Winter Garden Theater

Newspaper articles from the opening and 60th anniversary of the Palace Theater(be sure to click all links at the top):
http://www.prendergastlibrary.org/jamestown/lenna60th.html

The orchestra from the Winter Garden theater provided entertainment at this grand opening in 1923.

The link that TC posted is mostly about the Palace Theater. Click the link above where it says "Related Websites" for an update on the Wintergarden Theater.

I just clicked on the Related Websites link and read through the article WITH PHOTO! This is exactly how the theatre looks today with the marquee though my 1955 photo shows a beautiful marquee! It was sent to me via email so I don't know how I share it with CT. I also noticed that the Related Websites article was written in 2002 and it was provided by the Arts Council of Chautauqua County of which I have emailed one of their members about this downtown abandoned theatre which I would like to see restored as it is just steps from the new Desilu Playhouse and perhaps the lobby could be designed into a Lucy themed entrance showing first run movies and classics some of which Lucy made in her early career prior to I
Love Lucy.

I can't tell if this is the Wintergarden - the adjoining building appears different than the one on the webpage:
http://tinyurl.com/ph7kj

I'll take a guess at this and say that your photo belongs with this theater:
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/5635/

Lost Memory: You are correct as the photo posted on March 19 is the Reg Lenna in Jamestown NY, hometown of the Lucille Ball Festival or Lucy Fest (www.lucy-desi.com)

Lost Memory: The photo when clicking on Related Websites is not current though it does show the theatre minus the marquee. I have 2 b/w 1955 photos of the Wintergarden if you wish to see them via an email.

The building in the photo to the far left used to be the Woolworth's store, but it is now the home to the Desilu Playhouse and can be viewed on the above Lucy site.

Hi Patsy....Sounds like an offer that I can't refuse. I would like to see those photo's. Do you still have my email address?

Lost Memory: Unfortunately, I do not but my email is on my profile page. I think you'll enjoy seeing the b/w photos so send me an email with the subject line, Wintergarden.

You lost my email address? Do you know that there are people that would pay alot of money for that information? LOL

LOL! BTW, thanks again for your photo contributions to CT as I have thoroughly enjoyed them all!

Pasty and anyone else.. just posted a bunch about the Wintergarden on the palace site( You all were talking about it over there... if you have any pic you could e-mail I would be grateful!

As a teen I worked at the Wintergarden, Palace, Lakewood Drive In , Pic-17 Drive In, and the dreaded shoebox Cinema I & II at the mall. Now some thirty years later, and spending most of my life working for theatres (National Theatres, Owned my own for a while, and AMC) I am working on putting some sort of history of my "hometown" theatres up on my website, any help you could give would be great!

Thanks!
Bob

samanthakitty@gmail.com www.samanthakitty.com

Bob: I shall now go to the Wintergarden CT link and chat away! If I can be of any help to you, I will as I do have a few b/w Wintergarden photos in a computer file that you might appreciate.

Bob: Guess you posted the same message on both the Reg link and here so any further discussion about the Wintergarden should probably be here and discussion on the Reg be posted on that link.

I'd sure like to know who the architect was for the Wintergarden. And the place held 1,000 seats?

Here are some links to photos I took inside the Wintergarden a few weeks ago.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/ChrisBrame/P1020553.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/ChrisBrame/P1020587.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/ChrisBrame/P1020562.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/ChrisBrame/P1020563.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/ChrisBrame/P1020591.jpg

Pretty sad, but the roof was replaced ten years ago to keep it from getting worse. The projectors and carbon-arc lamp houses are still there. The local Arts Council will sell the place VERY reasonably to someone who can restore it. Their realtor is Century 21 Turner Brokers at (716) 763-7506 or www.c21turnerbrokers.com

Patsy, if you email me the the 1955 photo I can save it to my Photobucket album and post a link. Thanks!

ChrisB: The photobucket photos are GREAT! How did you find them? I had the opportunity to enter the Wintergarden a few years ago, but the lighting was very poor so seeing your posted photos really meant alot. I would love to see someone buy and restore this theatre. I think a Lucy themed theatre would be great as it is within walking distance to the Lucille Ball gift shop, Desilu Playhouse and Lucy Desi Museum, downtown! Your email address isn't included on your profile page and I would like to send you the 1955 photo(s).

ChrisB: By chance, are you associated with Century 21? My email address can be found by clicking on my screen name.

I'm not with the realtor; I was traveling with a friend who is a developer, and the real estate agent and a member of the Arts Council let me take pictures. I don't think my friend will buy the place, but hopefully someone else will.

Forgot to mention that almost all the seats are intact, too!

I just viewed all of the photos you took during your tour and really appreciate you posting them here as my visit was in poor lighting so therefore I didn't get to see much detail. Nice to read...."that almost all of the seats are intact, too". If you know of anyone else who might have interest in this theatre, send them to Jamestown asap!

The first thing to go would be the silver flocked wallpaper in the lobby! I had hoped that Lucy's daughter, Luci would have interest in restoring this theatre with a Lucy theme, but so far that is not the case!

Sorry, I should have posted the links instead of the pictures (again please credit to Bob Johnston):

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/ChrisBrame/wintergarden.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y164/ChrisBrame/wintergarden2.jpg

Administrator: If I wasn't supposed to post the pictures themselves - I'm sorry; please delete them.
-Chris

ChrisB: Thanks for posting the photos as they came out very well. If anyone is interesting in purchasing this theatre, please contact the City of Jamestown in western NYS. It is within walking distance of the Desilu Playhouse and Lucy Museum/gift shop.

Or Century 21 in Lakewood NY. And this theatre would be the perfect location for a Lucy themed lobby.

I have been doing a lot of research on this theater recently as part of a project of which I am involved. I have uncovered a lot of it's history and I'd like to help correct and add to this record. If Lost Memory could contact me, I would greatly appreciate it. It's my ID on this site, followed by @mac.com.

An item of note... The theater's official name is two words, "Winter Garden", not 'Wintergarden'.

I am still researching much of the theater's early history, and would love to speak with ANYONE who has information, worked there, knew the former long-time manager "Uncle" Gus Nestle...I'd be greatly appreciative. I've interviewed his daughter, unearthed several unseen photos, and found the names of the original owners, architechs, the architech of it's renovation in 1950, and the names of the companies that owned the theaters from around 1939 through 1991 when Dipson theaters closed it. What I need are the little bits inbetween. The details. If you can help, please contact me!

DakRoland: Good luck with your research on this theatre and please post any and all early history information you have learned about this theatre. Thanks.

Sorry I have been absent for so long, live get in the way. I knew Gus Nestle well, and I have a number of pictures he had given me back in the 80's. (He and my mother worked together for years at the consistory) Give me a shout, I will start going through boxes and find them. There is a great one of him and Lucy that was taken at the Palace that I remember off hand.

If I can ask what kind of project is in the works? Is there someone actually willing to put someting back into the Winter Garden? (waves is resume of 20 some years of theatre marketing and management --- blantent plug!)

Hey Patsy!!!! Hope all is well with you as well!

Bob

Movie Bob: I am truly interested in seeing someone purchase the former Wintergarden and perhaps incorporate the Lucy-Desi theme as a possible idea since the Desilu Playhouse is nearby with gift shops and museum. At the moment I believe the city now owns the building and has it on the market at a very reasonable price. If you knew Gus Nestle well are you perhaps in the Jamestown area? And I would love to see the photo of Lucy since I am a Lucy Festival volunteer.
www.lucy-desi.com

Movie Bob, please contact me through email. It's my ID on this site, followed by @mac.com. I would love to see any pictures you may have. (Also I am certain that Gus' daughter would be very interested as well :)) Thank you so much.

Lost Memory: I have missplaced your email and can't recall it from "memory so I guess it is "lost". I believe you have my email so please contact me when you read this post.

DakRoland: Could you please email me @ wrlenzo@aol.com and let me know the name of Gus Nestle's daughter as her last name wouldn't be Nestle.

DakRoland: I would also like to know the names of the original owners and the architect(s), etc.

DakRoland: "An item of note... The theater's official name is two words, "Winter Garden", not 'Wintergarden'." As you can see this has now been corrected thanks to CT member, Ken Roe in the UK.

Very cool. Thank you Patsy and Ken. You asked about the original owners and the architects. The original owners were Marshal Peterson and Michael Woods of the Mozart Amusement Company. (confirmed Jamestown City Directory 1914)

The theater opened it's doors on Christmas eve, December 24th 1913. (Jamestown Evening Journal December 24th, 1913 edition)

The architects were a local Jamestown firm called Freeburg & Fidler and constructed by the Leo Ludwig Construction Company. (original blueprints provided by Charles & Kathy Ludwig of Ludwig Auction & Realty.)

The 1950 renovations were designed by a Henry Blatner of Albany NY.

Thereis a LOT of history that I have for the documentary I'm working on. Right now it's all research for the moment, but hopefully soon, when I have collected enough footage and pictures, I can begin assembling a small film.

OMG, I know Kathy and Charles (Chuck) Ludwig! I am in the Jamestown area and plan to give them a call asap! Do you happen to live in the Jamestown area and how is it that you have become interested in this theatre? Amd I think the seat capacity number has been changed from 1100 to 1230, correct? I also plan to call Century 21 and ask them the asking $.

Freeburg and Fidler I believe also designed and built some of the local schools in the area, too. I also have interest in 2 former local architects by the names of Beck and Tinkham. They built many homes in the area in the tudor/stucco style.

Patsy, please check your email. :)

How did you find out that the name is two words and not one? When I do a websearch for this theater, the name is returned as one word. Is the name one or two words in Film Daily Yearbooks?

It's a common misunderstanding, but the original blueprints I have in my possession, as well as the entries in the Jamestown City Directories all have the name written as "Winter Garden". Also, the advertisements dating from it's Grand Opening in 1913 all have the name written as "Winter Garden".

So the name of this theater is two words like the Winter Garden in Manhattan. The website at the "Related Websites" link above has the name as Wintergarden Theater and thats the name that I used when I added this theater. Thanks for clearing this up.

A Marr & Colton theater organ was installed in the Winter Garden Theater in 1925.

well good news...I am actually in the process of restoring the Winter Garden to as close to original as possible. I would love to see any pictures prior to the 1950's. I want the front really close. I can be reached at gib616@yahoo.com

gig: I have found your recent post most intriguing. I have met fellow CT member, "DakRoland" and would suggest that you contact him. If you read his August 24, 2007 post, you will see that he has the original blueprints and knows much about this theatre's history with photos.

gig: I don't recall hearing or reading about anyone purchasing the Winter Garden nor that someone was "actually in the process of restoring the Winter Garden to as close to original as possible". THIS, imo, would be very BIG news for the City of Jamestown so don't understand why it wouldn't have made the Post Journal. We have the restored Reg Lenna thanks to M/M Reginald Lenna, but a restored Winter Garden would be icing on the theatrical cake!

gib: The September 1, 2006 post that shows many interior photos are the only interior photos that I have seen. I was inside the theatre a few years ago when a realtor was showing the theatre to a prospective buyer which, unfortunately, did not result in a sale. Since there was no electricity lighting was from flood lights. I sadly recall there was much dampness and mildew from too many years of neglect. I know there are many residents in Jamestown who recall going to this theatre and would be happy to talk with you.

The following was originally posted on the Reg Lenna site:

The Wintergarden at one point was the jewel of the theatres in Jamestown. We had a total of seven theatres in downtown Jamestown. The Wintergarden was (is) located on North Main Street between Third and Fourth Streets. As a theatre geek, I worked there in the early 80's and yes it was in bad shape then.

In the early 60's there was a fire that gutted the Wintergaden pretty badly. When the theatre was restored, half the balconcy was removed, and the house was simply painted, none of the ornate features were restored. The stage and pit were also removed at this time.

There is a small space under the screen where these is some storage space for the marquee letters. Now here is a trivia fact the marquee for the Wintergarden was large enough to accomidate seven rows of letters. It was a real scary thing climbing a latter and changing them, especially on the downward (the side facing Third street) as it was on a hill. In the winter it was not uncommon to see only two lines on that side of the marquee.

It is true that in its last few years of life it was in bad shape. The original red neon block two level Winter Garden sign was half out, the neon inside the marquee was dead, they even went so far as to install for spots lights to shine on the marquee. The underside of the marquee had neon that had also been removed, and the original box-office covered.

The WinterGarden died a most horrible death for a grand old lady, and today sits empty.

BTW- the seven theatres downtown? The Roosevelt, Strand, Royal, & majstic - all were in Brooklyn Square, distroyed in the early 70's - I have no memory of them. The Palace (now the Reg Civic Center, The Allen Opera House (then Sheas Theatre and now the home of the Lucille Ball Little Theatre)

I am looking for old photos of any and all of the old theatres of my hometown, or just great old stories for my personal website (Remember I am a theatre geek) If you have them, contact me at samanthakitty@gmail.com, or post them to me via my website www.samanthakitty.com I have opened 12 "New Grand Mega-plexes" for my employer over the years, but there is "Nothing like a dame" ..
posted by Movie Bob on Jul 10, 2006 at 2:30pm

I have been in the Winter Garden three times over the past couple of years (most recently, Spring 2007). I volunteered for the Arts Council a number of years ago and they have been more than accommodating in allowing me to tour the old theater, which I frequented as a child. I have investigated all areas of the building - projection room, balcony, main house, stage, "basement", and "catwalk". There is a main roof drain located stage left that has cracked and has caused extensive water damage to that region of the main house (as indicated in one of the above attached photo links). Large pieces of the plaster on the walls and ceiling have fallen. Much of the house lighting has been removed (with the exception of some recessed lighting under the balcony). The majority of the seats are still in tact, however, the fabric has sustained substantial dry rot. The previous owners installed a bank of air handlers on stage (a couple feet behind the main screen) rather than repairing/ replacing the original equipment in the "basement". The screen is in tact, but has a couple of tears. The projection equipment is still in place, with the exception of the sound equipment. The restrooms, labeled "Kings" and "Queens" are in fair condition. Both ticket counters are still in tact, along with the concession area. All in all, the theater is largely unchanged from when it closed, with the exception of the effects of time. I have spoken with the Arts Council and the Realtor, and the theater can be obtained for a very reasonable cost. However, part of this is contingent upon the plans for the building. I have tried to justify the purchase of this building, but the cost required to restore it and bring it to code exceeds my individual abilities. I would be more than interested in speaking with anyone who is interested in the acquiring the facility. I would love to see this theater functional once again - as a one-screen theater, stage performances, etc. The show must go on!

If anyone has any interior photos at any point, I would be honored to see them!

I have had the liberty of entering the Winter Garden only twice in my lifetime. The 1st time i attended a movie there i was 4. My grand mother took me to see the movie The Gremlins. As i recall she did not buy the tickets @ the booth outside under the (ONCE ERECT) marquee. I belive the tickets were bought inside. I belive the ticket booth was out of service @ that time.
I belive the marquee was removed from the front of the thearter some time between 1992-1994 as it was no longer safe to over hang the front walk. I with in the last 8 months had the pleasure of viewing the in side of the old grand thearter. The Winter Garden closed its doors in 1991 and its baffeling what time can do to a building. It's in need of a major restoration project in side and out but i belive with the right person and funds the Winter Garden can once again be a productive bussiness and wonderful addition to Jamestown's Main st. I think we all are inagreement that Main st. in downtown jamestown don't need another - GAP - in our wonderful parade of buildings.
A friend of mine that lives in Fredonia,NY is quite involved with the Fredonia Fire Dept. and Paul was able to show some facts of The Winter Garden. The W.G. Suffered 2 major fires in it's lifetime. The 1st being 1920 and the 2nd being 1969. Both fires gutted the building and after the fire of 1969 the thearter was not restored to its orginal state. It was repaired to function as just a reg. movie thearter. A good portion of the balcony was damaged and was not repaired to reg. condition and shorted the seating capasity of the tearter too only 1,000 seats.
While i explored the thearter this past spring i was able to get a few pictures of the inside. If anyone would like to view the photos please feel free to contact me at jamestownguy4385@aol.com or 716-407-1887. If anyone has any other info. on The Winter Garden, please post any info. you might have. I would be moved to one day see the thearter reopen it's doors and welcome the Jamestown and surrounding communitys to share a peice of it's fine but hidden history!!!!

jamestownguy/Ishmael528: Thank you both for your recent informative posts. It seems there are more than a few folks in Jamestown who know alot about this theater and most of these folks would like to see the Winter Garden brought back to its original glory as would I. Is it realistically possible? CT member, "Gib" seems to think so which is encouraging.

Patsy:to answer your above question YES i belive whole hartedly that the Winter Garden can one day be up and functioning. The project needs a motivated person with alot of support/volentiers. The Winter Garden's opening was Dec. 24th 1913. Lets say the thearter opened in 1911, im sure it qualifys for the national list of historic buildings. Im also sure that grants are avail. to revive the theater.
As i read info. on other thearters people are getting grants to help with the project so i would say the only thing lacking is a motavated buyer with the skill of writeing grants. I have been a jamestown resident all my life and i would love to walk in and watch a good movie w/o driveing all the way to lakewood. Unfortuneately, time is of the essence and if that (special someone) don't come along soon this wonderful peice of jamestown's history will disapear. The phrase "USE IT OR LOOSE IT" is a threat by nature. The inside of the ole lady sadly displays this bone chilling fact. HELP!!!!!!!!!!

Sadly, the reality is that what remains of the Winter Garden is a rapidly deteriorating one-screen movie house with an extensive history. Perhaps the greatest loss and arguably the start of its demise, occured after the last fire when a number of cost saving decisions were made that removed the ornamentation and converted a once grand theater into a very basic and plain one-screen movie house. No movie that I know of can demand a 1,000 seats - at least not on regular basis. Consequentially, the only movie I can forsee playing there is "The Money Pit" with Tom Hanks! If the theater is restored to anything less than a rendition of its original design, history will likely repeat itself and the inefficient building will fail repeatedly. Then again, can this town support two grand theaters? However, if anyone is interested in such a restoration, I would be more than willing to support that in terms of time and energy. I just can't afford to be the one to sign on the dotted line. Time is of the essence and if something isn't done in the very near future, all that will remain of the Winter Garden are grand memories...

I would think that the arts council would advertise this theatre in some trade magazines to get the word out about this theatre. I was in the Winter Garden several summers ago when a realtor was showing the property to I guess interested people, but unfortunately the tour didn't end in a sale. I totally agree with your comments in regards to the last fire when cost saving decisions were made that resulted in removing the ornamentation which then converted a once grand theater into a very basic and plain movie house. Such a shame. I don't know if Jamestown has an historical society other than the Fenton Museum, but an organization such as that should have stepped up to the plate and made sure changes were not made to the Winter Garden because in today's world it will be astronomical to replace the ornamentation and making the repairs needed. The folks who had the theater and didn't do the theater any favors was DIPSON! After they discontinued operating the Winter Garden they built the new theater complex in Lakewood and never looked back! Someone asked about the marquee....I'm sure that is long gone. It wasn't part of the original design of the theater's exterior. My favorite marquee design is squared off or curved rather than the "V" shaped ones which was like the Winter Garden marquee.

Personally, I think Jamestownguy should get this show on the road! :)

Well thank you lshmael528. Im overcome that you stongly belive that i can take this once thriveing thearter and make it take flight. Who knows what the future holds. It would be my pleasure to make a portion of Main st. glimmer once again with a well lit marquee and a productivly functioning thearter/performance house. One voice will not make the difference but if the community comes togeather on this project, the possibilitys could and can be endless.

This Christmas Eve markes the Winter Garden's 95 anniversary...

NOTE:I recently submitted alittle blog to the readers forum in the jamestown post-journal. I hope to gain more attention to the Winter Garden. It's in todays PJ dated 11-20-07.

Well done jamestownguy - your efforts are to be commended!

jamestownguy: I read your PJ Winter Garden comments and have to tell you that it was brought to my attention while I was at the Fenton History Center's Deck the Halls for the holiday season. I was getting information from the FHC Executive Director about the Winter Garden and the other theatres that were in Jamestown over the years......perfect timing! And again, thanks for getting the word out in the Post Journal about "our" Winter Garden that needs to know that we all care and want to see it be a vital part of the downtown Jamestown scene, once again! If the Reg can be restored and saved, so can the Winter Garden though that theatre had the benefit of a million dollar donation by Mr. Reginald Lenna thus the name Reg Lenna Civic Center. I would like to see the name Palace be reinstated and perhaps call it the Lenna Palace.

Thank you both lshmael528 and Patsy for your wonderful encouragement and comments. I hope by getting the word out there will be additional members of CT.com along with some interest in the Winter Garden. I am trying to get Cable 8 News to do a segment as well. We will see.

I have met Mark G. from Cable 8 and see him from time to time so perhaps I can get word to him about doing a Winter Garden feature this winter. I wish you had posted this Cable 8 News idea a few weeks ago as I did see Mark G. at a local function and could have mentioned it then.

Well here we are march 30th 2008. I view the font page of the post journal and here is an full sorty on The Winter garden here in Jamestown. I'm moved that someone cares enough to do a story on the ol girl. I hope and prey that the snow ball is rolling and only gains strength to get is wonderful thearter/building off it's feet and productive once again. Best wishes to Winter Garden!

I just checked the Post Journal website and didn't see the Winter Garden article. In the meantime, I will find someone who will save the paper for me.

jamestownguy: Please email me with more PJ Winter Garden article details as I'm sure it goes into the history of the theatre with possible photos? wrlenzo@aol.com

jamestownguy: And it would be interesting to learn how it came to be that a PJ journalist decided to write about the Winter Garden! What is the name of the journalist as an email is usually provided with the article as contact information?

Patrick Fanelli wrote the Winter Garden article as it is online today. Sure hope they can save this theatre from demolition as that would be a crime to lose a 100 year old theatre yet the auditorium doesn't look like it did 100 years ago as it was so "remodeled" over the years. I always thought it would make a great movie house to show Lucille Ball movies with a Lucy theme lobby if the Lucy Desi Playhouse acquired it.

A buyer must be found for the Winter Garden so if anyone knows of a possible buyer please contact the DJDC or the Arts Council.

DakRoland: I really think the Post Journal would love to see the Winter Garden blueprints and the lobby photos (circa 1940s) now that the article has come out in the paper. Would love to chat with you about this article, etc. @ wrlenzo@aol.com

I have posted under "Add News" about the sale of the Winter Garden Theater so hopefully a buyer will be found to save this historic theater. Keep your fingers crossed.

What kind of price are we talking about???

The building is selling for about $20,000, but to properly update the building, gut and upgrade the interior, restore the facade and reinstall the marquee (which was the counter balance to the balcony), it would take an investment of several million dollars. My group looked into it, and were very excited to see if we could purchase the place...but we would have needed a HUGE investment of money, and unfortunately, there wasn't any way that we could see our small group getting that kind of funding.

longislandmovies: It would take several million dollars to bring it back to its original state 100 years ago, but I do beleive it would take less dollars if just making the general repairs and getting the place open again, imo. Go to my CT news post and you will find contact information there along with the recent Post Journal article. Thank you for your inquiry!

longislandmovies: Thank you for your inquiry and spread the word!

Well I am also looking into the fact of maybe buying the building and getting enough repairs to bring the fine lady back to life a little bit at a time. I know I am looking at a hugh project but I would love to see what is out there for grants or privete investers or even donations to get this underway. The other thing is to get a company behind you to invest to get the name of the bulding after there company like a example only like CUMMINS WINTER GARDEN THEATHER just a though anyone with any info I would love to hear it ..there are a millions of reasons to just let it go but there is also vision of slowly bringing this old lady a face lift and give her back some pride,not to say the impact this could have on bringing downtown some more life looking to the future.
I can see this being used as a place for local and national acts both in the way of musical shows,comedy shows,plays,concerts,hey maybe even a MOVIE ?? this could be used for meetings,trade shows,high school gradutions. The biggest thing is get help from the whole area and many donations but not ones with so many strings that they end up running the place and making so high cost that the normal people would not get to use the garden. Well right now it might be a pipe dream but I think that this could really be somthing big for the area if it was done right. not only in many jobs it might bring but also bring some more life to a part of Jamestown that is slowly coming back to life with all the new things that the area was to offer

Cannonball: Please contact the names and numbers that are provided on the "news" CT section.

http://cinematreasures.org/news/18846_0_1_0_C/

Thank you Patsy I have done that and am now waiting for them to get back to me.I see that you are very active in this matter and would love any thoughts or intrests that you might have on this subject.
Thanks
Kelly

I would also love to see any photos that anyone had to share on this fine Lady old and right up to the point of when it was closed. I have looked at the pitures posted on here allready

Keep us posted when you hear back from the DJDC or the Arts Council. Better yet, I wouldn't wait for them to return your call but would contact them again and speak with someone sooner than later. If you are interested in purchasing this theatre or know someone who is, let them know asap! If you speak with Debbie Luce, Main Street Manager, be sure to tell her that you are a member of Cinema Treasures as she knows about the internet site now through my phone conversation with her last week.

Cannonball, if this is a possibility for you, I would love to help with the restoration project. I have been in the theater several times - both when operational and three times since, via the Arts Council. I know the building quite well, as does Jamestownguy. Please keep me posted on your progress toward acquisition. Also, I should tell you that I have considered purchasing the building and have spoken with Turner Brokers and the Director of the Arts Council about this - they will sell it for a song to the right person with the right plan... Best of luck!

I'm moved to see action on this forgotten thearter. My grandmother took me to winter garden to see Gremlins. That wat the 1st time i had ever been inside and most recently i had the chance to tour the current state of the building with Ishmael528 in spring of 07. The condition is sad but totaly saveable. I had a chance to get a few photos while there. If you have interest in viewing them please contact me at jamestownguy4385@aol.com or phone @ 716-407-1887. my name is Raymond and ill be more then happy to share. I would be so proud to one day walk up to the ticket booth and pay the price to see a show in the ol girl. I hope this project takes flight as this might be Winter Gardens last hope. Best Wishes!

The "Related Website" in the introduction needs to be updated or removed. It seems to have vanished into cyberspace.

Ishmael528 and jamestownguy: Good to read your recent posts about this almost forgotten theatre! I would like to see any photos via email either or both of you have in your collection. And yes, the Arts Council "will sell it for a song to the RIGHT person with the RIGHT plan". I agree, this effort may just "be Winter Gardens last hope". Let us keep the hope alive! I'm doing all I can via this computer to save "her" in any way we can...the right way!

Warren: Thanks for this important update as I hadn't looked at it in some time. There was a photo of the theatre. Lost Memory added this theatre so he'll make the correction, if he can.

The "Related Websites" link was too far gone to be resuscitated. Services for the former link will be held at the Cyber funeral home this Friday.

Lost Memory: Thanks...I think! RIP I sure hope this isn't "a sign" as to the future of the theatre on Main Street in Jamestown NY.

jamestownguy: Since the above related website doesn't work and is "under construction" perhaps you could post your photos as folks need to see a photo(s) of this theatre that is for sale. Thanks.

Don't worry Patsy, it just another dead link. I don't think this theater will suffer the same fate at the link. At least I hope that it won't. LOL

I tried typing in just www.bigsplat.net and still nothing so hopefully "jamestownguy" will post some photos as there are interior and exterior photos "out there" that I have seen! If I'm not mistaken, some are even on this link.

And I just learned how to enlarge the print when reading text.... while pressing the "ctrl" key use the scroll on your mouse.

i would love to post the photos but im no real sure how to get them online if i could find someone to assist me it would be my pleasure to post them. Also if anyone might be interested in person for coffee i would be more then happy to set up a time. Unfortunatly im going in for a major operation on the 29th april and my recovery will be aprox. 6 monthes so we would have to set up a time before that.

You can get a free account with Photobucket and link to your photos from there.

Lost Memory: That is a great suggestion for "jamestownguy"!

The alternative would be to email you the photos. Then you would have to email them to everyone else that wanted to view them. Its much easier to link to the photos through Photobucket. :)

Lost Memory: I agree. Either way I hope we see them!

My great aunt, Katie Woods, owned, I think, the Winter Garden...I know she owned one of the theaters in Jamestown, and I do remember as a small child, walking past the W.G. and remember how upset she was at the deterioration of the theater. She died, I think in the late 40's. Her son, Mike Woods, later ran the Shea's theater in Buffalo, I seem to remember...
Mary Tweiten
mericks4@tampabay.rr.com

Mary, I have just sent you an email in regards to your comment. If you do not see it, please check your spam filter for an email from dakroland @ mac.com. I look forward to speaking with you. :) ~Dak

Mary, I very much enjoyed reading your recent May 16 post and welcome you to this wonderful theatre internet site. I have met Dak and know that he would appreciate hearing from you in the near future. Thank you, in advance, for anything you can provide him in his WG research as the common goal for all of us is to save and restore "our" Winter Garden in Jamestown NY.

I want to thank Mary for her help. Thanks to information she had, I was able to learn even more about the theater, and the men (and women) who were behind the Winter Garden. Every little clue reveals yet another part of the picture of this wonderful old theater.

Last night I spoke on the phone with a reporter from the Jamestown Post-Journal, Patrick Fanelli. This morning, he had an article updating the status of the efforts for the theater...on the Front Page. I am the Michael Kenney referred to in the article. :) Here is the link...

http://www.post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/502317.html?nav=5018

Stay tuned for a future article that will delve into the history of the theater that I've been able to uncover so far.

DakRoland: I, for one, applaud you for your WG effort. Keep all of us on CT updated to this wonderful developing story.

1980 Photo

1983 Photo

1987 Photo

my father deane emley managed the winter garden theater in late 40's.......my mother worked at woolworths at end of street....i can remember the church bells sounding out the hours at top of hill.....my younger brother was born in jamestown hosptial... deane graduated from J.H.S (the red and green) in 1937 i have his yearbook..... i knew the manager of palace theater but name escapes me now....i went to charles street school which is closed ............deane was transfered to olean ny in 1950 to manage the "haven" and "state" theaters which are gone now......i believe winter garden was owned by warner bros and palace by dipsons........we lived in house on corner of pershing ave which still looks same.... warner bros wanted to transfer him again but he refused, stayed in olean.....regards, richard emley

Hi everyone My name is Julie snow, I have great Ideal to reopen the winter garden theater and to restore the look from the inside out. But I need the support from the city of Jamestown and from the wonderful people that live in this town!! Lets come together as a family and get this project up and running!! I as a resident here in town want to save what history we have left!! My email is snowfairies1@yahoo.com