Byrd Theatre

Hi, My name is Jaynie. My grandfather was William Byrd from Polasky Va. He was a twin and had 17 brothers and sisters. He had 8 children of his own and 2 of them were sons named Robert William and Richard Byrd. Id like to talk with anyone who may have some history on the Byrd family. Just feel we are related somehow. Im a country singer and they all call me the singin' songbird!! hope to hear from anyone who would have any information. I came across your web site after looking into historical theatres which I love. Thanks
Jaynie Poole

My name is Martha Tillman Brown. My grandfather was Fred A. Bishop the architect of the Byrd Theatre. I remember the theatre, and the bowling alley in the basement I believe. I would be delighted to hear more about the Byrd, my grandfather, and anything else he designed. I remember his home then in the country in Richmond. I remember it as a stone house with a spring house at the river or large creek on the property. There was a black Walnut tree in front.

Please let me hear. Thanks!

A retired projectionist has just stumbled on your site, its content is fascinating, very informative and so well presented. Congratulations to all concerned in the construction and the presentation of Cinema Treasures.
best wishes, Ted dann.
Somerset England.

Martha -- please contact me. I'm researching the Arlington Theatre, which is apparently one of the last projects your grandfather worked on. Would love to learn more about it.

The Byrd in Richmond was magnificently restored about ten or fifteen years ago and now runs second-run movies for a dollar a ticket. Along with Hollywood Cemetery and Joe's Inn on Shields Avenue in the Fan, it's one of Richmond's few treasures. Don't miss catching a movie here if you ever happen to find yourself enduring Richmond.

Camden

it's two dollars now, but the byrd is still a great place to see a movie (and as camden said, a couple hours' respite from the rest of richmond can be a very good thing).

Yeah, two dollars now probably isn't that much different from a dollar back then. The Byrd Theatre's official website is the largest and most ornate and informative of any theatre's that I've ever seen on the internet. It's so large and complex, covering every single detail of the theatre that anyone could possibly think of, that it has to be seen to be believed. After a couple of hours on that site, I couldn't believe how much I'd learned about the Byrd, a place I went to for years.

It's a shame the theatre isn't here in New York City, where it could serve a more discerning population and wouldn't more or less go to waste.

Camden

Don't miss the Byrd's official website. It is just incredible.

Camden

Why can't each large town or city at least restore one movie palace like the Byrd for movies? Its seating capacity is perfect not to large for todays economics. The AFI helps restore film, well it would be great is something was created and funded to help restore some of these theatres for movies and not just Performing Art Centers.brucec

i am doing a paper on the byrd, so if anybody has some interesting stories, could you please post them (and note that i can use it in my paper) thanks very much!
--123456

The Byrd theatre does not go to waste! I'm glad it is right here in Richmond and not in NYC! Not only do they offer second run movies for cheap but the discerning Richmond audience enjoys special viewings of classics such as Harold Lloyd silent films with live accompaniment and most recently, a showing of "Some Like It Hot" with Tony Curtis giving a talk prior to the show - what a great night!

I am an out-of-towner that came here from Washington DC. You can make your own good time here with friends so I believe Camden missed out on a lot. The only thing that is really missing here in this wonderful city (besides good management, which is changing) is a selection of good FM radio stations. The Byrd is one of those treasures that is so magnificent that you can't believe it was open to the general public - surely it must have been for the elite only.
The main chandelier alone is priceless - well, hundreds of thousands anyway! The organ, the classic preview, the 'flappers' at the fountain, the incredible curtain....what a pride and joy for this city. Thanks and come see it! Bill

Here is a ling to some great pictures of the Byrd and its projection and sound systems. Although to update it a little the Carbon arch lamps used for projection in no longer in operation. Because of accessability and bad quality the carbon arch lamps were replaced in October 2002 with 2 3,000 watt xenon lamps.
http://www.film-tech.com/warehouse/pics/byrd/byrd.html

What a splendid survivor this theater is! And what an excellent web site its operators have provided, so that those of us who live in places where theaters such as this no longer exist, or never did, can get a glimpse of what a functioning movie palace that is properly cared for can still be. The citizens of Richmond are very fortunate not to have lost this treasure.

The City of Richmond is so very lucky to have 2 beautiful theatres and one of them is an atmospheric that is being restored! Consider yourself lucky, Richmond!

Martha: Interesting that you note about a bowling alley in the basement as my hometown theatre was to have had a bowling alley, but that may have only been a rumor in regards to my theatre.

".....its own Wurlitzer (which is still in use and plays every Saturday night)." What a wonderful thing to read about this theatre and what it offers the residents of Richmond.

My neighbors have their parents visitng from Richmond VA this weekend so needless to say I have informed them of their 2 special theatres..this one and the Carpenter PAC both built in 1928! It is really quite something to have 2 beautiful theatres in a city the size of Richmond.

Just watched Food Nation with Bobby Flay and he was in Richmond VA. He told us about some great restaurants there, but we know there are 2 great theatres there, too.....thanks to CT.

People cry over the demise of REAL: theaters,weeping and howling,but it's a rare house that closed with crowds being turned away.Support the Byrd or lose it.Richmond has lost so many great theaters.By the way,I never heard a word when the oldest theater in VA,in downtown Frdericksburg was destroyed a few years ago.It's across the street and down from a much larger theater that is being used as a church.I remember meeting the owner of the Old theater(he also owned car dealerships)at the theater.He told me he would never allow anything to happen to his historical treasure.What happened?Did he pass away?

By the way,does anyone know what will become of the lovely old theater in Tappahanock?I think I spelled it wrong.It is a handsome bldg.Too nice to waste.It was sad when that lovely theater on Forest Hill closed.Lucky thing about Richmond is the availibilty of the really fine volume on the theater history of the area.Barnes and Noble has it.The Venus still stands on Hull St.Is that the saddest street you've ever seen?The great theater still standing empty and in fine shape on Broad begs to be saved.One old theater West of the BLVD & Broad intersection is being used as a camera store.

By the way,does anyone know what will become of the lovely old theater in Tappahanock?I think I spelled it wrong.It is a handsome bldg.Too nice to waste.It was sad when that lovely theater on Forest Hill closed.Lucky thing about Richmond is the availibilty of the really fine volume on the theater history of the area.Barnes and Noble has it.The Venus still stands on Hull St.Is that the saddest street you've ever seen?The great theater still standing empty and in fine shape on Broad begs to be saved.One old theater West of the BLVD & Broad intersection is being used as a camera store.WHY no mention in the listings for the Mosque(Richmond's Landmark Theater)????It must have been the largest theater ever in Richmond.

A 1946 photo of the Byrd theater can be seen here:
http://richmondthenandnow.com/Images/Richmond-Theaters/Byrd-Theatre-big.jpg

I had a conversation recently(last wk.)with a Byrd manager type.I tried in a nice way to convey that they do a less than satisfactory job of communicating what they do to the public.Not everyone is going to seek out the website.There could be out reach to school groups and community clubs,etc.I've seen elementary age kids going into the Byrd the first time.The wonder in their faces is something to see.99% of adults under 35 have never been to a REAL movie theater in their lives.The near uniqueness of this grand ols lady MUST be preserved,nutured and,most of all,used.The National Trust and other groups need to be utilized and constantly communicated with,in order to keep the Byrd's restoration on the front burner.

ONE THING THAT IS A FACT!!!the Byrd is the grandest theater in the whole region that still shows normal,scheduled movies.Yes,the Carpenter and a few others in the mid-Atlatic are a bit grander or larger,but NO movies.You don't have to pay 35 dollars or more to see the trans-siberian ballet and bagpipers to enjoy the experience.I've tried to figure out how many great theaters still operate as the Byrd.There are not many in the entire country.

Quote from above:
a shame the theatre isn't here in New York City, where it could serve a more discerning population and wouldn't more or less go to waste

What an absolutely insulting thing to say! Richmond is a beautiful old city with a fine history. Although nowhere near New York's size, it has a well-educated, lively and interesting population. Although a Baltimore native I lived for two delightful years in Richmond and, frankly, have never seen anything in Babylon-on-the-Hudson that could match Richmond for elegance and graciousness. If New York is so discerning, why are the Paramount and the Roxy gone? Of course New York is more metropolitan, but please, Camden, don't write off Richmond just because it isn't New York. The Byrd is not wasted on Richmond; nor is the Loew's or the Mosque. It does seem, though, that the Paramount WAS wasted on New York.

It is glad to learn that Byrd Theatre can be saved and still shows movies nowsadays.

Here is a beautiful color photo of the Byrd Theatre auditorium.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/Chuck1231/California%20Theatres/Virginia%20Theatres/ByrdTheatreRichmondVa.jpg

I agree with Mr. Gibbs and others that the statement, "a shame the theatre isn't here in New York City, where it could serve a more discerning population and wouldn't more or less go to waste," a very insulting comment. Many Richmond locals as well as tourists enjoy the Byrd Theatre. It is certainly not a waste being in Richmond, as this city has quite a history. Being only eighteen, my friends and I go to many of the shows at the Byrd and appreciate its marble, crystal chandaliers, and velvet drapes. New generations should be able to appreciate it just as the old generations did. Perhaps I am overly defensive being a Richmond "native," but Richmond is an amazing town and deserves to have such an incredible piece of histoy in its town.

FUND RAISER. Hello everyone. The Byrd is one of my favorite places because it has everything; old movies, new movies, and even great architecture. Recently I did a drawing of this awesome building and made prints. The framed prints sell for 25 dollars, but 10 will be donated directly to the Byrd. Check out the display when you see your next movie there or view the image at www.ArtWanted.com/mlmmlm777art . I am excited to help preserve the Byrd for future generations. I hope you enjoy viewing the drawing.
Thanks,
Michael Martin

Here is array of photos of the Byrd Theatre.
http://www.agilitynut.com/p/byrdt5404.jpg
http://www.agilitynut.com/p/byrdt404.jpg
http://www.agilitynut.com/p/byrdt2404.jpg
http://www.agilitynut.com/p/byrdt3404.jpg
http://www.agilitynut.com/p/byrdt4404.jpg

Another exterior photo of the Byrd Theater can be seen here.

This is a 1930's photo of the Byrd Theater.

Sometimes we forget what this is all about.Sat.night my wife and myself went to the big Byrd.The Chronicles of Narnia was the earlier feature.Full house with tons of families and people of all ages.The organ program was great,just not long enough.People loved the movie,clapped,cheered,left with smiles.I watched people before the lights went down.You could tell who had never been there before.The wide-eyed wonder was not hard to see.It was like going to the theater 50 years ago.WHAT A BLAST!!!What a treasure.I still wish there was a section here on JUST movie palaces that show movies.Anybody within 100 or so miles of Cary St.should support this marvelous place.Every time I go there I feel like a little kid again,going to the Florida or the Palace in a Jacksonville that is long-gone.

Forgot to mention-the balconey is the place to sit-the seats aren't as worn and the view is beyond compare.

One fun thing about the Byrd is the eateries close by.The Thai place just out the front door and to the East is great.BBQ right across the street.Everything you could want is close by.Parking isn't a big deal.The downtown private contract parking nazis aren't much in evidence here.The funky stores should be avoided by all females-that means you Patsy-the temptations are irresistable to that side of the human race.

This is a 2006 photo of the Byrd Theater in Richmond.

Yep, I think we all agree that the statement above made by Camden was rather ridiculous. Unfortunately, that sort of sentiment runs rampant with many New Yorkers. "If it's not in New York.....IT'S CRAP!!!" Give me a break.

I've never spent any time in Richmond (only passed through), but everything I've read and seen of the city looks just great. The Byrd Theatre looks incredible, and I hope to visit in person some day soon.

Keep your heads up, Richmond. I'd rather be in a dungeon in your town than a penthouse in New Stinkin' York.

Thankyou. I couldn't agree with you more, Very well said.

Where in NEW YORK can you drive your car to FREE,safe parking,have a good meal for 2 for under 30.00,see a current movie in a REAL movie palace for 2(each) entire dollars?????Where Mr Big Town???

exactly.

I am so glad to see that people still apreciate the elegance and magic of the old movie houses!
I grew up in, around and under the Byrd Theater.
My grandfather, Eddie Weaver, wa the house organist for many, many, many years.
He would entertain twice nightly before the main feature with music,
song slide sing-alongs and his speciality, the parody.
Many times I would go along, climb down into the (dungeon) basement, go through the tiny door to the elevator shaft where the 'Mighty Wurlitzer' lived when it wasn't performing, climb up next to my grandfather and ride to stage level where he would unleash the awesome power of the organ pipes, the ghost percussion section and the piano in the side balcony that seemed to play itself!
I once even met a celebrity there. When the James Bond film "Goldfinger" was playing, I met Harold 'Odd-Job' Sakata, the right-hand hench man for Goldfinger. I wasn't allowed to see the movie so I didn't know he was a "bad guy". He was very large and scary at first but turned out to be very nice and gentle and gave me an autographed picture.
Ah, memories..........
Lee Wampler
zedlee

I forgot to mention, my grandfather (Eddied Weaver) also played at the Lowes Theater in downtown Richmond.
He actually started out playing for silent movies. In Florida in the 20's I believe, Conneticut, New York, etc.
I once even got to see him play a feature lenght silent picture. It was the Academy Award winning, "Wings". A film about WWI pilots which, as I remember, was over three hours long and the musical score looked like a New York City phone book in large print edition.
I'll shut up now and let someone else have a turn.
LeeWampler
ZedLee

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979

Byrd Theatre ** (added 1979 - Building - #79003289)
2908 W. Cary St., Richmond (Independent City)
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event
Architect, builder, or engineer: Bishop,Fred
Architectural Style: Other
Area of Significance: Architecture, Entertainment/Recreation, Exploration/Settlement
Period of Significance: 1925-1949
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Theater
Current Function: Recreation And Culture
Current Sub-function: Theater

This is a recent photo of the Byrd Theater.

Some updates on the Byrd. Yep! All the carbon arcs are now gone, along with the dust and the associated mess. We now have a much brighter and cleaner metal halide lighted follow spot. Also during the first week of November '06 we were closed for 3 days for the removal of the old sound system and the installation of a new Dolby Digital system. There are new left, right and center channel speakers as well as 4 sub woofers behind the screen. Twenty surround speakers have also been installed, giving equal coverage to the balcony as well as the main floor. The processor is a Dolby CP 650. Connecting the speakers required 5700 feet of 12 ga. speaker cable all but about ten feet of which is out of sight.

The 1930's photo of the Byrd with its vertical sign and beautiful marquee is not what is there now which is a shame.

I lived in Richmond for a few years in the late '90's. One of my favorite places to hang out was Cary Town a fun evening would include visits to Plan 9 Records, World of Mirth, the tobacconist, dinner at Mary Anglea's and a movie at The Byrd. The midnight shows were the best. I remember going to see "Pink Flamningos" there (I think I still have the stub somewhere).

I lived in Richmond for a few years in the late '90's. One of my favorite places to hang out was Cary Town a fun evening would include visits to Plan 9 Records, World of Mirth, the tobacconist, dinner at Mary Anglea's and a movie at The Byrd. The midnight shows were the best. I remember going to see "Pink Flamningos" there (I think I still have the stub somewhere).

The Byrd Theatre has been purchased by the Byrd Theatre Foundation. After 3 years of negotiations with the estateof Samuel and Irma Warren, the foundation closed on the building a couple weeks ago. Operationally the transition was seemless. The former operating company, Nelson Commnications moved out one morning and the foundations LLC opened at 6:45 pm, the normal time that evening. There will be fund raisers etc. to raise money for some much needed repairs as well as paying off the mortgage.

HEY!!!Did anyone notice the article in the 10-30-issue of the RICHMOND-TIMES DISPATCH about the ghost and the ghost hunters' adventures in the Byrd over night while having strange experiences.a REAL TREAT.

Of course,it may have just been Mr.Memory they encountered.I'm convinced he COULD NOT be human and come up with the spooky stuff he uncovers.

You discovered my true identity Mr. G. I'm really Casper the ghost and those ghost hunters will never catch me. Boo

The ghost hunters set up quite an array of "detection equipment" that night and detected nothing that their over active imaginations didn't cause them to find. They got annoyed when we referred to them as ghost busters. Mr. Coulter, if he really is here is much too evasive for these people to detect.

The vertical sign was taken down in '71. It was in poor condition and was moving back and forth with the wind because the original stabilizing rods had rusted loose inside the sign. Cables installed after the rods cam loose were working loose too. The problem was that there was no access to the inside for maintenance and repair and even if there had been there was nothing inside to climb on to get to problem areas. Once it was down it was found to be in much worse condition than anticipated and couldn't have been put back up even if they wanted to. The blue neon marquee lights and sign were installed in the early '30s. The marquee as original had no sign or lights other than lighting for the sidewalk on the underside. Movie signs were on banners above the doors. The ends of the marquee were cut off and angled at time too.

For a very early exterior photo of the Byrd, check
www.richmondthenandnow.com the click Richmond Then and Now the Byrd photo will be on page 7 of the photos

The Ghost Hunters crew try to disprove hauntings, not come up with fake hauntings for publicity. Either way the theater should be thankful for the publicity...
http://0mg.com

To be sure the publicity is great. I never said they come up with anything they believe is fake, what I think is that they are conviced that what ever they "detect" is otherworldly. I've been at the Byrd for 20 years and have never seen or heard anything that isn't totally explainable. The ghost hunters don't want to know about real world explanations

To be sure the publicity is great. I never said they come up with anything they believe is fake, what I think is that they are conviced that what ever they "detect" is otherworldly. I've been at the Byrd for 20 years and have never seen or heard anything that isn't totally explainable. The ghost hunters don't want to know about real world explanations

Here is another recent photo.

This is a May 2008 close-up view.

I hope one day money is raised to put a proper marquee back on the Byrd. I think we should list the best remaining movie palaces still showing movies in the United States. I know the Byrd would be one of them.brucec

I advocated here previously for a SEPERATE listing of REAL MOVIE PALACES that show REGULARLY scheduled films,notjust the occassional old movie or film festival.By the way,go to the Byrd website to learn about the big fund raising gala coming soon.

A friend of mine who grew up in Richmond sent me an article on the Byrd. They recently celebrated their 80th anniversary. Go Byrd!

Another photo can be seen here.

This is a recent night view.

Tonight will be the Byrd's 80th anniversary. Eighty years of continuous operation.

Here is the nomination form for the National Register of Historic Places.

the NTI Offices with TWO Huge garbage bags almost too heavy for me to carry!
My mom thank god was a big film buff herself and she wasa willing to wait for me at the nearby historic Department Store Thailhimers (Which Morton G. Thailhimer was ALSO the owner ofThe NTI Chain) So I had added a 1-sh or lobbycard request for Gone With The wind (Mom's All Time Fave)to my list and Damned if Ray didn't make sure I left there with a Poster for the 1968 IIRC Anniv. GWTW Rerelease poster! And My favorite of ALL time PLANET OF THE APES!


I got Lobby's, Posters,for ALL 5 Apes! and although My elusive Futureworld

wasn't there on file Ray made a call and I was sent down to the now demolished Capital theater.Where I saw the manager there (can't remember his name BUT I FINALLY had my Futureworld "Is This You Or Are You YOU?" Poster! lol PLUS I got a regular order put in at the National Screen Service.So I Found myself making the trek a couple of times a month to pick up some 1-Sheets ($2.50 ea. or Lobbycard sets usually $5.00) A few months later Moviemachine Invited me up to the Screening Room in the NTI Offices He and the Staff were checking out a Film called "The Idol Maker" starring a then little known Peter Gallagher and Ray Starkey (sp) It was about the Starkey Character managing the Careers of these bands/singers (Gallagher) in the late 50's early 60's era.They wanted to get the feel for what the Teenage audience might think of this one and that would help the Moviemachine decide where the Film might best be Exibited to the biggest Audience,WOW,Ifelt so important! lol Up until this point I had been getting in BIGGGG Trouble for figuring out how to contact the actual studios in California and I told them the Truth (sometimes) and Occasionally I'd represented myself to be a School Paper.in no time I had racked up $400 Phonebills! So now I had found great conections right in town!I started Bothering the Local newspaper Reviewers and began getting monthly boxes of Presskits and other Promo goodies! and even caught the attention of a reporter who did an Article ON ME and my Memrobilia Collecting!(hey she was hard up for an article and it did help me get some crediblity with my friends and still Angry Step Dad)So finally as I got older I didn't as actively persue my hobbie but I did start going to alot of the Midnight Shows by the Movie Machine Playing at the Ridge,Even sugguested "Enter The Dragon" one week.My bestfriend's Uncle became the Manager at the Byrd around the time Sam Jones' Flash Gordon was released (Love That Poster! still have it!)and it was then The Moviemachine introtuced me to the Manager of the three side by side Movie Palaces located in had become by 1981Richmond's "Seedier" Area,Saddly These Theaters From what I could see HAD been as Beautiful as the Byrd (Well the biggest of the 3 called The Colonial originally The National) Giant Urns,Big Velvet Blood Red Curtins.So anyhoo,by this time The current Manager Jerry,Warned me and my best bud that wecould come watch anything we wanted but we'ed probly be better off watching from the projection booth! Yeah it got that rough,especially when there was a "MovieMachine All Nite Black Belt Soul Brother" Showing!I Attended Two of these Extravaganzas, and watched Arrests,Drinking,Drugs Lots of Audience particapation! lolBUT,I did Inherit EVERY BlackSplotation Title (Lobbies and Posters) and when the Towne State and Colonial Finally closed Their doors for good (around 1987) I actually got the Entire 35mm Print of "Coffy" with Pam Grier Still in the Original Cans Boxes of Preview Trailers and Poster Frames A goldmine!Still Sad to see these Classic Theaters go though and the empty screens just sat and were still sitting when I left Va.in 1992 .My Parents related to me memories of any Local Theaters they'd attended including about how the Legendary Huge Chandiler hanging from the Ceiling at the Byrd Theater had to be Lowered in Sections for Cleaning,Still I sat beneath this Crystal Monster my first Time at the Byrd One eye on The Movie (Golden Voyage Of Sinbad) the other on this
Giant Fixture affraid it was gonna fall and crush us any second!So in the mid 80's My friends Uncle had moved on from the Byrd and in his place TheTheater had gotten back a Gentleman who had started working with this cinema as an usher in the late 30's and almost 50 years later he now was the manager!What a story I thought so I called on Mr. Stitzer (Sp) while at the Byrd with my Granny He was a most Gracious man and confirmed what I'd herd about the Byrd having a backlog of 1-sheets and Lobbies stored in a room somewhere beyond the Stage,Well not only did this room exsist but Mr.Stitzer had seen my article in the paper and was actually gonna let me check out these treasures and told me to have some titles in mind that I might be looking for because there was just "Too Many To Browse" OMG! lol our meeting was to be early Sunday morning this was a Weds,I could not wait!So Saturdaynight was like Christmas Eve For me I couldn't sleep,I flipped on the TV and to my Shock there was the report that Mr. Stitzer and one of his ushers had been robbed of the Boxoffice recpts and during the crime the Usher had been wounded and Mr. Stitzer Shot and Killed.
This was so sad and needless

So,on a happier note the Byrd reopened under new management awhile later.My dream had been to Actually be envolved in Cinema and I did get my chance my uncle had gotten himself on an Extra's List" for whenever a Film Production came to Richmond or nearby parts of Virgina,I ended up in What About Bob? Love Field,a reenactment for "America's Most Wanted" (I was in a Barroom that gets shot up! lol)and my fave "A Woman Named Jackie" with Stephen Collins Of Star Trek the Motion Picture (Nicest Guy you'd want to meet!) Finally Talk about full Circle I ended up in a commercial for a Local News Guy on Channel 6 WTVR and it was Filmed in the Byrd.and another PSA about Picking up your Trash also shot in the Byrd's Balcony.Then around August 1992 I came down here to florida during Hurricane Andrew and The Storms Blew my Wife (Of Sixteen Years into my Arms!lol) Of course now I collect DVDs and I'm amazed at how many of these obscure little Titles you can either buy online or even Download yourself! Because of Ray/Moviemachine and all these Theater Owner/Operators Kindness and Encouragement,Iwas inspired toTeach myself about Film of course the Classics but my real interest is early 70's through 1990 Sholocky Ed Wood Type Stuff or Explotation Films like "Blackenstien" or "The Incredible Melting Man" Godzilla or The Green Slime!Sure around here in Naples Fl.there's only one of these GI-NORMOUS! 21Plex Cinemas and although it has NONE of the Personality of say,a Byrd or Colonial It's nice to see most are still run by good people who still seem to really love film and imho I think it's a lil' bit easier to get ahold of the Posters and such now than it was in the 80's I just turnrd 43 and I'm an old Trekkie,so I asked this Manager my age because my Daughter wanted a Hanna Montanna and mentioned looking forward to the new Star Trek movie,She told me to stop by the office after our film was over and when I did she layed on me a roll of Posters in a tube that contained Everything that had come out since Iron Man! Sweet!Nice to know I still got it1 lol Well thanks for lettin' me ramble and RAY/Moviemachine, Thanks for lettin' a kid feel like a Movie Mogaul for awhile I'll never forget it!
All The Best
See Ya' At The Movies!
JOHN B. aka Theaterboy66

Sorry Some Of My Previous Posting seemed to have gotten cut off but I gotta get some sleep BUT IT IS GREAT TO BE HERE!

JOHN

1987 photo of the Byrd Theatre.
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c46%2c3%2c-1&catpageindex=10&catpagesize=10&ProductID=34855
Another 1987 photo of the Byrd Theatre.
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c46%2c3%2c-1&catpageindex=10&catpagesize=10&ProductID=34856

Here is another photo from 1987.

1978 clipping of newspaper ads for the Byrd and other Richmond-area Neighborhood Theatres:

http://uberkayness.blogspot.com/2009/05/seven-on-flip-side.html

A recent photo of the Byrd Theater is here.

This is a recent photo of the Byrd at night.

THIS place is a continuing national treasure that MUST be used to preserve.VIST.PLEASE.

Fund raising continues to be very difficult due to the economy and indifference by those who typically support historic projects. They seem to have NO interest in supporting the maintenance or restoration of a mere cinema even though it is the most significant theatre in the city and the only theatre in the area in any resemblance of its original appearance and STILL doing what it was built to do and open 365 days a year.