided to see “School of Rock” for the second time. The Royal is part of the Festival Theatre chain and one which they own rather than lease. They’ve installed the newer “rocker seating” and done some minor updating inside. Before being bought by Festival, the theatre underwent a name change to the “Golden Dragon” and as the name implies, showed Asian films. The format was unsuccessful and the theatre closed. The city had plans to demolish the theatre and use the space for municipal parking to alleviate some of the neighborhood parking problem. The neighborhood outcry of local residents prompted the city to abandon this plan and Festival stepped in and purchased the building.
Two websites were you can find more information about the Fulton are
View link
View link
Unfortunately, you’ll find only a small photo of the interior but there is a nice exterior picture at the official site. I’ve been informed that this is an interium website and that soon some interior photos will be diplayed. The town itself is an architectual gem with many impressive buildings in addition to the Fulton.
The State was a beautiful theatre even in the late 1970’s which was the first ime I saw the theatre. Its Gothic or castle like motif was very impressive. I can’t remember who owned the theatre in the late 70’s but even then he was not a young man. I remember we talked about the movie theatre business as well as his theatre. Although I’ve forgotten his name, I’ll always remember a quote of his, “ I know of no other business where the supplier tries so hard to put his customers out of business.” Ithaca has at least two facilities in town that show art or non mainstream films. A worker
from Historic Ithaca Inc. to whom I talked in the fall of 2003 didn’t seem to think there was room for a third. It looks as if the State will be almost strictly a live venue facility.
Certainly was one of the nicer neighborhood theatres in Toronto. Although I never saw a movie there, I did see the inside of the theatre when it was still operating. The second screen was added where the balcony is so the main auditorium was left intact. The theatre was run by The Famous Players chain when it closed forever. I know the theatre was also closed for several years earlier and then reopened. The theatre was designed by the architectural firm, Chapman and Oxley. A sister theatre exists in Cornwall, Ontario. The address, in case you want to look at the building, is 2223 Bloor St. West
A beautiful theatre which after many years I finally got see inside.
I first discovered the Rutland in 1989. It was closed and so was the other theatre (see Strand, Rutland Vt., which I’ll submit after completing this comment) around the corner. The downtown area of Rutland at this time was bleak but it looked like things were beginning to happen. A walkway behind the theatre had been gussied up with interlock and old style street lights installed. The day I was there no one was around except two “kids” trying out their skateboards on the new interlock. The rebirth of the Paramount and the opening of much previously empty retail space has brought life back to downtown Rutland. Unfortunately, a tight restoration budget forced the Paramount to skimp on air conditioning. A Rutland native told me the theatre has no air conditioning and he attends no summertime functions. Well, I’m sure eventually the air will be up and blowing.
I just found the for sale listing sheet from 1992, so I’ll share some of the information on the sheet. Designed by Rapp & Rapp, 70' by 30' stage, 700 auditorium seats plus 50 in the balcony with dining area. The only 50 seats in the balcony reflects the removal of many seats for the dining area. The theatre was built in 1926. Finding the listing sheet reminded me how nice the marquee was. I also now remember the theatre organ had been removed. The last owner tried other things to supplement the movie income. I remember at least one live production took place and probably more. I hope this time around it receives better community support.
You could have bought The Hollywood Theatre for $125,000 back in 1992. It was a beautiful theatre with gumwood entry doors and stained glass inserts. I thought about buying it but every time I went to a movie there were never more than 20 or so people in attendance.
The Hollywood was built by a wealthy “glue tycoon” whose wife missed the theatre life of N.Y.C. The last owner removed some of the balcony seats and installed tables and chairs. He’d planned to offer waiter service from the snack bar to the balcony in exchange for an increased admission price. I don’t know if this concept actually ever happened before he closed the theatre and moved to Calfornia. The owner prior to the last owned a twin in Seneca, N.Y.
Yes, the hotel was originally part of the theatre complex. I wish I could add more detailed information about the Covent Garden but I never saw the theatre’s interior. I did as a younster, however, see the exterior. I vividly remember the hotel because I stepped just inside its entrance hoping to get a glance at the then already closed theatre. There was , of course, no glimpse of the theatre from inside the hotel, but when you are eleven or twelve years old and much further away from home than you are permitted to be, rationalization takes a back seat. I’m also nearly sure the theatre had been demolished by 1960 or before. My older brother who’d been to the Covent Garden told me the Century (just one block away) was the nicer of the two theatres.
The thing I remember most about the Covent Garden was its huge vertical signage of
C
O
V
E
N
T
The huge unlite vertical sign with its super-imposed back to back “C’s” but facing opposite directions made the sign look like
O
O
V
E
N
T
from both directions. When the neon was lit, of course the sign would have been easily read. Not being able to figure out how to pronounce “OOVENT”, I finally gave up my pride and asked my older brother how to pronounce “OOVENT”. He told me the first “O” was a “C”. Although I felt dumb and angry at the sign people, I thought it was nice to have an older brother who could solve life’s many complex problems.
I’ve never seen the State but while looking for another theatre’s website I stumbled across a website for the State http://www.statetheatrenj.org/welcome.html
During the early 1980’s the Fredonia showed only or at least mostly movies. The small marquee and ticket window were along the side of the building at street level. You then went upstairs to enter the theatre. I tried many times to see the inside of the theatre before finally succeeding. Finally, during the time frame between its movie era and its restoration I got inside. It looked exactly what it was —sort of a makeshift movie theatre. Several years later and after the renovation I returned. You wouldn’t believe it was the same facility. It’s gorgeous inside and definitely worth a long drive to see. There are several excellent, but pricey, restaurants and many fine places to stay overnight in Fredonia
The Strand is located at 20 Third St. Each of the balcony theatres seat approximately seventy. The main auditorium seats 360. The name of “the smokin” restaurant is The Well Dressed Hog.