Hi Grace – The Albemarle Theatre on Flatbush Ave was built by my grandfather, Max Barr in 1918, and remained in the family until the mid-80’s when my father and uncle sold it to a church. it was never owned by anyone else. Perhaps your father had an interest in another property. (The Albemarle was managed by some theatre chains through the 40’s and 50’s but it was always owned by the Barr family – which owned most of that block,right up to – but not including – the Macy’s on the corner). Marge (Barr) Spector
Robert – did the Beatles actually play live at the Albemarle? As the granddaughter of the builder – and daughter of the man who ran the theatre – I don ’t remember this…
Laura – your Dad’s name was mentioned so often in my home…my Dad was Jerry Barr and my uncle was Bernie Barr, the owners of Albemarle. They really admired your Dad…
Sorry to be so long in responding to Warren. Century Theatre’s stranglehold over Albemarle theatre was most evident in the court decision to award Albemarle Theatre a considerable sum in their suit against Century theatres.
I am fascinated by all of these comments as it was my grandfather, Max Barr, who built the Albemarle Theatre in 1919 with the help of his family and friends. The “Barr Brothers” referred to were actually Max’s sons, Jerome (my father) and Bernard Barr who carried on the Albemarle tradition and dealt with Century Theatres which strangled the theatre’s ability to show first run films. It was a sad day for our family when that magnificent building – scarred as it was by fire – morphed into something else. I am heartened to hear how well the current owners have taken care of the amazing building and I hope to see the restoration for myself.
Hi Grace – The Albemarle Theatre on Flatbush Ave was built by my grandfather, Max Barr in 1918, and remained in the family until the mid-80’s when my father and uncle sold it to a church. it was never owned by anyone else. Perhaps your father had an interest in another property. (The Albemarle was managed by some theatre chains through the 40’s and 50’s but it was always owned by the Barr family – which owned most of that block,right up to – but not including – the Macy’s on the corner). Marge (Barr) Spector
Robert – did the Beatles actually play live at the Albemarle? As the granddaughter of the builder – and daughter of the man who ran the theatre – I don ’t remember this…
No, they did not…
Laura – your Dad’s name was mentioned so often in my home…my Dad was Jerry Barr and my uncle was Bernie Barr, the owners of Albemarle. They really admired your Dad…
Marjorie (Barr) Spector
Sorry to be so long in responding to Warren. Century Theatre’s stranglehold over Albemarle theatre was most evident in the court decision to award Albemarle Theatre a considerable sum in their suit against Century theatres.
I am fascinated by all of these comments as it was my grandfather, Max Barr, who built the Albemarle Theatre in 1919 with the help of his family and friends. The “Barr Brothers” referred to were actually Max’s sons, Jerome (my father) and Bernard Barr who carried on the Albemarle tradition and dealt with Century Theatres which strangled the theatre’s ability to show first run films. It was a sad day for our family when that magnificent building – scarred as it was by fire – morphed into something else. I am heartened to hear how well the current owners have taken care of the amazing building and I hope to see the restoration for myself.
mbs 8-4-04