RKO Keith's Richmond Hill

This theater is still standing and remains open. It's currently being used as a bingo hall and flea market. Although the seats have been removed from the main floor, the theater is otherwise completely intact from the days it functioned as a movie house.

The Marquee has been restored to its movie days glory. It's worth a drive by to see it.

The RKO Richmond Hill Theatre once seated 2234 people.

The balcony and seats are still intact.

I lived in Richmond Hill until I married at age 22....In the fabulous 60's I went there when the rock band Dave Clark Five were appearing, I remember my older brother holding me and my twin up so we could get a glimpse of them. We always went to Jahn's Ice Cream Parlor next door. I loved that neighborhood, especially Richmond Hill Library down the block from there. What memories. When I was dating my husband, we would stop in to Glenn's Tavern across the street from the RKO. Some nights, we had dinner in Salerno's restaurant. Anyone else have any memories...write me at maryannmanders@aol.com
Mary Ann Morrongiello (Manders)

Shouldn't the name of this theater be the RKO Keith's - Richmond Hill?
My wife, who grew up in Richmond Hill, as well as friends and acquaintances from the area always refer to this theater as the Keith's. Years ago I recall that newspaper ads for the RKO chain always had to differentiate between the two Keith's theaters in the borough of Queens. The one in Richmond Hill and the other in Flushing, which is referred to correctly elsewhere on this site.

The theatre is located at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue & Myrtle Avenue. It was briefly Keith's Richmond Hill before a corporate merger that made it RKO Keith's Richmond Hill. The theatre was the first in Queens to offer free parking, though relatively few people owned cars in those days. Vaudeville accompanied a feature movie in its first years. The opening date was 1927 or 1928, prior to the opening of the Keith-Albee Flushing.

Two or three years ago, the theatre was supposed to be turned into a recording studio and museum, but after work began, the project was suddenly canceled...In its heyday as a movie house, the Richmond Hill was first-run for Queens, but the same programs were shown day-and-date not too far away at the Alden or Merrick in Jamaica and, from its opening in 1942, the Midway in Forest Hills, as well as at theatres in other borough communities. And Richmond Hill was not a major shopping destination, so the theatre never did more than so-so business.

I think I can trace my interst in theaters to the RKO Keiths in Richmond Hill. When I was about 12, occasionally I used to go with my parents to the RKO Keiths in Richmond Hill for the Flea Markets in the mid 80's. They would go looking at the stuff, and I would go off on my own and explore the theater. The "relic" condition of it fascinated me! The very opulent lobby with the mirrors, chandeliers, and plasterwork, sitting there filthy just fascinated me. Also all the chandeliers along the ceiling up in the balcony. The theater was sort of trashed, but so much of the theater's glory days was there. Many of the old sconces were lit up on the walls back then, sitting there filthy.
One day during a flea market as a kid, I snuck up to the balcony. All that was stopping me was a chain across the stairs with the ornate railing. I ran up there when no one was looking, and really searched the nooks and crannies. Soot, and years of dust and cobwebs covered everything, including the draperies and crystal chandeliers. I also snuck behind the stage curtain on one trip there. The ornate curtain had been cut, and makeshift doorway put in it.
The ornate paintings and murals all survived way up on the ceiling of the theater, although all the walls were painted beige about halfway up to the ceiling. The proscenium arch was beige on the sides, and the top was still original with gold etching, and all different colors. The theater seemed so interesting because of all the old stuff sitting there, like a diamond in the rough.
I have not been back to the RKO Keith's in probably at least 15 years, so have no idea what changes (or removal of old stuff) have taken place since back then.
I was sorry to hear that the museum plans fell through, it would have been nice to see the theater restored. At least around 15 years ago, so much of the old theater was still intact (aside from the seats on the main level), so it was very possible to save with restoration unlike so many other theaters. I hope that is still the case today.

I think the theater should be identified here as the RKO Keith's in Richmond Hill, since that is how residents remember it, and mostly because anyone walking by today would see the grand original marquee proudly displaying "RKO Keith's."Granted it could cause confusion with its better known cousin in Flushing. I "discovered" this theater online while browsing through the Richmond Hill Historical Society's website (http://www.richmondhillhistory.org/) after coming back home from a Saturday afternoon stroll through the neighborghood's jaw-dropping Victorian splendor. I had missed the Keith's (as well as Jahn's Ice Cream Parlor next door) not having gone down the length of Hillside but plan on getting back there as soon as possible. The Society has a couple of pages on the Keith's which should be of great interest to visitors of Cinema Treasures. One documents in photos the unveiling of the original intact marquee under the later sheet-metal one by the film crew of the movie "The Guru" which did location shooting there and eneded up using the old marquee in ther shots (http://www.richmondhillhistory.org/RKOkeith1.html). The other has a 1939 photo of marquee and local Legion post marching band at the opening of the double-feature "Grand Illusion" and "Wife, Husband and Friend." Maybe your webmaster can get permission to use one of these shots for this page?

I agree, the theater should be identified as RKO Keith's Richmond Hill Theater. I had a lot of trouble finding the theater in the database, and finally found it by searching "RKO", which finally let me find it. If I didn't know it was an RKO theater, I may still not have found it because Keith's is not in the title.

M_acevedo, thanks for your comment, and for mentioning the Richmond Hill Historical Society. "Bway" introduced me to their site, and I have seen the material on the RKO Keith of Richmond Hill on the site, and I am mentioned by name on the "update" page regarding images of the Jamaica el. Like you, I think webmasters should donate relevant material to each other. Those images of the Jamaica el came from another website at my suggestion, and with that website's webmaster's permission.

I am very fond of that part of Richmond Hill, and was last there this past April 3rd. I had an ice cream sundae in Jahn's. I was glad to find it still open, though with so few customers, compared even to April 1990, that I wonder how it remains open. It's so dark inside. I've been in brighter and more cheerful funeral parlors.

I know what you mean about Richmond Hill's "jaw-dropping Victorian splendor". I've enjoyed it myself. You'll see more of it on Kevin Walsh's site at :
www.forgotten-ny.com on the Richmond Hill page under street scenes.

The RKO Keith Richmond Hill Theater may be glimpsed in the distance in the following image :

http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?24492

It's the water tower and peaked roof to the upper right of the upper right corner of the front of the train (silver car) in this image.

A brief article about the theatre in the May 27th issue of the weekly Queens Tribune says that its address is 117-09 Hillside Avenue. Information about the schedule for bingo games and flea markets can be obtained by phone at 718-847-1418. According to the article, the theatre's interior is more or less intact except for the ground floor of the auditorium, which has been stripped of seats.
Folding tables and chairs are used for the bingo games.

There is a better view of the RKO Keith Richmond Hill Theater in the following image :

http:/www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?31151

This is an older image in which the theater actually appears to be showing movies ! It can be seen to the right of the streetcar. Between the right edge of the streetcar and the left edge of the RKO Keith is the entrance and one window width of Jahn's famous ice cream parlor, still open as of April 3, 2004.

Sorry that link should be :

http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?31151

Here is a link to another photo from the 1940's. It is a photo showing Myrtle ave and Hillside ave. To the right is the RKO Keith and in the distance is Jahn's ive cream parlor.

http://www.richmondhillhistory.org/Hofbrau2.html

I was looking at the Keiths the other day and since the downstairs is currently used the owner should close off the balcony and make it a triplex cinema.

Thanks, lostmemory. I'm glad you found the Richmond Hill Historical Society website. I'm mentioned by name there on the Jamaica el page.
Or, at least I was.

Peter....On that same website is a photo of the RKO Keith from 1939. Here is the link:

http://www.richmondhillhistory.org/RKOkeith.html

Everytime I see that photo, I wish more and more the RKO Keith would be restored. The current owner has beutifully restored the marquee (I think after a movie company removed the 50's covering on the marquee). There was talk that they were going to partially restore it, and a radio museum would be put there, but I think that fell through.
I used to love walking though that theater as a kid because it's such a diamond in the rough. All the old features are still there, just waiting for restoration. It's probably more painfull to look at that theater just "so close, yet so far away" than other ornate theaters, such as the Madison that are totally gutted with no hope of returning to their glory. At least with the RKO Madison, as sad as it is that it's interior had been destroyed, at least you can write that one off. There is no way you can write the RKO Keith off just sitting there in all it's tarnished glory.

Bway, I know what you mean about the RKO Keith in Richmond Hill. It's in its own "Twilight Zone", painfully teetering, seemingly, on the cusp between gutting and demolition, and full restoration. The American Museum of Sound Recording used to be there, but is not there now. Jahn's, next door, is in much the same condition of seemingly being about to close.

Perhaps the ongoing gentrification of Richmond Hill will bring about changes for the better for both landmarks.

only in this theater once on its last day, as i worked for RKO, TO DECIED WHAT WE WERE TO REMOVE.What a bad multiplex job here but what this theater must of been like was still evident.

longislandmovies, what WAS the last day this theater showed films ? What DID you end up removing from it ? What do you mean, "What a bad multiplex job here" ? The RKO Keith was never, to my knowledge, multiplexed, before it stopped showing films. Please explain. Thank you.

I WAS ONLY HERE ONCE SO I AM NOT SURE , BUT I REMEMBER IT AS A TRIPLEX. WALK IN CANDY STAND IN THE CENTER AND A TWO SIDED MARBEL STAIR CASE TO SECOND FLOOR . THE LARGEST MENS ROON I EVER SAW IN A THEATER

Really? It was multiplexed? Are you sure? If it was, all evidence was taken away, because as a flea market even in the early 80's, the balcony was in full view, and "undamaged", meaning all plasterwork was still there. The ceiling is also undamaged (and in original paint (or at least it was when I was last there) and in clear view, The walls were painted beige up to about 3/4 of the way up (the procenium arch was beige on the sides, and original on top.

It's been a while, and I never was in there as a theater, but here's how I remember it as a teenager going to the flea markets there.
You walked down an ornate lobby, with "foggy mirrors" from filth to a second set of doors and an "inner lobby" with a huge ornate and filthy chandelier. There was a marble staircase on the left, and a wrapping balcony level overlooking the "inner lobby", but don't remember what was on the right. (maybe the former concession area?). I actually snuck up that marble staircase during one of the flea markets as a kid to check out the balcony level, which was thick with cobwebs.
Then another set of doors that took you into the main auditorium. On the right was second staircase up to the balcony (in the main auditorium), and they had a makeshift concession stand in front of that to serve food at the flea market.
If looking up to the balcony from the orchestra level, all the seats were there, and there was no evidence that it had ever been partitioned off, either from the main auditorium, or in half.
Unless it was a REALLY bad triplexing, where sound would have traveled from one theater to the next, I can't see any evidence that the theater was multiplexed. I don't know if it is still the case, but even the original tapestry curtain still existed on the stage back in the 80's! It was in the down position, and they (to my horror even then) cut a part of it to put in a doorway to get to the stage area.
As I mentioned earlier in this thread this is THE theater that probably clinched my interet old theaters, just walking through that as a kid in it's "era of the past" state.

My last sentence was supposed to read, "As I mentioned earlier in this thread this is THE theater that probably clinched my INTEREST in old theaters".
I also forgot to mention that all the chandeliers were still present on either side of the balcony level too, and they occasionally would be lit during the flea markets, but not often. Some of the light fixtures throughout the theater still had the original light bulbs yet! Those really old ones that looked sort of like flames. I remember them specifically in the light fixtures near the front emergency exit doors. The sconce was broken, but the light bulb was still there and original - and lit!

As far as I know, the Richmond Hill Keith's was never triplexed. Although I never saw a movie there, I did go to one of their bingo games and everything was pretty much as Bway described above. Perhaps, longislandmovies has this theater confused with the RKO Keith's in Flushing.

my error it was in flushing

Interesting, I never was in the Flushing Keiths, nor ever read it;'s page....I think I'll do that now. I heard it also was a quite ornate theater.

An ad from the 4/28/58 Long Island press shows both Keiths playing a re-release of Jennifer Jones in "Song of Bernadette" alond with Lex Barker in "The Deerslayer". The second feature was in Cinemascaope. I guess this was to capitalize on "Farewell to Arms" which was winding into the first run neighborhood houses at that time.

A color photo of a large portion of the auditorium was published in The New York Times yesterday (1/09/05, page 8 of the The City section). The original decor appears to be mostly intact, but painted over in drab shades of brown. The stage still has curtains, perhaps the originals. The accompanying news article said that the marquee now reads "Richmond Hill Bingo Hall," and that all of the seats on the main floor have been removed to make way for "a sea of plain brown tables and folding chairs. Bingo video monitors abound." Manager Bob Wooldridge complained that NYC's no-smoking law has "really whammed" attendance. Nightly games used to attract 300 to 400 people, but the average now is closer to 125. Competition among bingo halls in Queens is so fierce that some establishments have resorted to sabotage, Wooldridge claimed. He believes that competitors have called the city's 311 phone line to report smoking at the Richmond Hill, even though there isn't any. If a patron does manage to sneak an illegal smoke and an inspector happens to be on the premises, an $800 fine and a day in court can result.

Here's the online version of the story, but unfortunately, the online version does not have the photo in it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/09/nyregion/thecity/09bing.html?oref=login
(free nytimes login account needed)

I have not been in the theater since very early 90's. It has the be at least 15 years or so. (They also do flea markets on Sundays for anyone that wants to take a peak inside). From the description, it appears that the theater has changed little and is exactly like I remembered it the description of it I gave above in this thread, right down to the curtain still being there.

When did the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill cease operations as a movie theatre? What was/were the final booking(s)?

I'm not sure if it was THE last, but Reflections in a Golden Eye was one of the final films to play here.

Early in 1968, just around the same time as the Bushwick And Prospect in Brooklyn and the Strand, Far Rockaway in Queens ceased to operate. I know the closing features of most Brooklyn Theatres and I will post this theatre's "swan" songs in a few days.

The marquee of the RKO Keith's, Richmond Hill was restored by the filmakers of the 2002 comedy movie "The Guru". It can be seen several times in the movie and also what appears to be what could have been the former manager's office above the lobby which in the movie serves as the appartment Jimi Mistry moves into on his arrival in New York.

Later in the movie, you can see scenes that were shot in the lobby and auditorium of Loew's 175th St.Theatre, Manhattan, NYC.

What is interesting about the restoration of the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill's marquee was that they didn't realize it was all still back there when they were going to "recreate" it. When they ripped the covering from the marquee (that must have been installed in the 1950's over the original), there was the old marquee in it's former diamond in the rough glory. They then restored the old original marquee instead of recreating it. Thankfully, it now remains as such today.
I believe I read about this in a Richmond Hill website.

Orlando, we look forward to your posts on what you mentioned above.

The April 7, 2005 issue of Queens Chronicle, page 32, has a B&W exterior photo of the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill from May 21, 1949, with the marquee listing a current double-feature of "The Set-Up" & "The Boy With Green Hair," with Ingrid Bergman's "Joan of Arc" mentioned as coming soon. The weekly newspaper has a website at www.queenschronicle.com, but I don't know if the photo is displayed there.

Thanks, Warren. It's probably in the "I Have Often Walked ..." column of the Queens Chronicle, in which are published images of familiar locales as they appeared many years ago.

These are the programs that followed "The Set-Up" & "Boy With Green Hair" at RKO Keith's Richmond Hill into the summer of 1949:
"Mother Is a Freshman" & "Bad Boy"
"Joan of Arc" & short subjects
"Kiss in the Dark" & "South of St. Louis"
"Chicken Every Sunday" & "Canadian Pacific"
"Flamingo Road" & "Clay Pigeon"
"My Dream Is Yours" & "The Younger Brothers"
"The Lady Gambles" & "Red Canyon"
"Mr. Belvedere Goes to College" & "Forbidden Street"
"The Life of Riley" & "Illegal Entry"
"It Happens Every Spring" & "Beautiful Blonde From Bashful Bend"
"Lust For Gold" & "Johnny Allegro"
"House of Strangers" & "The Fan"
"The Fountainhead" & "Take One False Step"
"The Big Steal" & "Tarzan's Magic Fountain"

Thanks, Warren. My dad remembers "Chicken Every Sunday" as a radio and perhaps also a TV show. I'll have to ask him about it next time I see him.

I also didn't know that "The Life of Riley" was a film, as well as a Gleason / Bendix TV show.

I think that most people associate William Bendix with the Life of Riley Show. Jackie Gleason did the show for one year from 1949-1950. Here is a website about the Jackie Gleason version of that show:
http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ShowMainServlet/showid-33644

And this is a website about the radio show with William Bendix:
http://www.geocities.com/alcus2/radioriley.html

Thanks, lostmemory. Do you know anything about "Chicken Every Sunday", either film or radio program ?

I don't remember a tv show called "Chicken Every Sunday" but there was a movie from the late 40's with that title.

OK, thanks. I can research the film on the IMDb, mentioned by Warren in his post, six posts above this one.

Christmas week 1960 every RKO nabe was showing a double bill of "Midnight Lace" starring Doris day and Rex Harrison and "College Confidential" with Steve Allen, Jayne Meadows, Walter Winchell and Mamie Van Doren. The ad also proclaimed "plan to spend New Years Eve at your favorite RKO".

Prior to the advent of "Premiere Showcase" in 1962 and even later in some cases, most of the RKO "nabes" in the four boroughs (RKO had no theatres on Staten Island) played the same double-feature programs simultaneously. However, up until some time in the 1950s, RKO did a split. The programs would open at the RKO theatres in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Westchester, and then move the following week to those in Brooklyn and Queens. I don't know why this was done. Perhaps to reduce the number of prints needed...The RKO play-off was different from Loew's, which favored certain theatres and gave them preference regardless of which borough they were in. For example, the first week would use a few in Manhattan, plus the Paradise in the Bronx and the Valencia in Queens. The following week, the program would move to other Manhattan theatres, Westchester, the Kings and Pitkin in Brooklyn, and the Triboro in Queens. And the next week, the programs would play the remaining Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens theatres.

peter K's picture <http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?31151>
permits an interesting aside comment. It shows a vintage Myrtle Avenue Trolley running between Richmond Hill to Ridgewood (placard). Interesting because there is always a lot of discussion whether certain theaters are in Queens or Brooklyn.


Yeah, yeah, I know guys. A blond moment.

Ciao and excelsior
'Tonino

Speaking of pictures.
<<http://www.richmondhillhistory.org/rhhollywood.html>>
shows some pictures ofm or near, the Keiths and Lefferts used in the movies over the last 15 years.

A fun double bill of re-issues in April of 1964 played here
http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/nyc-2johnson0126,0,3195196.photo?coll=ny-entertainment-headlines

A fun double bill of re-issues in April of 1964 played here
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a13/ChmnofBrd/PetticoatPillowTalk.jpg

Here is a modern photo of the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill aka Richmond Hill Bingo Hall.

Thanks. I've been there, as well as to Salerno's to the north (last ate there Saturday Sept. 8, 1990) and Jahn's to the south (Saturday April 4, 2004 : sadly, I've been to livelier and brighter funeral homes, compared to how it was then !)

It's also a flea market, about which Bway may have something more to say.

Peter is right, this building is a Flea Market and Bingo Hall. Here is a photo showing the building used for both purposes.

This building is also used as a recording studio. Check out these photos. Click on each photo to enlarge it.

Great photos, lostmemory. Thanks a lot !

Your welcome Peter. I remember going to this theater in the 60's. Seeing a movie wasn't the main reason for going here. The real reason for the bus ride to this theater was going to Jahn's after the movie for ice cream. The bus stop was right across the street so it was very convenient. Sometimes we would skip the movie and just go to Jahn's.

I know what you mean. Tastes good to me ! That says a lot for Jahn's in those days.

The last time I saw Jahn's with any degree of liveliness was when I went there Saturday April 21, 1990.

The Museum of Sound Recording is no longer affiliated with this theatre site. It departed at least a year ago.

The Museum of Sound Recording did move out in February of 2004. It doesn't matter if they are still using the balcony or Wacky Eddie and Mae West are in the balcony. It was the photos that I was interested in.

Yeah, it's unfortunate that they left actually, as they had big plans to renovate the theater I believe. The RKO Keiths Richmond Hill is far from a lost theater. Much of the original ornamentation is all still there, and even the sloped floor is still there. It needs a tremendous amount of work, but it's not "lost".
Actually, the owner even seems to have a little bit of interest in the building, as when they movie company uncovered the original marquee, and then left, the owners are "working" with it quite nicely.
Of course, renovations would only go as far as they would need to go at this point, as obviously they want to make money on their building, and there is no "need" to return the theater to it's glory when it's only being used as a bingo hall and flea market....but who knows, one day.....

Wacky Eddie is with Mae West either in his dreams, or in the Twilight Zone ! While there, check under "C" for cinema, or "T" for troll !

I stopped in this theater two nights ago while working in the neighborhood. (FDNY EMS Paramedic Lietenant) The security person let me tour the building unescorted once I convinced him I wasn't doing a fire inspection and was only there to admire the architecture. A flea market was operating in the lobby with the beautiful terrazo floors still intact. I was confused when I entered the main seating area because the ceiling appeared very low. This area had been leveled off with a platform floor for the bingo parlour operation. Nervous old biddies fearing I was there to enforce fire code snuffed out their cigarettes as I passed. Once in the main area of the bingo parlour and out from under the balcony I could appreciate the true majesty of this theater. I used my flashlight to guide my way up to the balcony. From the balcony this is truly an incredible theater, even with seats missing, carpeting worn through to the concrete, and layers of dust on its chandeliers. If I had my digital camera I would have taken some images. It reminds me of the Queens Theater in Queens Village wich is also well preserved as a Gospel Church.

Thanks Marty for your description. From the sound of it it's almost exactly the way I remember it from 15 to 20 years ago, the last time I was in there.
See my post from April 2004 and August 2004, near the top of the messages for a description of how I remember it.

Yes, MartyBraun, thank you. Downtown Richmond Hill has always been special to me, and by posting your description of the RKO Keith Richmond Hill, you have made it even more special, and magical. Thank you.

To promote his new film "The Ladies Man," Jerry Lewis appeared on stage at this theater on July 13, 1961.

Here are some photographs I took of the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill on a visit to the 'The Museum of Sound Recording' which was housed in the upstairs foyer area in July 2003:
Exterior view:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/118400483/
A closer view of the exterior:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/118400840/
The marquee, renovated after the location shoot of the movie "The Guru" in May 2001:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/118401244/
Auditorium from balcony:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/118401582/
View of side balcony:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/118403579/
Proscenium:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/118404201/
Close-up of side boxes:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/118404572/
Side-wall from the balcony:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/118405080/
Top of proscenium:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/118405374/
Detail on box front:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/118406262/
Foyer looking towards the entrance:
Foyer mirrored walls:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/118407330/

Missed a link above, sorry....Foyer looking towards the entrance:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/118406827/

Thanks SO much Ken once again. The theater is EXACTLY the way I remembered it the last time I was in there 15-20 years ago. (See my descriptions above). The only change I can see is that they painted the ceiling (which was still original, multicolored and gold leaf paint - the beige only went up to the ceiling (and sides of procenium arch - actually, if you look closely, you can see that the ceiling paint is lighter than the wall paint), and the crystals on the chandeliers got blacker - haha. The original tapestry curtain still hung across the stage too the last time I was there, which looks like (gasp) they painted it?
It's too bad they painted the ceiling, as it was quite intricate and interesting in detail. It did however need to be painted, as it was pealing, even back then already, but of course it was more interesting before painted. And they cleaned the mirrors in the lobby! They used to be black like the chandeliers....
But anyway, as I have been saying in various posts, and as you can see, the theater is VERY much still intact.
Your photos just reinforced my memories of how beautiful, and a diamond in the rough the Richmond Hill is, and thankfully very much intact.
Ken, was the huge old chandelier still haning in the inner lobby?

Ken... the photos are wonderful! I was there a number of years back (before the Museum moved in and before they refurbished the marquee) and wandered around a bit - as you did - but at the time the upstairs was completely closed off and I didn't have my camera in hand. You really captured the atmosphere of the old theater. In looking at your pictures, it looks even better cared for now than it was at the time I was last there. Thanks so much for sharing.

Ed, I agree the theater does in fact look better cared for then it was last time I was there. The current owners respect the building, as they have left all the important parts of the theater intact, yet are still use it for their purpose as a profitable investment.
The theater would look beautiful if it was restored, but you the only way if could be restored if it was done by some organization, and it would have to be for some profitable reason, as it would be a large and expensive undertaking to do it right. However, while it it's a shame it's not a theater, and it's not restored, however, in the meantime, it is being minimally maintained (which is good, as it is not sitting falling apart by any means), and it's in good hands, as while it's not restored, it's also not violated or gutted in any way. I mean just look, the chandeliers are even still intact, even if covered in cobwebs. Those could have been scavanged years ago if they wanted to. And who knows, as long as they keep doing what they are doing, and not rip anything out, who knows, perhaps someday far in the future they will find a profitable reason to refurbish it. But in the meantime, it's happy just sitting there waiting.

Bway...here is the chandelier which was still hanging in the inner foyer, above the balcony entrance stairs:
http://flickr.com/photos/kencta/118944713/

Guys & gals...pleased to hear you like the photos:)

What is so strange about the RKO Keiths, or at least when I first went in there in the early 80's for a flea market was that, especially back then, it's as if time had stood still, and you walked into the Twilight ZOne. Everything was still there, even though junk was being sold from tables where the seats were supposed to be. That's the only thing that was removed. The tapestry curtain still hung, and had a mural on it (it really appears they painted it since then from your photos, although as small piece remains in the middle unpainted). Back then the ceiling was still original, so that added to the effect, although as I mentioned, the walls were painted 3/4 up beige (to the point where the light and dark paint meet in your photos). Other than that, everthing stood there, dirty, but there.
As for the chandelier....I remember it being bigger, but that's it, and obviously still there!! (and just a little dirtier, although it was filthy in the early 80's already, as were the ones in the balcony). "Me thinks" they were dirty already in the final movie days......
Thanks again Ken. It appears aside from the painting of the ceiling, and whatever they did to the curtain on the stage....little has changed since the 80's.

It somewhat reminds me of what the old 42nd Street Apollo looked like when it was running concerts as The Academy back in the early '90's. A uniform coat of flat paint was applied to the walls and ceiling and all the seats in the orchestra were removed and the floor leveled for general admission standing room. I think the Keith's is a bit more ornate and larger than the Apollo was, however.

Actually, that's also somewhat what happened to "Studio 54" in Manhattan too when it was converted to the legendary club. Studio 54 originally opened as the "Gallo Opera House", and later became the New York Theater, in addition to several other names before becoming the legendary disco "Studio 54". Much of the old ornamentation survived. It became a srtip club for a while after Studio 54, and today I beleive it's back to legit theater. I believe "Caboret" played there. That theater is not listed on this site, because I believe it never played cinema, so doesn't qualify.
The Hammerstein Ballroom, Manhattan Center was another theater converted to concert hall, with all the seats ripped out. I believe that was the New York Opera House originally? I am not sure, but did see a few concerts there, and theater ornamentation does remain there yet too. That one is also not on this site as it also never showed cinema to the best of my knowledge.

Thank you so much, KenRoe, for taking such an interest in, and documenting so well, a theater that is so much a part of our lives !

Bway, you said one of my magic words .... THE TWILIGHT ZONE !!!!

I am a HUGE fan !

PKoch - Me too, I love the Twilight Zone. I'm working on the second season DVD set right now, just finished the first.

Mandatory Theater Reference: The RKO Keith's Richmond Hilll would be a great set for an episode. I can picture a scene of someone standing looking at a table of junk in the flea market, and slowly around him the camera angle swerves to the ornate plasterwork, and "ala Titanic" flashes to the past and the same platerwork in all it's original beauty.... (well it's the start of a script).

Here's an aeial view of the RKO Keiths Richmond Hill Theater. It's size is apparent, and it's amble former stage area makes it's original intent and purpose evident, as a Vaudville House.
What's also interesting, as that just like many other theaters, the front of the building is mixed in with a group of stores, with the massive theater building set behind those stores. In this case however, unlike let's say the Ridgewood Theater, they took a double lot (as opposed to a single lot) for a more amble lobby.
Interestingly, the outer lobby is readily apparent from the photo, the smaller inner lobby I remember, and described above, the Balcony area, and then the auditorium itself, followed by the stage area. 5 distinct parts of the building, and 5 distinct rooflines in the photo. Also, unlike other theaters, the theater goes from one section to the next in a straight line, as opposed to some others where the lobby is at an angle to the larger auditorium part of the building.
Click here for photo:

http://local.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=40.700665~-73.833224&style=o&lvl=2&scene=1995742

I used to live in Kew Gardens and go next door to Elsie's Beauty Parlor to the right. The Keiths is now a Bingo Hall and Flea Market. the Resturant on the right corner is Salerno's Italian Resturant. Ande Jahn's Ice Cream parlor on the left. I am louieb's wife. I lost my password and had to re-register. When I was a kid, we came to the Jahn's but the Richmond Hill Movie was closed. Too Bad all of these moviehouses close. They have such history. SAD.
posted by noeleanniegirl Apr 28, 2006

Yes. Jahn's in Richmond Hill appears to be on the verge of closing also. I was last in there Saturday April 4 2004. It was very dark, quiet, and, except for me and a few other customers and the staff, empty. Quite honestly, I've been in brighter and livelier funeral homes. I have no idea if it's still open.

Jahn's is still open for business. I actually passed by last weekend. I plan on stopping in for a cone or sundae very soon. My lady has been dying to try it. Parking is a bit difficult around the area.

The last time I was there, you could park easily along the railroad tracks next to the RKO Theater, but I don't know if that's always the case.

According to the Richmond Hill Historical Society, Jahn's Ice Cream Parlor opened in 1923. That was before this theater opened. Maybe they should landmark Jahn's Ice Cream Parlor.

NYC issued a C/O dated August 15, 1968 for a meeting/bingo hall at this address so this theater was closed by 1968.

Wow, I didn't realize the theater closed in the 60's already. No wonder it looked so much like a diamond in the rough by the 1980's. That even makes it more unbelievable that so many of the historic features are still so intact in that theater, and it's been close to 40 years that it's been closed as a "theater". I mean, the ceiling was even still in original paint, at least into the early 90's! Time really has been kind to the theater - at least considering it's been 40 years since it's been used as a theater, and if it did close around 1967, it was a for about 40 years. It's rapidly approaching the point where it will have been a BINGO hall longer than it was a theater....

As for Jahn's opening just before the RKO Keith's, they may have opened in anticipation of the Theater opening, as it was probably either under construction or in the planning stages when Jahn's opened.

I think that Orlando commented that this theater closed in early 1968. I don't know the exact date that it closed. I remember it being open in the summer of 1965 and I didn't pay much attention to this theater after that.

I'm glad to read that Jahn's is still open, albeit barely.

My understanding of parking nearby was that LIRR parking under the viaduct between Babbage and Bessemer Sts. informally became Salerno's Restaurant parking.

Bway in his posting of March 28 2006 mentions the Hammerstein Ballroom near Penn Station and wonders about the original name. It opened as the Manhatten Opera House about 1910, built by Oscar Hammerstein. The facade today has been modernized but much of the interior detail in the auditorium has been restored.

Thanks Ron. Thanks for the original name. I attended a couple concerts in the Hammerstein Ballroom. I don't think that theater can be listed on this site, as if I'm not mistaken, it never showed cinema.
I remember the ceiling still having murals when i attended the concerts. I think the procenium, arch has been removed, and if it had Juliette balconies, I think they are gone too, but yes, there is some ornamentation restored.
All the seats are of course ripped out, and the place is just general admission (similar to how the Astor Plaza had all the seating ripped out (Nokia Theater) is now too as a concert hall.

The last time i visited Richmond Hill, Jahn's was still opened but hardly any customers were there. You can park on the side of the rr tracks and yes the parking lot still belongs to Salerno's. I know Joe and Nick they are brothers but one of them is gone now I think it is Joe but not sure. Elsie's daughter Debbie is there in the Beauty Shop. If any of you guys go by stop by and tell Debbie Anniegirl says hello. anniegirl
posted by noeleanniegirl May 1 2006

Learning of the Keith's closing was a bitter pill to swallow, but not all too surprising considering the general state of the movies as I once knew them. But, Jahn's was very unique and virtually an institution. We pigged out there every Saturday night, after the long walk from the roller skating rink way up Hillside Avenue. On our way to the Myrtle Avenue trolley back to Glendale.

I attended that roller skating rink at Metropolitan and Hillside Avenues once, with the Ridgewood YMCA, on a rainy Saturday in late April or early May 1968. I didn't particularly enjoy it, and the man at the door was very strict about checking us boys to make sure we were wearing shirts with collars.

'Tonino, you must be a bit older than me to have ridden and remember the Myrtle Avenue trolley, as opposed to bus !

I probably went to the roller rink from about '50 to '52, late grammar to early high school. Actually, I did ride the bus. Sorry about that. I must have had a mental picture of the trolley from a photo near the Keith's. But I do remember riding the Myrtle Ave trolley.

'Tonino I lived on 129th Street and Metropolitan Ave from 1973 thru 1995 and the skating rink was gone Glendale Bakery headquarters was there and now that's gone too. But Jahns remains strong. I am 60 years old now but originally from Brooklyn, Williamsburgh to be exact. My Aunt's moved to Kew Gardens in 1970 and they remember the roller skating rink and Jahns vividly. anniegirl

I saw a prizefight at The Keith's in 1979. It was a Bingo joint but they held pro-cards from time to time. I had not been there since the early 60's and it was really odd to see it in that light. At least it's still open n some capacity..robbiedupree

That's roughly how I felt, seeing there was a prizefight showing on the orchestra level of the Ridgewood on Tuesday, June 17, 1980, while "Friday The 13th" was shown above on the balcony level, after having opened there on, of course, Friday, June 13, 1980.

Anniegirl, Jahn's may disappoint you if you go there now. I was last there Saturday April 4, 2004, and it was darker, quieter and emptier than the last few funeral homes I've been in !

does anyone remeber "the kitchen sink" at Jahn's..robbie

"The Kitchen Sink" - as in the biggest, most outrageous ice cream sundae ever...and if you could actually finish it by yourself, you got it for free!

You got that right Nova. I remember it well . It was the talk of all the kids who went there after the movies. My parents danced at a place called The Triangle Ballroom located near there. Any recollection ? robbie

Could the Triangle Ballroom have been located above the Triangle Hofbrau Restaurant, the "triangle" being formed by 117th Street, Myrtle Avenue, and Jamaica Avenue ? It used to be Doyle's Triangle Hotel.

That must be it. I remember the sign on the second floor. Thanks so much for placing it. robbie

You're welcome. Have you been to the Richmond Hill Historical Society's website ? If not, perhaps Bway could direct you.

I remember reading that Teddy Roosevelt once campaigned for President from the elevated platform of the Richmond Hill LIRR station, then went across Myrtle Avenue to the upstairs floor of the Triangle, changed his clothes, then headed into Manhattan, early in the 20th century.

I remember going to the Keith during the 60's to see the Dave Clark Five perform. The place was packed with screaming teenagers and I caught a glimpse of the band through the ladies' room window as they were coming down the alley to the back door. Needless to say I became one of those screaming teenagers as soon as I saw how close they were! I also remember going to Jahn's and, if you brought your birth certificate on your birthday, you got a free sundae! No matter how many of us went to Jahn's and ordered the 'kitchen sink', we could never finish it! Most of us wound up with a brain freeze....

Here's the richmond Hill website:
http://www.richmondhillhistory.org/rhresource.shtml

Thanks, Bway.

klass, isn't a "brain freeze" what you end up with if you spend too much time on this site ?

It's startin' to look like old home week around here...

Great links for those old photos, especially the old Myrtle Ave.-Ridgewood trolley shots of the '30s & '40s! QJ - midway between the #15, KK and J, Peter. And KenRoe sure gets around, too. A few weeks ago on eBay, I won a couple of DVD-Rs from a guy in Jersey, subwayal from Morris Plains, and these had B&W and color movies of Ridgewood and Richmond Hill from those eras. It was similar to owning a time machine, I swear.

Singer Jimmy Dean ("Big Bad John," "North to Alaska") had a big hit in '60 called "Sink the Bismarck," based on the movie at that time. A bunch of us young teens from East New York took the #15 (now J) el train out to 121st St., then doubled back a couple of blocks to the RKO Keith's to see it. It seems that as we got older, and with some additional expendible dough, we started to grow farther and further (taste-wise) from our own cinema roots, working our way into newer neighborhoods to check what they had going for themselves. (Wait'll I eventually get to my Brigette Bardot story at a theater in Jamaica. Peter, remember the Legion of Decency's "Condemned List" in The Tablet? Heh heh...)

Jahn's was a cool ice cream joint. I was surprised on a recent trip to see that it was still around. (Farrell's by Fascist Valley is the San Diego equivalent of free birthday sundaes and Kitchen Sinks. I couldn't ever finish one, either.)

One time on summer vacation, a few of us were experimenting with the NYC transit system and ended up by the RKO Keith's, but it was the one in Flushing. Our first reaction? "Where the @$#*&! did Jahn's go???"

jim, where did you live in ENY and at what time period..robbie

I lived up on Highland Blvd., robbie, formerly "Politician's Row" in the bad old days. Was there from '58-'78, then off to sunny but sterile La La Land. Laughed my sorry butt off when I saw on the street signs that H.B. is now alternately known as Vito P. Battista Blvd.!!!

jim, do you remember the "second park " and the Indian Bridge ? robbie

ENY was a great Italian neighborhood. Had family on Linwood St. My uncle used to make guinea red wine. A tanker, like a fuel truck, used to pump the raw mash through thick hoses into his casks. Everyone saved the gallon bottles he gave them to be refilled next year. I was baptized and received communion at the RC church just off Atlantic Ave, St Rita's I think.

. And of course the fantastic feasts. I think they were on Pitkin Ave. I can still smell the peppers and sausages and picture the Saint paraded down the street clothed in dolla bills. And the smoke from cooking and fireworks, and concessions and rides.

I knew it only as a neighborhood called Easknewyork, only realized it meant East New York in recent years.

Thanks for your input, BrooklynJim. I remember well the Legion of Decency's "Condemned List" in The Tablet. I think the film "Heaven Knows Mr. Alison" starring Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr, is still on it, because the Mitchum character, Alison, undressed a nun (Kerr), albeit to save her life.

'Tonino, thanks for your input on ENY as a great Italian neighborhood. A Saint Francis Prep classmate of mine, Frank Lombardo, was from St. Rita's. We both graduated the Prep in 1973.

Robbie, the Indian Bridge is still there and lookin' good - I took a walk across it (in CA tennies, of all things) during Brooklyn's last snowstorm on 3/2/06. We used to refer to the lower level of Highland Park as "Lowland Park," if that's what you meant by "second park."

'Tonino, paisan, que se dice? Yep, I remember so many of those great festas in the old days, not only in the neighborhood, but also over in Little Italy, Manhattan. Gad, you described multiple scenes outta "The Godfather" Trilogy! They were real, especially the statues and the dollars! As for St. Rita's, always a strong Italian-American enclave, I tried to get my 91 year old mom a copy of THE TABLET last trip, but no luck. They may have already wrapped yesterday's fish in them. Had to get one at St. Michael's, a bit farther down on Atlantic Ave. (And a good fish place on the block before it! Lobster tails 6 for $10!)

I graduated from Brooklyn Prep (the Jesuits), Nostrand & Carroll, in Crown Heights back in '63.

PKoch, a few years ago, I got tired of fighting the pezzonovante in the Vatican, so I switched over to a Lutheran church close by: "Catholic - Lite!"

BrooklynJim, what's a "pezzonovante" ?

I thought Episcopal was "Catholic - Lite!"

My son came to work with me yesterday. We had lunch in Puglia's on Hester off Mulberry in Little Italy, and walked by Most Precious Blood Catholic Church on the way back to my office.

Brooklyn Prep school colors were blue and white, right ?

Wasn't President Street in Crown Heights / Park Slope also heavily Italian ? My home parish of St. Brigid's in Wyckoff Heights certainly was !

Correct on my H.S. colors! I still have a white varsity sweater with blue trim, but I'd be hard-pressed to get them buttons to close.

"Pezzonovante" is an Italian expression meaning "ninety pennies." In the old days, when folks were poor, the big shots would walk around, jingling 90 pennies in their pants pockets to impress everyone else. So I used it here figuratively as the big shot bosses of the Vatican.

Episcopal and Lutherans seem to share that humorous phrase. The other way I put it is to say "catholic with a small c." Back in Queen of All Saints, across from Rudy Giuliani's alma mater, Bishop Loughlin, I used to be tortured by the good Sisters of St. Joseph. Later, without too much disrespect intended, our gang referred to them as "penquins" and also the "Little Sisters of the Bleeding Feet." Somehow, I feel I'm gonna pay dearly for having a warped sense of humor about all this...

Crown Heights and Park Slope were already in ethnic transition during my HS years ('59-'63). The area then was about half black, half Jewish. Today's very orthodox Hassadim have supplanted the older Jewish folks who'd lived there.

Now here's where I need some help: I saw "the Time Machine" in 1960 with Rod Taylor and Yvette Mimieux at a decent-size Loew's theater on Eastern Parkway and Nostrand, but for the life of me, I cannot think of its name over the last week or two! Ayudu! (Help!)

That theater was the site of a few of my dates then - for under $5! Check it out: subway fare for 2 at 15 cents each way (60 cents), dinner for two at a Chinese restaurant - with tip - came to $2.50 (the meal was $1.10 each) and the movie admission, 60 - 75 cents each. Do the math, guys. LOL!

The price is right !

Jim- right you are. the second park was the upper park. the indian bridge, reservoir, ball field. many great memories there in the early years. later it was a battleground. i went to st. michael's grammar school then Lane....life education 101...robbie

Robbie, some nun just told me to write out PENGUIN 100X - I spelled it wrong in an earlier post. Damn!

The Highland Park reservoir (where I held a memorial service and scattering of ashes for my son Greg on 3/25) is now fully drained in two of its rather large compartments, and the middle one is only about 20% capacity. Am I correct that weekends now see it as a paintball battleground?

My cousin Carol Lee was married at St. Michael's in '64, and my former sister (she's looney toons) attended the high school for her last two years, as Saints by Flushing or Lorimer had closed. I was very surprised to see the Friars sell the building back to the Diocese!

Sure is, robbie. The Highland Park reservoir has three large sections, but two are now completely drained, looking like barren forests, and the middle one only appears to be at 20% capacity. Were you referring to the paintball battlefields employed there now?

My cousin Carol Lee got married at St. Michael's in '64, and my "former" sister (totally looney toons - LOL!) attended her final two years of high school there, as Saints by Flushing or Lorimer had closed its doors.

Sorry for the re-write above, guys. The site crashed and did not show that the first had made it. Cinema Treasures strikes again!

And again!

Brooklyn Jim: That theater was the Loew's Kameo, and it still exists as a church. I used to teach 4th grade at St. Gregory's School on New York Avenue & St. John's Place from '68 to '74. Would love to see the inside of the Kameo, as I still live in "South Brooklyn".

I walked around inside the RKO Keith's in Richmond Hill this past Saturday, July 8, 2006, at about 6 p.m. while it was in use as a flea market. I did not go up the side stairs into the balcony, but saw the inner and outer lobbies, orchestra, balcony, side boxes, side exits, proscenium arch, and balcony and ceiling from a distance, with much of the ornate, baroque, elliptical ornamentation still present. There was a man on duty there named Bob, age 59, whom I discussed old theaters with. He pointed to where the children's section of the theater had been about fifty years ago, when he had sat there as a patron. He mentioned a man named Danny Gallagher who was even more of an expert on old theaters than he was.

It was strange, but interesting, seeing what had once been the orchestra, once only lit by the movie screen, exit signs, and dim aisle and ceiling lights, now a brightly lit open space with the seats removed, daylight entering through the propped-open side exit doors.

OK, Peter, Question of the Day:

Did you give Bob the CT URL for himself and Danny Gallagher?

Unfortunately, no, but I mentioned the Cinema Treasures site to Bob.

It reads like you know Bob and Danny Gallagher.

I mentioned you to Bob as "BrooklynJim", saying you were about his age.

I've got Bob in age by a year or so, but no, don't know either one personally. Just hoping for more "experts" on the site. You can never have too many, I guess.

No, especially if they freely post their expertise and memories.

This website has some photos of the Bingo Hall/RKO Keith's Richmond Hill including interior views. Keep clicking Next to see all 20 photos.

Interesting photos. They moved the refreshment stand for the flea market since I was last in there, it used to be right in front of the balcony stairs in the back of the orchestra level.

BTW, did they even out the floor in there on the orchestra level? For some reason. the photo taken from up in the balcony, looking down at the procenium arch looks as if the stage is now level with the orchetra level, which appears level. It could just be an illusion though. Last time I was in there, it still had a sloped floor, and the stage was still high up like a stage should, but again, I really can't tell from the photo.

The building had a lot more interest before they painted the ceiling beige too. Until the 90's, while the walls were already painted beige, the ceiling was original all different colors with gold leaf.

A lot of nice images on this site of a number of theaters, as Lost is posting on the various CT pages. You really do need some sort of wide-angle fisheye lens to capture the scale of some of these spaces and I'm glad to see this photographer make use of such equipment. I'm not a fan of the distortion you get with the widest possible angles, but its interesting to see. I wonder what is being shown in that last photo... is this the backstage area?

sorry i have been away so i didn't respond to bway jim- regarding the Highland Park" battlfield" comment- no , I was referring to the gang violence that took over in the 60's..robbie

Here's a 1939 ad from a local newspaper. "Arlo" was a Forest Hills resident who also played the organ at the New York World's Fair and other Queens venues, but always refused to reveal his correct name or identity (reminds of some of our CT members!). "Arlo" was only in his early 20s at the time, so he still could be living:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/richorgan.jpg

Arlo could be a real name fella. Have you not heard of Arlo Guthrie? It appears that you suffer from nomatophobia.

I'm well aware that Arlo is a first name. But in this case, it could have been just a pseudonym that the organist used. An article in the Long Island Star-Journal once described him as the "Forest Hills Man of Mystery."

An article in the November 9, 2006 issue of Queens Chronicle says that bingo games are still being held here, and that it's the only venue in Queens operating daily. The bingo starts at 7:30 PM on week nigts and 7:00 PM on the weekends. The QC reports says: "The facility shows its age. The stage curtain is covered over and wires dangle everywhere. Long tables have replaced the theater seats and the candy stand now sells hamburgers, hot dogs, beverages and Danishes. On a recent Monday night, about 100 regular diehards came prepared to win with their bags of ink markers, plastic chips, scotch and masking tape, and magnetic wands. Some even brought good luck tokens. One woman created a little village with a ceramic turtle, palm tree, baby doll and Hawaiian figurine." A B&W photo with the article shows a winner holding up his card, with a bit of the theatre's side wall decor in the background.

I wonder if Arlo was the organist at the roller skating rink on Hillside Avenue in the early 50s?

Used to take the Myrtle Ave bus from Glendale to the end of the line at the Keiths and then a long walk to the rink. Always pigged out at Jahn's on the return.

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

I found some background on an organist name "Arlo". I'm not sure if it is the same person that is mentioned above.

"Joseph "Arlo" Hults was born June 26, 1906, in Lawrence, Kansas. He died in February of 1991.

Mr. Hults, who graduated from KU's School of Fine Arts, was a professional organist and pianist. He began his career at age 20 at Loew's Lexington in New York. "Arlo at the Organ" was a key attraction during the mid-'20s and 30's at major New York vaudveville theaters. He was the organist throughout the RKO circuit.

With the advent of sound pictures, Mr. Hults made the transition to radio and television. He became the staff organist and pianist at NBC and CBS in New York. In 1961, he moved to Los Angeles, where he continued an active career in television. He worked for Heater-Quigley Production Company, which produced television shows for NBC and CBS, until he retired in 1968".

Joseph "Arlo" Hults had a son named Arlo Richard Hults but no information is given about him.

Fair enough. I wouldn't think the RKO circuit's organist would have much time to pick up neighborhood gigs at the roller rink.

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

I would be willing to bet that the "Arlo" who played organ at RKO Keith's Richmond Hill and at a Hillside Avenue roller rink were the same person. I don't think that "Arlo" worked for RKO or any other theatres past the early 1940's. That tradition had pretty much ended by that time. "Arlo" probably took whatever jobs were offered him, many of which could have been in organ-equipped places like skating rinks, bowling alleys, restaurants, department stores, nightclubs, etcetera. He could have easily worked them into a schedule that also included radio and (eventually) TV broadcasts.

WENT BY SATURDAY...STILL A BINGO HALL...

AT LEAST IT'S STILL THERE!

A contemporary view of the theatre and adjacent Jahn's ice cream parlor is on display in the new feature article about Richmond Hill at www.forgotten-ny.com

The article included a couple of informative remarks about the Keith's as follows:
{{Richmond Hill, not to be outdone by the nearby Valencia in Jamaica, preserves its very own classic movie palace of yore… and this one has a marquee that has been returned to its look in its halcyon days, with red neon-lit nameplates and a gold border! The theatre opened as the Keith’s Richmond Hill about 1928 at 117-09 Hillside Avenue. The old marquee, which had been hidden under aluminum siding for some years, was restored in 2001 during production for a feature film, The Guru, featuring Marisa Tomei.}}

Thanks for the lead, Warren

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

In the autumn of 1948, Columbia's first "Superman" serial proved so popular with kids that RKO nabes showed the latest episode not only at Saturday matinees, but also "after school" from Wednesday through Friday: www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/super48.jpg

Thanks, Warren, that's good to know.

Does anyone know of any interior photos of the Keiths from when it was still a movie theater?

Recent research compels me to correct an error that I made in a posting above on March 23, 2004. The B.F. Keith's Theatre, Richmond Hill, first opened on March 22nd, 1929, nearly three months AFTER the 12/25/28 unveiling of the Keith-Albee Theatre in Flushing. The inaugural program at Keith's Richmond Hill included the all-talking feature, "Strange Cargo," and Radio-Keith-Orpheum vaudeville.

Exactly what was your error? Never mind, considering the mish-mosh of information, any further attempt to clarify it is not warranted.


says Kojak,

Very cool. Perhap's mish-mosh will be the new slogan for his babbling. haha Do any of you fella's know the year that the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill theatre became a bingo hall.

I am not sure of the exact date, but I believe at this point it was a Bingo Hall/Flea Market longer than it was a theater. I first set foot in the Keiths back around 1981 or so, and it was already a flea market then already, and by the look, it was closed quite a while already then. I would estimate the early 70's some time, but that is totally an estimated guess, it perhaps even could have been the late 60's. It s a LONG time either way.

That the Keith's Richmond Hill has been something other than a theater longer than it was a theater is a sobering thought. Very depressing. It was an attractive, albeit not opulent, venue in a good location, with little competition. I would guess that it ceased being a theater in the early 60s at the earliest. A victim of TV.

Any demogrqaphics regarding the number of theater closings by year?

Perhaps more interesting, the number of theaters opened by year?

Thanx for your response Bway. That is a very cool question Tonino. What year did the most movie theatre's close. Even if the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill theatre closed in the 1960's the majority of theatre's probably closed in the 1950's. Perhap's 1955 would be a good guess.

Many theaters lasted into the 70's, I think the RKO Keith's fell as an earlier one.
BTW, the RKO Keith's is far from lost. It's a diamond in the rough, but entirely restorable. The plaster is in okay shape. Even many of the detailing like Chandeliers all still exist, railings, everything. It would be costly, but it's not a lost cause by any means, unlike many others that have been gutted, such as the RKO Madison.
There is no damage to the integrity of the Keith's, and in the meantime, it's being maintained, so who knows....perhaps if there is a viable use for it, it could come back again.

In the old Film Daily yearbooks they use to have a count of theatres operating/open/closed & seats under each state. For New York City they have it broken down to the five areas, Manhattan/Bronx/Brooklyn/Staten Island/Long Island.

Thats a tough one. Alot of theaters closed in the fifties. A good number of theaters also closed in the sixties and seventies. While many hardtop theaters were closing in the fifties, new drive-ins were opening. Is this a trick question? LOL

Screens counts from NATO (National Association of Theatre Owners)

http://www.natoonline.org/statisticsscreens.htm

According to the 1969 Film Daily Year Book, which was the last to contain industry statistics, the USA had approximately 13,600 indoor cinemas and 4,975 drive-ins in operation as of January 1, 1968. Nearly 99% of those must have had only one screen, since multiplexing was still in its infancy. For comparison purposes, in 1949, the USA had 17,367 indoor cinemas and 1,203 drive-ins. By 1959, the number of indoorers had dropped to 11,335, though drive-ins had increased to 4,768. During the booming WWII years, the USA had around 20,000 indoor cinemas, but barely 100 drive-ins (due to restrictions on auto manufacture and rationing of gas and tires).

Here are some figures on Manhattan. These are from personal files so they have a huge marging of error.

1915 40 sites, 41 screens
1925 45 sites, 48 screens
1935 110 sites, 112 screens
1945 95 sites, 95 screens
1955 61 sites, 61 screens
1965 75 sites, 77 screens
1975 50 sites, 60 screens
1985 69 sites, 116 screens
1995 58 sites, 172 screens
2000 50 sites, 243 screens
2005 44 sites, 232 screens

The early multiplexes were roof gardens that showed movies.

The increase by 1965 was mostly due to arthouse boom.

Most buildings in a single year - 1938. 21 new theatres although some were converted playhouses.

Most screen openings - 2000- 53 new screens. The megaplex arrives late in Manhattan.

Most screen closings - 1971- 50 screens disappeared although many just went over to grind porn and therefore off the radar. Some returned by the blockbuster years after JAWS and STAR WARS.

The statistics imply that many theatre's closed in the 1950's and again in the 1970's. Perhap's television was the main culprit of theatre closing's in the 1950's. VCR's may have caused a similar problem in the 1970's. Why did the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill theatre close in the 1960's if it survived television and was the only theatre in the area.

"VCR's may have caused a similar problem in the 1970's." the problem with that statement is that the Sony Betamax decks only got released in around 1975-76. The cost of these decks were very high in price. It wasn't till the end of the decade that the prices came really down to earth. So it would have to be another factor in why theatres closed in the 1970's.

Remember that there was a serious product shortage in the late sixties-early seventies and that extended runs killed many subrun locations. Although many dollar houses eventually popped up in the suburbs in response, that was not an option in pricey New York and few theatres went into bargain pricing alternatives and survived.

There were two other theatres advertised as being in Richmond Hill in May 1968. A Casino and a Lefferts both advertised at the time. It would appear the Richmond Hill’s end came in mid-May with a double feature of IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT and THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING! THE RUSSIAN ARE COMING! shared with five other Queens runs. This was at a time when the Meadows and Lefrak demanded exclusive Queens runs. The RKO also seems to have been very much a “family” theatre at a time when wholesome product was failing at the box office. If it had held out a little longer may have been split up and stayed open for years.

After May 1968, I can find no other signs of it in the New York Times.

That is a good point that William made about the vcr. I had a friend that purchased a vcr around 1978. It was a vhs machine sold by RCA although it was probably made by Panasonic. I think he paid nine hundred dollars for it. It was a large machine with no wireless remote control. It had two manual tuner knobs on the front. Not many commercial movies were available on tape at the time. Those that were available were expensive. I believe the movie "Patton" was selling for around one hundred dollars.

The selling point of the machine was the ability to tape one show while watching another. Thats a great idea but in the late seventies we had no cable tv in Queens. In my opinion, there weren't many over the air tv shows worth taping. How many times would you watch the same episode of Welcome Back, Kotter or Happy Days? Sure, you could tape movies from the Late Show or Million Dollar Movie, but those movies were not new and should not have been any competition to seeing a new movie at a theater. If you take into account the cost of the machine, the price of blank tapes and/or movies, I doubt that the vcr had a major impact on movie theaters closing in the seventies.

I think I posted this already. The DOB (Department of Buildings) lists this building as a bingo hall in August of 1968. The last ad that Al found for May of 1968 could very well be the last time movies were shown at this theater.

I think that the closure of theatres in the 1970s was due mainly to the switchover to mass distribution (new movies opening simultaneously on hundreds and eventually thousands of screens) and to multiplexing. It became next to impossible for single screen theatres to survive. The theatres that closed were usually the older and larger ones that couldn't easily be converted into multiplexes, or were situated in declining business districts or troubled residential neighborhoods...I don't think that the introduction of VCRs kept people from attending movies, or at least not until video rentals of recent movies became a factor, which didn't happen until the 1980s or even later.

Even today, I don't think "movie going" is a dying trend. People still enjoy going to a theater to watch a movie. Any time I ever go to see a movie, the multiplex is usually packed. Theaters are usually full. It is the multiplexing and the way movies are distributed that killed the old movie theaters. While the number of theaters of course has decreased exponentially, the number of sceens probably hasn't. You just have 12+ screen mulitplexes doing the job now.

I don't think think day and date showcasing affected Manhattan houses by the seventies as it had been going on since 1962. It did bring first-run to the neighborhoods quicker at the expense of the Times Square theatres. Big houses like this RKO may have been counting the days on their lease as they probably had not sold out in years. The question remains, did many Manhattan leases run out in 1971 or was grind porn THAT lucrative?

Among the missing:
ACADEMY OF MUSIC
GLOBE
RIVERSIDE
DELANCEY
SYMPHONY

HEIGHTS

According to an article in the LI Daily Press at the time of opening in March, 1929, the theatre had been under construction for "more than two years," which suggests that it might have started as early as 1926. The theatre was built by real estate developer Albert Markert and had been partially finished by the time that he attracted interest from the Keith-Albee circuit, which offered to take a longterm operating lease if he made some needed improvements for vaudeville and revues. While that work was being done, "talkies" becamea factor and Keith-Albee further delayed the opening to make sure that the theatre had the latest in sound and projection equipment...The article in the LI Daily Press gives a detailed description of the theatre as a combination of Georgian, Romanesque and Italian Renaissance styles, without naming the architect. However, credit for the interior decoration is given to William Rau. Since Rau collaborated on numerous Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island theatres with architect R. Thomas Short, it seems quite possible that Short was also architect of the Richmond Hill. If it wasn't Short, the architect might have been owner Albert Markert, who is described throughout the article as the theatre's builder. I think that "builder" was often used as a synonym for "architect" in those days...Here are an opening ad and a view of the original entrance. The marquee survives, but with alterations to the attraction boards. The vertical sign has been removed, but I don't know when:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/rh02.jpg
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/rh01.jpg

Thanks for the informative input Warren. Did the article in fact include a more detailed description other than that it was a combination of the three styles? Maybe that's why I referred to it as an attractive, but not opulent, venue in my earlier post. What an understatement. On reflection, "plain vanilla" it definitely was not.

I couldn't turn up anything on William Rau. I was curious because of the apparent distinction between styles as in "architecture", and styles as in "interior decoration". Any comments as used in The LI Press' article as cited by Warren above?

Btw, your 4/24/07 post makes sense.

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

In checking movie demographics, I came across a surprising tidbit. According to Wikipedia,
<<Several movie studios achieved vertical integration by acquiring and constructing theatre chains. The so-called "Big Five" theatre chains of the 1920s and 1930s were all owned by studios: Paramount, Warner, Loews (owned by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer), Fox, and RKO. All were broken up as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in the 1948 United States v. Paramount Pictures, Inc. anti-trust case.>>

I have always figured that TV was the main reason for the demise of movie theaters as we knew them. The advent of our changing society as manifest by the rise of the drive-in movie were nails in the coffin. I have to revise my thinking to include this anti-trust decision as a probable concurrent factor.

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

I do not think VCRs played a role in closing movie theaters. Rather, they reduced movie attendance in the last 15 to 20 years long after movie theaters as we knew them were gone.

VCRs initially offered a way of copying older movies from TV in the 80s and 90s. Commercially recorded VCRs weren't widely availble until the late 90s.

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

Tonino, you are correct in that the splitting of the studios from their theatres lead to the closing of many theatres in the fifties that had been artificially kept open by guaranteed product. The elimination of the theatres was a blessing in the disguise for the studios as it allowed them to minimise the losses of attendance caused by TV and drop B movies and double features made to feed the pipeline. This caused a product shortage. It also gave studios some ready cash with which to go into the TV business. It also allowed many independent exhibitors to open small theatres and compete for first run films with old palaces like the RKOs. A cinema like the Casino could hold a film for many weeks on low overhead.

I recall working in an 800 seat theatre in the summer of 1977 while a handful of customers watched A BRIDGE TO FAR while the 200 seater in the mall turned them away from STAR WARS.

Two other elements that hurt some theatres in the seventies were the elimination of product splitting and blind bidding. Theatres could no longer count on studio alignments and bids had to openly divulged AFTER the film was screened. Those studio alignments were back in evidence in Manhattan until well into the nineties as Cineplex Odeon still always played Universal product and Loews played Sony films, products from their parent companies. This was made possible by deregulation during the Reagan years.

When VCRs first became popular they actually helped theatres. People who had never seen the originals rushed the theatres for the sequels and eventually lead to the phenomenon whereby sequels could outgross the originals. VCRs and DVDs introduced stars to whole new generation who had never seen them at a cinema.

If that's really what Wikipedia says about the "Big Five" defendants in the Federal anti-trust case, then it needs to be corrected. The "Big Five" were large corprations that produced movies, and owned the studios where they were made, as well as theatres where they were shown. No studio owned theatres. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and MGM Studios were subsidiaries of Loew's Inc., which also owned an exhibition company called Loew's Theatres. The Federal anti-trust case was against Loew's, Inc., which had to divest itself of either its production or theatre interests. The remaining "Big Four" defendants were 20th Century-Fox, Warner Brothers, Paramount, and Radio-Keith-Orpheum, all of which were similar in organization to Loew's, Inc., with a parent company and numerous subsidiaries under it. All of the "Big Five" chose to sontinue in production and divest their theatre interests.

I should note that I generally put low confidence in Wikipedia by itself. Because of Warren's comment, I found several sites that contain the actual decision, eg:
http://www.cobbles.com/simpp_archive/paramountdoc_1948supreme.htm,
(http://supreme.justia.com/us/334/131/case.html),
The decision clearly states that, The five majors, through their subsidiaries or affiliates, own or control theatres; the other defendants do not.

I suspect that Warren is confusing the 1948 decision which I cited with the 1962 Supreme Court Ruling against Loew's. http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cgi-bin/getcase.pl?court=US&vol=371&invol=38, which involved Loew's TV exhibition of feature movies.

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

I always thought the ruling was officially only against Paramount with the others seeing the writing on the wall.

Al,There were actually eight defendants. From the SC 1948 Ruling: The suit was instituted by the United States under 4 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C.A. 4, to prevent and restrain violations of it. The defendants fall into three groups: (1) Paramount Pictures, Inc., Loew's, Incorporated, Radio-Keith-Orpheum Corporation, Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation, which produce motion pictures, and their respective subsidiaries or affiliates which distribute and exhibit films. These are known as the five major defendants or exhibitor- defendants. (2) Columbia Pictures Corporation and Universal Corporation, which produce motion pictures, and their subsidiaries which distribute films. (3) United Artists Corporation, which is engaged only in the distribution of motion pictures. The five majors, through their subsidiaries or affiliates, own or control theatres; the other defendants do not.

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

Sorry,"tonino," but I don't know what you're driving at. The link that you posted leads to "No such case was found." Are you up to your usual mischief again?

Enter only the url, WITHOUT THE COMMA, in one of two ways,
Mischief???? Not I.

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

Fella's the 1948 lawsuit was about price fixing. Perhap's the combination of the lawsuit and the invention of television caused many theatre's to close in the 1950's. Unless tv's were too expensive such as a VCR was in the 1970's. In that case tv couldn't be blamed for theatre's closing.

The 1948 lawsuit was an anti-trust action by the Federal government. Price-fixing was just one of many complaints used to charge the defendants as illegal monopolies. The case had been brewing since the late 1920s, and was delayed due to the Depression and World War II, when the government had more urgent concerns.

This website has prices and a few ads for televisions from the 1930s (yes, the 30s) to the 1990s. Any text highlighted in red should have an ad associated with it and you can click on it.

TV was the overwhelming cause of cinema closures in the 1950s. I don't think that the anti-trust suit had much to do with it, except in cases where the prosecuted circuits sold some theatres to comply with the decision against them. Some of those theatres did close because buyers could not be found due to the competition from television...My family purchased its first TV set (B&W, of course) in January, 1950. It was an RCA Victor table model with a 10" screen. The price was $249, which included a wooden stand and a free RCA record changer that played only 45 rpm records and plugged into the TV's speaker. Installation of a TV antenna on the roof was extra, but I don't recall how much.

Thanks, Warren. I would think TV had much to do with the closing of the smaller neighborhood movie theaters like the Wyckoff, Majestic and Parthenon, to name three in Ridgewood.

My family's first TV was a cherry wood Motorola table model with, I think, a 16" diagonally measured screen. I'm not sure when my parents got it (it was there when I was born in November 1955) but it lasted until summer 1966, when we got our Sylvania console floor model TV (another "piece of furniture").

That's neat about the 45 rpm record changer which plugged into the TV's speaker.

RCA gave those changers away free to encourage sales of 45rpm recordings. The company was in a "battle of the speeds" with Columbia, which favored 33rpm. Columbia eventually triumphed because the slower 33rpm speed was better suited to the album format. 45 rpm became mainly used for singles. Albums in the 45rpm format required several discs.

Thanks for the details, Warren.

What about 16 and 78 rpm discs ?

I've got a 4-speed phonograph in my garage which I'm not giving up for anything.

I could be wrong, but 1953 is generally the year attributed to the debut of the 7" 45 RPM record.

Our 1949 RCA floor console cost the family a whopping $400! The red light at its base, to indicate the set was on, burned out more often than any tube in the chassis during its 12-year lifetime.

Peter, you've got a 4-speed gem there. The slowest speed (16-2/3) was geared for radio transcription discs. The old radio shows on these fragile glass-based records can still be purchased, but they are expensive. 78 was the fastest speed for the shellac 10" records. Best bass reproduction ever available - and that includes the modern CD - but drop 'em once and they were history. (Its only equal for bass was the subwoofer installed in many theaters.) The 33-1/3 long-play albums became available several years after WWII, and the 45 in '53. Cassettes and CDs made them all obsolete.

In the early days, each inventor did it his own way. Thomas Edison created a player than ran at 75 RPM. A friend inherited one and still has the yellowed instruction booklet that came with it!

Thanks, BklynJim, that's great to know. I had no idea the 10 inch 78 rpm shellac discs were the best ever for bass : something to do with the width of the grooves, and the playing speed ?

I remember reading some pre-production techno-mumble once between Mick Jagger and Marhsall Chess about the 1971 Stones LP, "Sticky Fingers" : more than 20 minutes on a side, and you lose the [bass ?] level.

Both width and speed.

Compare the tinny sounds of a '70s K-Tel LP crammed to the max with 20-24 songs against the rich tones of a 12-song Cadence or Columbia LP from the late '50s. And that's 33 RPM. Better still, compare "Don't Be Cruel"/"Hound Dog" by Elvis on a 1956 78 against its RCA Greatest Hits LP counterpart. Not even close...

I can't recall what theater I saw "The Exorcist" at in '73, but its sound system reproduced the chest-thumping bassline of Mike Oldham's title theme far better than any Virgin record, tape or CD to date.

Thanks, BklynJim.

Re : "Exorcist" : if that theater's sound system did that for "Tubular Bells", I can only imagine what it did for the bass of the demonic voice and other FX sound.

Like "Return Of The Jedi" at the State Lake in Chicago : when Jabba The Hutt spoke, the sound system made the floor shake.

I was surprised to discover that vaudeville lasted for only ten weeks at what was then known as B.F. Keith's Richmond Hill, ending on May 31st, 1929, with unspecified "Radio-Keith-Orpheum Acts" in support of "Why Be Good?, " a part-talkie with Colleen Moore. The next day (6/1/29), the Richmond Hill switched to a "Whole Show on the Screen" policy, with a feature movie supported by a batch of short subjects and newsreels, all described as the "finest talk and sound pictures." The first feature under the new policy was "Hot Stuff," a part-talkie with Alice White. It should be noted that part-talkies usually had only a few scenes with spoken dialogue but were accompanied throughout by a musical score and sound effects...Under the new policy, Keith's Richmond Hill dropped its admission prices to 20 cents at matinees and 30 cents at night (and 15 cents at all times for children). No explanation was given for the changeover, but Keith's Richmond Hill undoubtedly fell victim to intense competition. The theatre was situated between Loew's Hillside and Loew's Willard, both of which offered a higher grade of vaudeville with "name" performers. With the onset of the Depression later that year, the Hillside and Willard would also scrap vaudeville, leaving only Loew's Valencia as the only theatre in that part of Queens still presenting stage shows with its movies.

Thanks for all these details, Warren. Speaking of competition, what about that small theater on Jamaica Avenue at 113th Street some of us had discussed awhile ago ?

The theatre used to feature a 3/13 Robert Morton Theatre Organ. It was on about 15" of wp. Most of it succumbed to either water damage (a tree had roots in the ceiling of the solo chamber) or to Midnight Organ Supply.

The console, blower, two ranks, and various regulators and trems were bought by Chaminade High School in Mineola. The console was restored and looks great. It is currently controlling 15 ranks of pipes.

Thanks, Mortonman.

In case any one does not know, the famous ice cream parlor adjacent to the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill, Jahn's has closed. Such sad news, I went there so many times when I was in high school in the 80's. Jahn's was on my route home from school and I would always treat myself to their excellent ice cream and old fashioned atmosphere. The one thing I always marveled at was their player piano, which after inserting a coin would play classic music while I enjoyed my sundae. I understand the fixtures there were already auctioned off, at least they will be saved for future generations to enjoy. To my knowledge, the only ice cream parlor in the area is Eddie's on Metropolitan Ave. Jahn's will be sorely missed.

Oh No!!!! Jahn's is closed??!!! I have great memories of the place. First the RKO Keiths, then The Triangle Hofbrau and now Jahns! I think I remember the sign on the marqee saying that it originally opened in 1896. I believe this was the last one remaining. At one time, I believe there were as many as 7 of them. I haven't lived in the area in decades, but back in the 70's, when I was in high school, this is where we came for Ice Cream. The Keith's next door had already shut its doors for good. I remember going there after Senior Day (June 1977)at John Admas High School. On that day all seniors went to school and all classes dressed in costume (like Halloween). I wonder if that tradition still holds? Afterwards, many of us went to Jahn's and ordered "The Kitchen Sink". I could be wrong, but I think the price was $20 back in 1977. It was a really, really big bowl of Ice Cream with all kinds of fixins, but maybe $20 sounds like a lot. Does anyone else remember?

I never had the Kitchen Sink at Jahn's, LuisV, so I can't comment.

I am greatly saddened, though not at all surprised, that Jahn's is now closed. As I had posted previously, the last few times I was there, 2002 through 2006, it was darker and quieter in there than several funeral homes I have been in.

Sad indeed PKoch and LuisV, a relic from the past is gone, not many remain, just like the single screen theaters.

Some fond memories of Jahn's interior.
http://www.thefoodsection.com/foodsection/2006/03/best_ice_cream_.html

Panzer, thanks so much for that link! I really enjoyed seeing the old place again after so many years. Regarding my earlier question as to the price of the kitchen sink in 1977: If the price in 2006 was $43 then a $20 price in 1977 doesn't sound too outrageous. For 8 people that would have been $2.50 per person though I'm sure we had many more than that that night.

Has Jahn's been gutted? Unlike the Keith's next door which pretty much sits mothballed...waiting...I assume someone will buy the fixtures of Jahn's. I can't imagine a high end restaurant or bar opening in that space. I don't think the neighborhood would support it. Has the Triangle Hofbrau restaurant been replaced as well or is it just sitting there as well?

According to a report in the Queens Chronicle of 11/28/07, owner Alla Mikit "sold the property, along with the two apartments above it. Neither Mikit nor the new owner [unidentified] could be reached for comment on the future of the property." Nancy Cataldi, president of the Richmond Hill Historical Society, said that the light fixtures and many other valuable Jahn's antiques were sold to a bidder in the Midwest. The shop's stained glass windows were also sold.

LuisV
I had the Kitchen Sink once and was a memorable ice cream experience to say the least, especially the flavors I never had, $43 was on target for the times, but as times change,so do diets, which probably spelled the death knell for Jahn's. Regarding the the Triangle Hofbrau, which is another dying establishment,the German restaurant (and deli), I believe it closed in the 80's, making way for medical offices. The Keith's theater next door is still intact,according to previous posts,they have bingo and flea markets there on weekends. One must wonder why upon selling the Jahn's property,the Richmond Hill Historical society did not try to buy and/or save it.

I'm also more than a little surprised that an effort wasn't made previously to landmark the interior of this restauarant. It was over a hundred years old and was quite beautiful. Perhaps an effort was made. Landmarking a retail establishment without the owner's support would be very difficult. Queens has very few landmarked properties in comparison to the rest of the city and losing this is truly a shame.

LuisV my sentiments exactly.

It's all been said, but I want to add my regrets- Jahn's is a big part of my childhood memories. It is forever connected with my many trips to The Keith's with my parents. .

I would have thought Jahn's would have endured forever. Rime does march on.

My very fond memories of Jahn's goes back to the '50s. I took the Myrtle Ave bus from Glendale to the end of the line opposite the Keith's/Jahn's regularly to begin my trek to the roller skating rink on Hillside Ave. Jahn's was our watering hole for the return trip.

I used to order one of the least expensive, best bang for the buck faves; the Delaware Square. It was billed as a foot square and a mile high. As I recall, it was about a 6" square piece of chocolate cake, a few inches thick, topped with scoops of ice-cream and real whipped cream; and cost bout a half a buck. My recollection was that the kitchen sink cost between $3 to $5. Too much to cover myself or even to split with the one or two buddies I was with. It was served in a large baking pan. I don't recall how many of us were needed to make it a 'cost effective' extravagance, or whether we were with chicks who picked up the tab, - yeah, right.

The nicolodian was a real hoot. I can still picture the green and white menus. How could I not still have at least one?

I recall a scam a buddy, Ed Sturmer, and I used to pull. Shame on us.

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

I last ate at the Triangle Hofbrau as a German restuarant on Friday November 11, 1994. In retrospect, I'm glad I did, as it is now gone. By May 1995 it had become Cafe Europa, featuring French and Russian cuisine. By January or June 1997 it had become medical offices.

Many folks have posted on Bushwick Buddies about outings from "The Rink To The Sink" (from the roller skating rink at Hillside and Metropolitan Avenues to "The Kitchen Sink" at Jahn's).

PKoch,
Re: "The Rink to the Sink", thats a very clever way to describe the once thriving corner in Richmond Hill. There were so many great establishments there, the only one now left being Salerno's restaurant.There are many interesting photos of this corner if you log on to Richmond Hill Historical Societies' website. Forgive me for going off topic, but does any one have recollections of the bowling alley across the street on Myrtle ave. from Triangle Hofbrau and when it closed? I waited for the bus in front of it many times in the 80's but never went inside, perhaps because it was already closed.

Panzer65, I don't remember that bowling alley at all, by the bus stop, the Q-55 back to Ridgewood, on the north side of Myrtle Avenue, between Hillside Avenue and Bessemer Street. I only remember a M.A.S.H. clothing store on the northeast corner of Myrtle and Hillside, and a diner on Myrtle near Bessemer St.

I know what you mean about the Richmond Hill Historical Society website. I've looked at it a lot myself.

PKoch I believe it was called the Triangle Bowl,the RHHS web site as mentioned above, has a picture of it from the 50's.

Thanks, Panzer65. I'm not sure why I never noticed the bowling alley there.

I was blown away to learn of Jahn's closing. I ate lunch there on November 24th and saw no indications that it was to be their last day in business!

I was bringing my Mom to visit our old neighborhood, her first visit in 30-odd years. Although I had planned for us to eat lunch in Ridgewood, I happened to get off the expressway at the Hillside Ave. exit and as I made my way to Myrtle Ave., I passed by Jahn's and was seized by the urge to stop there. It turned out to be a good decision; I'm glad I got to see it one last time before it faded into history. I'm pleased to report that the food and ice cream were very good even at the end.

I posted about this in a "Death of NYC Culture" thread on the Coney Island message board and a fellow who calls himself "Switchback" offered the following uncorroborated info:

"BTW, here is what I was told happened to Jahn's by someone in Richmond Hill. When the original Jahn's decided to close up business they instead leased the store to someone else who operated it as Jahn's. A few years back the family that owned the building sold it to a different owner who was the one who decided to wait out the lease, auction off the Jahn's artifacts ( which belonged to the building and not the person leasing ) and to lease the storefront to a corporate chain restaurant who could afford a larger lease. So for the first time in Richmond Hill's history they will have a chain restaurant. In the case of Jahn's the chain that has the lease is Montezuma's."

So there you have it. Pretty lame, if that's how it really went down.

As a teenager, my old man worked as a skate guard at Hillside in the '50s, I'm sure he must have run the "Rink to the Sink" gamut a number of times! I'd ask him about it but I don't want to bum him out by reminding him of things that are gone.

Thanks for your story, New York Dave. The times I was in Jahn's in the latter 1980's, and I think also April 21, 1990, there was a sign in there saying, "This restaurant under the personal supervision of Frank Jahn". When I asked about this in July 2002 or April 2004, I was told that was no longer true, as Frank Jahn had died in the interim.

Nice story NewYorkDave, thanks for sharing.
Looking around NYC these days, its apparent that there is no longer any respect for places from the past. The closing of Jahn's really his home with me on this point, instead of preserving the past, such as landmarking and preserving historic homes, businesses and the like,these links to the past are sadly being destroyed in the name of nothing but profit,and its evil twin,greed.
NewYorkDave mentioned Coney Island in his post,like Jahn's its a very special place to me and many others,where I spent many times in my life enjoying its unique New York atmosphere, one which can never be replaced once its gone.

Panzer65, I agree with you about the destruction and neglect of the historic past by profit and greed.

I'm sad to hear about the closing of Jahn's. Surprised, too, because I just stopped in there month or two earlier during a walk around the old neighborhood. The posters who mentioned that it had become a quiet, gloomy place were right, and the food was of the "greasy spoon" variety, though the original decor was still there and the old nickelodeon still worked. They still had the "Kitchen Sink" on the menu, too, although I'd imagine it wouldn't have been the same, since in the old days I believe they made their own ice cream.

As for the RKO Keiths, I went in and saw the amazing interior frozen in its state of neglect. The rather shabby afternoon bingo crowd seemed out of place there. I wasn't allowed to go upstairs, but I met the owner on the way out, and he said he'd be happy to show me around
f I came back at another time. He seemed quite pleased that people take an interest in the building's beauty and history, but was definitely not pleased by the idea of it getting any kind of "landmark" status.

It seems to me there are a number of gems on that triangle: Jahn's, Salerno's, the florist with its old-fashioned neon sign, the theater, and the still-recognizable (from the outside) Triangle Hofbrau. I wonder if there would be more interest in preserving them if the neighborhood was a bit more "trendy" and undergoing gentrification. In another location, the Keiths would cry out for restoration as an art-house theater, but I guess it's too early for that in Richmond Hill. It's sad that a place like Jahn's could hang on so long, only to go under now.

Well-put, J.D. Thanks for your post.

Here are new links to previously posted images related to the grand opening:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/rh01.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/rh02.jpg

I'm sure all who posted here regarding Jahn's had many memories of a once proud old fashioned ice cream parlor, but the one for me that stands out the most was that "player piano" nickelodeon. I was very fascinated by its charm and the music that it played while I dined there. I hope it was at least preserved and brought to a place where it can be appreciated and cared for.

You and me both, Panzer65. You and me both. Please let us know what you find out about it.

Will do PKoch

Thanks, Panzer65. I shall look forward to that.

I must correct an error that I committed somewhere above. The Richmond Hill is about three months YOUNGER than Keith's Flushing, which had its grand opening on Christmas Day, 1928. Due to its rather plain vaudeville style, I had assumed that the Richmond Hill pre-dated Keith's Flushing and its baroque splendour. As they say, looks can be deceiving.

The Italian restaurant on the other side of the theater from Jahn's, an old-fashioned "red sauce" joint named Salerno, was closed down for a few weeks and seemed to be another neighborhood casualty. But it's reopened under the name "Sorrento," and is reportedly being operated by a younger relative of the original owner. I had heard mixed reports about the old place's food, so I hope the new management is able to bring it back and make a go of it.

As for Jahn's, I read in a local paper that parts of the old decor (no doubt including the nickelodeon) had been sold off. Perhaps, like those diners in Manhattan, it will be relocated to some place outsidethe city where it will be appreciated . By the way, there is a surviving Jahn's on 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights:
http://queenscrap.blogspot.com/search?q=Jahn%27s

Thanks, J.D. Good to know about Salerno's / Sorrento's, and the surviving Jahn's in Jackson Heights.

Queens crap, eh ?

Thanks J.D. & PKoch for your postings,
I could not find any info regarding the nickelodeon, hopefully its somewhere playing its happy tunes for others to enjoy.

From Daily News, Thursday, August 14, 2008 (Our Warren is quoted).

The future of a 79-year-old Richmond Hill movie theater has been cast into doubt after workers recently yanked letters that spelled its famous name - "RKO Keith's" - off the historic marquee.

Preservationists wonder if more changes are planned at the Hillside Ave. mainstay - used as a bingo hall and flea market - now that the striking type has come down, apparently for good.

"It's not going back up," said a man who's helping out at the bingo hall while its manager, Bob Wooldridge, is on vacation.

Wooldridge did not return calls seeking comment.

Buildings Department spokeswoman Kate Lindquist said the city hasn't issued permits to remove the entire marquee or renovate the former theater, opened in 1929. But preservationists remain worried.

Orlando Lopes, New York City director of the Theatre Historical Society of America, said he was "shocked" by changes to "one of the best-looking marquees" on a former theater.

Adding to the concerns are reminders of a developer mutilating a glamorous RKO Keith's in Flushing nearly two decades ago.

The city revoked Thomas Huang's building permits in 1990 after crews let 10,000 gallons of heating oil leak into the moviehouse and bulldozed its landmarked grand staircase.

Warren Harris, a film star biographer and Queens theater buff, considered the moves at the Richmond Hill RKO Keith's only a "minor loss" compared to the destruction in Flushing.

But it's the fourth blow in just more than a year for efforts to save Richmond Hill history.

Next door to the RKO Keith's, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor named Jahn's closed in November after nearly eight decades in business.

Blocks away, at Hillside Ave. and Lefferts Blvd., the 1887 Simonson's Funeral Home was demolished early last year after a failed landmarking bid.

Next to Simonson's, a developer is gutting the 1908 Richmond Hill Republican Club, sparing only four exterior walls that are protected with landmark status.

"Everything historical down there is gone, almost," said Nancy Cataldi, president of the Richmond Hill Historical Society.

I just read this on-line in the Daily News itself. Very sad.

Is there anything that the Cinema Treasures on-line community can do ?

I can't believe the reporter didn't ask the simple question, WHY was the lettering taken down? WHY? It's a great marquee and now it looks sad. What a shame. I still haven't had an opportunity to take a look inside but I understand the theater is substantially intact with the exception that all of the orchestra seats have been removed.

Unfortunately, Richmond Hill is a quiet neighborhood and it is unlikely that a renovated theater could support itself in this location. It's actually a small miracle that it has survived this long.

LuisV, it still looked like a theater inside, when I was last inside on Saturday July 8 2006.

True, Richmond Hill is a quiet neighborhood, but the Keith is located at a transportation hub and major crossroads in downtown Richmond Hill. I think it stopped showing movies about 1970, but is still thriving as a bingo hall and a flea market.

As per my photo's and comment on March 26, 2006 'The marquee was renovated for the location shoot of the British film "The Guru" in 2001'.

Thanks, KenRoe, and thanks for all your photography of Queens, NYC theatres, particularly the Ridgewood Theatre.

This is probably another case of destroy it so it can't be landmarked like what happened to the Rivoli and Sutton.

I hope not, RobertR.

Where were the Rivoli and Sutton Theatres located ?

Here is a link to the Daily News article. It includes a photo. Thanks again to Nicholas Hirshon.

Thanks, Lost Memory.

Your welcome Peter. You can compare the photo in the Daily News article to the photos at this link to see what changes were made.

Thanks again, Lost Memory.

Once again the torrent of disrespect for historic structures is being aimed at another classic movie house,amongst other venues. How long is this new wave of attacks going to last until its put in check?
Is the Landmarks Preservation Commision and Theater Historical Society a$leep?

Good question, Panzer65. The borough of Queens seems to have no respect for its historic buildings, whether they be Neiderstein's Restaurant, the Ridgewood and RKO Madison Theatres, or the RKO Keith's Flushing and Richmond Hill Theatres, to name a few.

Yes this situation is intolerable. It reminds one of the RKO Keith's in Flushing. The desecration at this theatre might only be in early stages but it is disturbing none the less. I have read that the number of bingo players has declined in recent years. Perhaps this theatre will be on the market soon. An adventurous soul could transform this theatre into a concert venue. Is it too late to landmark this theatre.
George

I don't know if it's too late to landmark this theatre, George Tobor, but thanks for your input ... and welcome to Cinema Treasures !

In retrospect, theaters are a difficult proposition, they are costly to maintain, and take up a lot of space. There are many pieces to the equation here. Many owners are unscrupulous because of this fact, on the other hand, they know there are a small amount of preservationists that want to save these historic buildings.So like many events of the past they either do some damage to accelerate deterioration, or they secretly perform "renovations", to push the structure to the brink of immeasurable damage, therefore getting the odds in their favor. Wake up friends!This is perhaps the death knell for the RKO Richmond Hill and Ridgewood, these greedy owners will do anything to eliminate the money losers to get the money winners.The only salvation that can occur is not really preservation.The purpose of these great buildings was to entertain through the soon extinct pastime of the cinema and the long obsolete Vaudeville. My stance is yes, save the building, but since times are changing rapidly,we must have to look at what makes the money, modern uses.Not retail, but performing arts, school, or churches, especially the latter.The Valencia & RKO Bushwick stand tall, proud and well cared for today as examples of modern uses of theater buildings.

I don't think that it's fair to call the current owners of the Keiths Richmond Hill greedy. Unless I'm mistaken, the current owners have run this old palace as a flea market/bingo hall for decades while still leaving the theater pretty much intact. A "greedy" landlord would have gutted the theater years ago to prevent calls for landmarking. Except for the slight alteration of the marquee (which is still tragic) the theater remains intact.

Nonetheless, I have to agree with Panzer65 that it doesn't look good for this theater. How long could it possibly go on as a bingo hall? If they sell, the new owner is going to want a higher income revenue stream. How will this theater support itself? Richmond Hill is a quiet lower middle to middle income neighborhod with some low end retail on Jamaica Avenue. It is not a destination for anyone except those who live there.

I would love to see the Keiths saved, but I don't see the city stepping forward on this one. I would prefer the focus be on saving the Kings in Brooklyn which the city has said it will contribute significnat funds to and has much better odds of paying its own way once it's been restored.

I just don't see how this will end well for the Keiths. I feel the minor vandalism of the marquee is just the opening shot. The owner is looking to to see what kind of reaction occurs. I think it's the beginning of the end. It's really a shame, but the reality is that this theater is not landmarked and it is private property unlike the Kings which is owned by the city and, while not officially landmarked, it is being treated as such by the city.

I've been watching this latest thread with increasing alarm since it started. Until we get an explanation for the removal of the name from the front of the marquee, I think it's wrong to call the owner "greedy" and/or to jump to all sorts of gloomy conclusions about the building's future. It seems possible that "RKO Keith's" was removed for repair, or loaned to someone for a movie "shoot." The single "RKO" remains on the narrower two sides of the marquee, which is reason for optimism.

Thanks Warren. I agree that more info is needed and that's why I didn't think it fair to call the owner greedy. It's also why I was surprised that the reporter didn't ask the question of "WHY" the lettering was taken down. Still, I'm not optismistic for the Keiths because I don't see a flea market/bingo hall as a long term business plan.

Re: Greedy owners.
I do regret calling the owners greedy, how ever, real estate activities in New York City are one that are not honest to say the least. My apologies to the owners of the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill and any one else who read my thread.I was very angered by the activities that were going on, and may have over reacted.

I, too, would suspend judgment, and would not label the owners of RKO Keith's Richmond Hill as "greedy". In our free enterprise system and capitalist economy, virtually everything must make a profit to stay in business. That includes the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill, whether or not it functions as a theatre once again, or as a bingo hall + flea market.

Panzer65, why do you see the cinema as a "soon extinct pastime" ? Movies are bigger and better business than ever in multiplex cinemas all over the USA and probably the rest of the world as well. And cinema is still a legitimate art form.

LuisV, Warren, Panzer65, you have all made good points. Perhaps the wisest thing to do is to continue to keep our Internet "eye" on this theater, and to do what we can to help preserve it as a theatre.

Peter,
Ithink the pastime of seeing films at movie house is soon to be extinct in the form that I know and remember it by. The single screen house in all the glory of its palace type atmosphere form which I was accustomed to is rapidly fading. I think its just a bit of anger on my part, looking back, of course, you are quite correct that the multi plex's are thriving. My anger I feel is a just cause, perhaps because my CT research has seen many of these beautiful theaters perish through the making of the dollar, another words, death,demolition, loss, sell, make money. My recent foray was the death of the Hollywood in Rhoade Island,and also my deep sorrow for the loss of the Commodore, and then seeing the Ridgewood close, and finally the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill in its first stage of decline. Also I was so close yest so far in attending the Madison in its glory days, but never stepped a foot in it, adding to my obsession.I feel that the venue of bingo is about to become a victim of the past just like bowling alleys and Jahn's, that being said, the other diamond in the rough, the Maspeth, may become a victim in this recent attack on historic buildings.

I know what you mean, Panzer65, but perhaps you can take heart from the current state of Loew's Jersey in Jersey City, and Loew's Paradise in The Bronx.

BTW, is it pronounced "Low's" or "Low-ease" ?

Well form my standpoint Peter,
LOW-EASE!

Peter,
Thanks for the tip about the two palaces in operation.
I would like to share a theater which I have seen photos of in Chicago, that reminds me of a dark, gothic mansion, which so far i have found most unique.
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/362/

Thanks, Panzer65 !

Thanks, Panzer65. Never went there, but looks like an interesting place !

This is absolutely TRAGIC. The building looked so good with that old historic lettering on it. How can the owners actually think this looks better? Why they did this is a mystery.

Thanks, Bway. What can we do about it ?

Perhaps a boycott by bingo players and swap meet attendees would have an impact on the owner of this structure. An explanation for the alterations could be forthcoming if said actions were taken.
George

Yes, that's exactly what we need to save the Keiths! A boycott that will force the current owner to either abandon the theater or sell to someone else who will very likely gut it for other uses.

Regardless of how you feel, the reality is that the current owner has kept the theater more or less intact for decades as he operated a bingo hall/flea market. It's highly unlikely that another operator would be as kind to this structure.

This theater is not landmarked and is not in an area that would work well as a performing arts center and certainly not as a movie theater again. No one has come forward with any alternate use for this space that would retain its architecture and enable it to sustain itself going forward.

Knowing all of this, I would hope George would change his mind about any boycott of the current owner unless he's willing to step in and buy the theater himself. Then he could show us how easy this problem is to solve.

I highly doubt any of the people writing here go often to the Bingo Hall, or the flea market to make a difference either way.
But that of course being said, while I agree with what Luis said about the theater remaining so intact, that doesn't absolve the fact that for no reason, all of a sudden they decided to remove the RKO Keiths from the marquee, which now looks like crap again. The building looked so go when that awful aluminum was removed, and the old marquee exposed....why would they take a step backwards?

I don't know, Bway. Let's continue to keep an eye on this theatre.

If you do a New York City Property Search of the address listed in the CT introduction, you get some curious and sometimes contradictory information. For example, the owner is 117-07 Hillside Ave. Realty Corp., but the property's address is reported as 117-09 116th Street. The building is classified as "Miscellaneous indoor public assembly." The estimated market value for 2008/09 is $843,500. The plot is described as measuring 54.33 feet by 111.50 feet, which I find most curious. Many one-family houses in Queens occupy 50' x 100' plots. I can't imagine a theatre of the size of Keith's Richmond Hill being squeezed into it. Here's a link:
http://nycprop.nyc.gov/nycproperty/nynav/jsp/stmtassesslst.jsp

I can understand 117-09 117th Street, but not 116th Street.

Could this contradictory information have anything to do with the RKO Keith Richmond Hill's current problems ?

Bway, I totally agree with you that the removal of the lettering is very disturbing especially since we do not yet know why! The reporter didn't ask and no one else has provided a credible explanation.

The fact is that the current owner has maintained this theater more or less in its current state of benign neglect for the last few decades. It is unlikely that a new owner would be as kind. I don't see much hope for this theater if it is sold, but unfortunately, I don't see much hope for it under the current owner either. How much can a flea market/bingo hall possibly bring in. Certainly not enough for any kind of a restoration and he would only do it if it increased his business which leads us to the issue that renovations (unless materially covered by government grants or subsidies) have to be financially viable and pay for themselves in new business income. Sadly, I don't see that for this theater.

That makes sense, LuisV. Unfortunately.

Why would the bingo players want to picket this building? As long as bingo continues, they are most likely very happy. I doubt that they care that the letters were removed. I think that some people are making a big deal over nothing. We should have more information before picket lines are formed.

Here are new links to images described above on 4/28/07 at 5:08 am. I'm only guessing, but the current bingo operator may only be a lease-holder, and not the actual owner of the building. The theatre was built and owned by real estate developer Albert Markert, who sold the operating lease to Keith-Albee. Successor RKO took over the lease and probably held it until the theatre's closure, when the property would have reverted to its owner, which might have been Markert or someone else by that time.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/rh02.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/rh01.jpg

The 54X111 sized lot probably only is the front part of the building, the lobby. The RKO Keith's, just like The Madison in Ridgewood, the Ridgewood Theater, the Meserole, etc, etc only occupy the space of about a store along their facades, but the theater auditorium itself spreads out behind the facade and other stores on the block. that is also the case with the Keiths.

Okay, here's what I found out in the NYC records. It may not be good news, but it may explain the recent desecration of the building.

The building was sold on January 31, 2008 buy the 117-11 Realty Corp for $1,875,000. The building HAS been sold. There IS a new owner.

Apparently, unfortunately, the new owner saw fit to remove the RKO Lettering from the marquee. If this is a sign of further things to come to this theater, this is NOT good news as to what will happen to the rest of the building.

This is why I found this so unbelievable when I heard the marquee was sabotaged, as years back, I remember reading that the owner was "proud" that it was so well preserved underneath. But now we aren't dealing what THAT owner anymore.....

Like the Ridgewood Theater, the lot size is usually given for the entrance portion only. I don't know the reason for it but thats how it is done.

Since the new owner has this building for about seven months now and it is still used for bingo, maybe no changes will be made to the building. If the bingo games stop, that might be the time to be concerned about the future of this building. Nice work Bway.

Much like theaters of the past, the sign "Closed for Renovations"or "Space for Lease" could appear at any time, just like the one that appeared on Ridgewood's marquee.

Thanks Bway. Now it makes total sense. With the sale, we ARE dealing with a new owner. As a result, he is going to want a return on his investment that is probably greater than what is coming in now. That's probably going to mean a new use for this building and it probably won't entail a theater renovation. If anything, it will probably be just the opposite. This theater is not landmarked and if the owner wants to make sure that that doesn't happen, he is more likely to make non theatrical alterations sooner rather than later. The marquee desecration is probably only the beginning. I hope that I'm wrong.

I hope you are wrong Luis, but I am sure you are not wrong. This marquee thing is only the beginning. The writing is on the wall for this theater. It has been preserved for so long, even if a diamond in the rough, but either the original chandeliers still hang inside. The former owner has been very "kind" to the building.
But I am sure that the new owner, who just spent almost $2 million dollars for the building, probably has a different idea for the buidling than just using it as a flea market and BINGO hall. Unfortunately, I think we may be in the final hours of this theater. Until now, it was virtually intact inside. Unfortunately, the removal of the letters are probably a sign of what is to come.

You're probably right, Bway, and I don't think that there's much that we on CT can do, except e-sign another petition, once Michael Perlman gets one going.

I wholeheartedly agree. This former theatre is in eminent danger. Bingo alone will not suffice. A new owner will want a larger income for their investment. Perhaps this building will be gutted for use as a drugstore. A petition is an excellent idea. A petition should be implemented soon.
George

How can we implement a petition ? I'm sure Michael Perlman ("Native Forest Hiller" here on CT)already knows of this.

I don't mean to be gloomy, but I honestly don't see how a petition helps this theater. If I'm the new owner, I'm going to say "Keep your signatures! How am I going to get a return on my $2MM investment while still keeping this structure as a theater?"

Unless he has an answer to that question then this theater doesn't have much hope of surviving. The best we can hope for is that a subsequent use preserves most of the interior.

As I've expressed before, this theater is not landmarked, there is NO interest in any organization to utilize this theater as a performing arts space and no City or Corporate entity has offered any grants or subsidies to restore and operate this theater. What is a petition going to do?

At Loew's Kings, the city is the owner (thank goodness) and the city has offered substantial grants to potential developers. Today, I saw that the Brooklyn Paramount, which has been out of commission as a theater for 42 years is being brought back into service as a theater by its current owner, Long Island Universtity. LIU is a substantial owner with potential big pockets. Sadly, we couldn't be further from that situation with the Keiths. It seems to me that this Keiths will meet the same sad fate as it's sister Keiths in Flushing. I just don't see how this will have a happy ending and I am an optomist.

You may be right, LuisV. However, anything (being made into a Duane Reade) would be better than the fate of the Flushing Keith's : sitting there as a derelict, dangerous hulk, while developers do nothing with it.

If impending fate does happen, perhaps the new owner will do renovations, but respect the theater's architectural integrity, thereby having a historic building we can visit and enjoy for generations.

Agreed, Peter K and Panzer65! I would rather see a bank or a CVS that keeps the architecture that have it all torn down or gutted.

Perhaps how the drug store was put in the Meserole Theater. That buiding suits it's new use fine, yet preserved the integrity of the building.

Good point, Bway. Thanks.

You have to look at it realistically. Chances are slim to none that this would ever be a theater again in this location. But at the same time, there is no reason to "destroy" the building either. It could be converted tastefully into a new use, while preserving it's integrity and interior and exterior architecture. There's no reason to sledghammer it away.

Agreed, Bway. Let's hope it isn't sledghammered away, like the Eagle / Luxor Theatre is, right now.

Maybe that's what any petition should say. The owner should make every effort to preserve the interior and exterior integrity of any resuse of the property.

I think that's more realistic than asking that it be made into a theater again.

"Pray" for a church to take over the building.

Another good idea, Lost Memory. I appreciate your humor.

A church would have to buy this building from the new owner. No church is going to lease this building and make renovations on rented property. Also, a church is no guarantee of preservation. While many palaces have been beautifully preserved and/or restored by religious institutions (wonderful examples include Loews Valencia, Loews 175th Street, The Stanley and The Elmwood) some have been destroyed. One of the worst "renovations" was the Prospect Theater in the Bronx (also known as Olympic Theater Concert Hall). In my opinion, the church destoyed this handsome theater. We'll just have to cross our fingers.

Have you seen an aerial view of this building? Click on this link and enter this address into the search box:

11709 Hillside Avenue Richmond Hill ny 11418

Don't use a hyphen in the address. It won't map correctly if you do.

Much emphasis today is the need for more schools, that being said, perhaps the Keith's could be turned into a school, or even like they did to the Brooklyn Paramount,conversion into an athletic facility, or basketball arena. Many existing schools that were built with outdoor gym space, has been utilized as building extensions.

The conversion of the Brooklyn Paramount into an athletic facility was inelegant at best. The orchestra and stage were removed and the lower side walls stripped (I beieve) leaving the top of the theater relatively intact. The balconies, I believe were converted into class/office space. This kind of renovation will make its conversion back into an actual theater much easier. It's just unlikely that this would become an athletic facility especially when not attached to a school and there are no colleges nearby.

In terms of a school conversion, the latest example of this is the RKO Bushwick where the beautiful exterior was restored, but the interior was totally gutted. A school for the Keiths would, at best, meet a similar fate and, unlike the Bushwick, the Keiths doesn't have a spectacuar facade, just a handsome marquee.

Another option is conversion to apartments which was the fate of Loews Pitkin, a stunning palace that was left to decay in Brooklyn. Again, the beautiful facade is supposed to be preserved but the interior totally gutted.

If it worked financially, the best kind of conversion could be to a health club where the equipment is installed and the architecture is essentially left alone. I know this has been done in other theaters. I just don't know if the market is there for a higher end gym, but it's a thought.

Luis V
Thank you for your reply regarding the conversion of the Keith's to another use.
I think you said it all in a previous post,better to have the exterior saved, or portions of the interior gutted and/or altered, than to destroy the building completely.

How can anyone believe the notion that a CVS conversion would be acceptable for this former theatre. Have you seen the interior of this building. The decor is very much intact. Use of this building as a theatre would not be a major task. A concert venue could be an alternative to retail use.
George

George, nobody WANTS to have this theater turned into a drug store! What we're saying is we would rather that than have it be gutted or torn down altogether.

This site doesn't work as a concert hall or performance space. It is a residential neighborhood (lower middle/middle class) with a low end retail strip on Jamaica Avenue; mediocre mass transit (J Train) and no real parking. To add insult to injury, 100 year old Jahn's Ice Cream Parlour next door was closed and then gutted just a few months ago.

No one in their right mind would invest millions into the Keiths to turn it into a concert hall/performance space.

Hence our desire to at least save the architecture in whatever use it ultimately is used for. We don't want it torn down.

Recent press coverage can be seen here:
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20096399&BRD=2731&PAG=461&dept_id=574908&rfi=6

Luis, your position is much clearer to me now. Forgive me if I misunderstood you. I do agree with you that a CVS would be preferable to demolition. The RKO Keith's is close to major transportation including bus and train service. I do believe that some sort of theatrical venue could exist at this location. I fear that the marquee will be removed next and it will be too late to save this magnificent building from further desecration.
George

For what its worth, to legally remove the marquee, a permit is required. As of today (Aug 29, 2008), no permit has been issued for any type of work on this building.

According to the tax records, there was a complaint about the marquee in August. That must have been given when the letters were removed. Sdomeone must have reported it. The city sent an inspector, and It was dismissed, as the what they did wasn't illegal, even if unfortunate. They would have to apply for a permit to remove the marquee.
George, I agree with you, it's horrible to think this theater has survived so well intact all this time, only to lose it now...but again, anything that preserves the interior would be better than going at it with jackhammers like they did to so many other theaters.
We can only wait and see, but this is yet another theater at an important and critical crossroads we can lose it now in the final hours...

Thanks, Bway and Lost Memory, for posting this information.

Requiring a permit to remove the marquee is a step in the right direction. Your comment is much appreciated Bway. Please keep us informed of any changes that you may notice in the building structure. Perhaps a petition should be initiated to landmark the exterior of this building. That could prevent this building from being razed.
George

I visited this grand beauty this past Sunday, and brought home gifts to share with fellow Cinema Treasures members:

http://picasaweb.google.com/rausch.paulw/RKOKeithSRichmondHillTheater#

If any theater that was built during the Vaudeville era that survives today, can be described accurately, than this theater must be called a "Diamond in the Rough" to its full extent. Everything about the interior is exactly the way it was from when the last film played, with the exception of the chandelier missing and the seats removed, it was a sight to behold.Even the light beige paint, which is a bit worn and flaking, resembles a trip back in classic movie house history.As you walk in the lobby, there's a long corridor that retains the poster for ads for upcoming films.The floor is a beautiful marble like type, with exquisite designs.As you proceed to the foyer, there are columns that resemble gold which support the double staircase leading to the balcony,which I was not allowed to enter.As you proceed to the outer lobby, the concession stands are there, but modernized. The ceiling has beautiful etched plaster that adds to the charm, which also is replicated throughout the theater.The orchestra area is amazing.It is still sloped, but I was very interested in the side boxes which overlook the still curtained proscenium and stage area. The ceiling was very high and had the familiar dome, with no chandelier,but above the boxes there were light fixtures on chains that were non functional.The original exit lights were there too, made of brass or copper.I urge all CT members to visit this unique building, as soon as you walk in its a real treat you will enjoy!

Panzer65, thank you for sharing your marvelous photographs. Had you noticed if the floor has been leveled? Your photographs should leave no doubt in anyones mind that this building must be saved and not gutted for retail use. A petition should be forth coming.
George

George Tobor,
Your welcome .No sir, the floor is still at a gradual slope, which does make it some what difficult to place round objects on the sellers tables!
I am all for preserving this wonderful theater.

Panzer65, thank you so much for those photos. The Corinthian Columns are beautiful and you are absolutely correct. If any theater could be described as a diamond in the rough it is this one.

Why isn't the Richmond Hill Historical Association (I think that's what they're called) mounting a big campaign to save this theater? If any organization should take the lead it is this one.

Thats a good question Luis. If anyone wants to contact the Richmond Hill Historical Society to get an answer, here is their website.

Thank you Lost Memory! I went to their web site and sent the following e-mail to their webmaster in the hope that it would reach the appropriate people at the Society. Thanks again for prodding me to act!
___________________________________________________________________

I am curious as to whether anyone at the historical association is doing anything to save the RKO Keith’s Theater which (in my opinion) is the most important historical building still standing in Richmond Hill and has the potential of being a beautifully restored movie palace as it once was. The theater was recently sold and there is a lot of concern that the new owner might have plans that involve gutting the theater for retail or other use. This would be a travesty for Richmond Hill and the city as a whole. The beautiful marquee has already been marred by the new owner and we think it is the first step in the destruction of this diamond in the rough.

There is a website called Cinema Treasures (www.cinematreasures.org) which maintains a page dedicated to the RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill. Please reference the postings to see what the concerns are.

If there is any organization that should spearhead a campaign to save the RKO Keith’s it is the Richmond Hill Historical Society.

Though I now live in Manhattan, I grew up in South Ozone Park and lived for many years in Kew Gardens, just 3 blocks from this historic structure. I’ve seen the Triangle Hofbrau disappear, the Republican Club gutted, The Simonson Funeral Home destroyed, Jahn’s Ice Cream Parlor Gone! Please help save the one structure remaining in Richmond Hill that can truly become spectacular once again; The movie palace that carries it’s neighborhood’s name proudly in its title: The RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill!

Thanks in advance for your attention to this matter!

Luis
____________________________________________________________________

Very well written Luis. Thanks for taking the time to write it. The Richmond Hill Historical Society has a page on their website for the RKO Keith's which is here.

Thanks, Panzer65, for your marvelous photographs. I'm reminded of my last visit there Saturday July 8 2006. Thank you Lost Memory and LuisV for your posts. Yes, Luis, your message is very well-written. My sentiments exactly. To your list of losses I can only add : the closing of the Richmond Hill LIRR station in March 2008, and the loss of the Landmark Restaurant at Jamaica Avenue and 116th Street.

Small correction : "it's" before "neighborhoods" should be "its" (no apostrophe).

I look forward to there being an on-line petition to sign to save the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill as there is for the Ridgewood Theatre.

Thanks for the grammatical correction! I actally minored in English so I usually don't get that wrong. If I had majored, I'm sure I'd never get it wrong. Anyway, point taken.

In the meantime, when (if) I get a response from the historical society I will post it on this page.

You're welcome, LuisV. Ironically, you got the "its" before "title" correct !

I'll look forward to a possible response from the Richmond Hill Historical Society.

panzer, thank you so much for your wonderful photos of this old gem. Your assesment is right on the mark, and when I first visted the theater in the 80's, it hasn't changed much from that point, and is just as preserved as it was then. It would be a travesty to lose it at this point.
The only correction though to your assesment is the comment about the beige paint. That was done after the theater showed movies, in fact, in the late 80's, while the walls were already painted beige, the ceiling was in fact not painted beige, and still had it's original gold leaf and multi-colored paint. It was aged, but it was there. In fact, the walls were only painted up to about 3/4 the height of the ceiling. The top 1/4 of the walls, and the ceiling itself remained in original gold leaf paint. For example, the procenium arch had it's two sides beige, but the top was the original gold leaf and multi-colored paint. And the paintline stopped at that point all along the building, and to the balcony, which was all still original paint. I wish I had photos from back then, as it still showed it's original colors.

But that being said, the beige paint does keep the plaster in good shape, and the original paint on the ceiling DID need to be attended to and obviously they would only paint it one color, and not restore the paint if it was only being used as a flea market. The plaster is so well preserved throughout the building.

The curtain (asbestos?) in front of the stage also was still original into the late 80's, but appears to have been painted now too.
If you look at this photo you took, you can slightly glimpse the two eras of painting. Just at the top of the proscenium, you see the top is slightly lighter in paint. That is the line at which the theater was painted beige into the late 80's. The uper 1/3 of t ceiling was painted at a later date. http://picasaweb.google.com/rausch.paulw/RKOKeithSRichmondHillTheater#5247171705250044162

CT Friends,
Your are all very welcome and I am honored to present these detailed photos. I am still not completely finished with my tour. I did speak to a very friendly gentleman who claimed to be the assistant manager. He mistakenly thought I was a city official making an inspection, which alarmed me, because there are certain aspects of the conditions that one can see, the place is a bit run down. Nevertheless, when I told him I was from Cineama Treasures, and that he had a beautiful building he laughed.It appears this man, and the clients and patrons of the flea market appear to take this wonderful landmark for granted.I really feel the theater may be in its last days, judging by prior actions and the destruction of nearby landmarks.Bway, thanks for your description of the paint scheme from your earlier visits, I bet she was just as beautiful then with the gold accents then.My next trip i want to do two things,explore the balcony, which the manager told me he will allow on either a Monday or Tuesday and sit in one of those box seats,just to take in what it must have been like to veiw a live show or movie from them. It such a travesty that the RKO Madison had its interior destroyed,I would have loved to seen it.

Thanks, Bway and Panzer65. I think you mean "tragedy" rather than "travesty".

Indeed Peter.
To make up for it, "I will boldly go where no CT member has gone before"

Live long and prosper !

Panzer65....When you make your return visit, could you ask the person that you spoke to why the letters were removed from the marquee? I'm curious to see what his reply will be. Thanks.

Good idea, Lost Memory.

Lost Memory.
I will ask the manager about the lettering on the marquee.The next visit will be during the week, I will have to be off from work, so it may be awhile before I can get an answer for you.

That's fine Panzer65. I figured that the manager might give you an answer since your not a reporter. One answer that might calm this situation would be "We removed the letters because they were loose and might fall on someone". If the manager gives you an answer similar to that, he probably read it here. LOL

Quite possible!The marquee was dripping rain water through a corroded hole at the point where the marquee joins the building, and it was a sunny day upon my observance. Its possible that because of this advanced state of decay, the letter removal may be the first stage of either repair,or dismantling. If it is the latter, perhaps those are souvenirs now.

Another question is, where are those letters? They would make a nice souvenir. I hope they weren't thrown in the dumpster. If the marquee is in poor condition, I wouldn't be surprised if it was removed. An annual fee is paid for the marquee and if there is an illuminated sign, an annual fee is also paid for that. For this building, its $75 for the marquee and $235.50 for the illuminated sign.

I must commend LuisV for taking the initiative in composing his wonderful letter. Please keep us informed of any response. Yes, asking why the letters were taken down is an excellent question. Perhaps the manager will give an honest answer. The condition of the marquee given by Panzer65 is troubling to me. A decaying marquee could collapse with the first snow storm. That would be one more step towards the destruction of this building. Does anyone here have the knowledge to start a petition for this theatre?
George

George Tobor, I suppose we could follow the example set by Michael Perlman for a petition for the Ridgewood Theater.

"A decaying marquee could collapse with the first snow storm."

That's exactly what happened to the Ridgewood Theatre marquee in the blizzard of February 9th, 1969.

The RKO Keith's/flea market marquee showed up in a night scene from the recent "Righteous Kill," along with the LIRR overpass. (Also featured in several other scenes was Salerno's Restaurant at the end of the block.)

"Righteous Kill" sounds like something that these people are afraid is happening with this building.

Peter.K, an excellent suggestion. Perhaps yourself or Michael Perlman could initiate a petition for all to sign. I am most fearful that this building will be lost in the not too distant future.
George

BrooklynJim, thanks for the note about "Righteous Kill". A similar thing happened with "Goodfellas" in 1990 : The LIRR overpass appeared in that earlier film.

Good remark, Lost Memory.

George Tobor, not to pass the buck, but Michael Perlman ("NativeForestHiller") is in much more of a position to get a petition started for preservation of the RKO Keith than I am.

Too bad Hollywood didn't take more of an interest in the RKO Keith Richmond Hill when "Righteous Kill" was made. It may have helped preserve the theater.

LuisV - the Portage in Chicago is in a mostly residential/low-end retail neighborhood eight miles from downtown, has very little parking, is more than a mile away from the nearest train station, and is a resounding success. It didn't take millions to get it into operating condition, either - including de-twinning, replacing light fixtures, electrical work, remodeling the lobby, removing and rebuilding the stage, adding dressing rooms, repairing the marquee, etc. If there's community support and a person interested in making it happen, I think the Keith's could continue as a theater.

Good idea, mp775. Unfortunately, the two things lacking seem to be the two things you mention at the end of your post.

Peter.K, I did not intend to put you on the spot. My apologies. Perhaps NativeForestHiller will be kind enough to put a petition together for the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill. I must also agree with mp775 that the community at large must support the RKO Keith's returning to theatre use or the buildings future will be a dim one.
George

I didn't feel put on the spot, George Tobor, but thanks for your consideration. I was merely stating my opinion that NativeForestHiller is in more of a position to help than I am.

I have to repeat that the organization that is most appropriate to lead the effort to save this historic theater is The Richmond Hill Historical Society. As I stated earlier, sent an e-mail to the webmaster and also posted the e-mail on thier site in the hopes of getting the attention of someone at the organization to respond. Alas, nothing as yet.

I'd like to thank mp775 for the info regarding the Portage. It indeed sounds like a very similar situation to the Keiths. It does give me some hope, but.............

.... it ain't over till it's over.

- Yogi Berra

LuisV, I find it rather odd that the Richmond Hill Historical Society has not seen fit to answer your email. Perhaps they know something that we don't. If they were privy to information about the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill do you believe that they would hide information from the public? Have any permits been issued recently? Peter.K, it would be wonderful if NativeForestHiller could initiate a petition.
George

No permits have been issued as of Sept. 25, 2008 for any work on this building. I doubt that the Historical Society would have any reason to hide information about this building.

George Tobor, I'll e-mail NativeForestHiller about starting a petition for the RKO Keith Richmond Hill.

Lost Memory, I agree with you.

I doubt that there is a conspiracy going on with the Historical Society. What would they gain from hiding information? I wonder why they didn't reply to the email. Maybe Luis should send it again.

I just e-mailed NativeForestHiller about starting a petition for the RKO Keith Richmond Hill Theatre. He knows about the letters having been removed from the marquee.

Thanks Peter. NativeForestHiller must be overwhelmed with petitions.

You're welcome, Lost Memory. Or with requests, therefor.

Perhaps I overreacted a bit in my previous message. Your assistance is much appreciated Peter.K. I sincerely hope it is not too late to save this RKO Keith's from the fate that the RKO Keith's Theatre in Flushing sustained.
George

I don't believe that Tommy Huang will do damage to this theater building anytime soon.

Thanks, Lost Memory. You're welcome, George Tobor.

Hello Peter.K. I have read about the exploits of Thomas Huang and his desecration of the RKO Keith's Theatre in Flushing. His penalty should have included some sort of restoration of the interior. Politicians and greedy lawyers are not friends of endangered buildings. They only protect the guilty.
George

George, you are probably right.

Well said Mr.Tobor.

I am surprised we never found out who the architect for the Keiths is. Is that so hard to find out?

No, Bway, it shouldn't be.

Some tragic news: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2008/11/06/2008-11-06_richmond_hill_preservationist_nancy_cata.html

Thanks Warren, I had read that article and found it interesting that she referenced how upset she was at the damage done to the marquee at the RKO Keiths. As I mentioned in a post above I have written on two occasions to the Richmond Hill Historical Society to ask them of their efforts to save the Keiths. If any organization exists that should spearhead the fight it should be them. Alas, I never received a response. Though I am gratified that she obviously was concerned about the potential threats to the Keiths, it doesn't look like there is any high profile effort on their behalf to save this beautiful relic of a bygone era. And now that she has passed, the article seems pessimistic about who might take her place.

Indeed Luis V., Ms. Pelosi's death is a tragic loss and cause for even more concern of the future of the Keith's.

The second sentence of the introduction is misleading and should be changed. The movies at the RKO Keith's were always first-run for the area, as well as for the borough of Queens. They were second-run in the sense that prior to the "Showcase" era in the early 1960s, movies usually had an exlusive first-run in midtown Manhattan.

"MS. PELOSI" - ???

Wishful thinkin', Panzer65. You did really mean Nancy Cataldi, right?

Seriously, the lady will be sorely missed on the local scene. Condolences to her family, many friends and associates.

"MS. PELOSI" - ???

Wishful thinkin', Panzer65. You did really mean Nancy Cataldi, right?

Seriously, the lady will be sorely missed on the local scene. Condolences to her family, many friends and associates.

I add my condolences to yours, BrooklynJim.

Indeed my friend Peter.K, the passing of Ms. Cataldi is a loss to the preservation community as a whole. My condolences to her family. Hopefully someone will follow in her footsteps to protect the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill from further desecration.
George

Hopefully, George, but who ? THAT'S the $ 64 million dollar question.

I do apologize writing Ms. Pelosi instead of Ms. Cataldi.

Noted, Panzer65. No apology needed, merely a correction.

Perhaps the new head of the Richmond Hill Historical Society will lead a campaign to landmark the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill. One can only hope that the new leader will have the determination and fortitude that Ms. Cataldi has shown in preservation matters. Are there any new updates to the status of this building to report?
George

Nothing new to report. No new permits have been issued for any work to be done to this building.

Who's the new head of the Richmond Hill Historical Society ?

Good question. The name of the Vice President is Diane Freel. Maybe she will get promoted.

Indeed my friend Peter.K. Who will lead the Richmond Hill Historical Society? What is the track record of Ms. Freel regarding preservation matters? Please keep me informed of any changes to this historical building.
George

Stay tuned on this thread, George T.

I would have thought Diane Freel would have been pronounced acting head of the RHHS upon Nancy Cataldi's death, as Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as president of the USA right after John F. Kennedy's death.

Here is an update. Diane Freel is now Acting President of the Richmond Hill Historical Society. You might want to contact her about the RKO Keith's.

Thanks, Lost Memory. I might send her the same e-mail I sent Nancy Cataldi awhile ago.

By all means my friend Peter.K, direct your e-mail to Ms. Freel. Knowing her position on preservation of the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill would be of great importance to us all. Perhaps Ms. Freel will take the lead to protect this historic building.
George

I hope so, George. Perhaps you yourself should also e-mail her.

And treat her to dinner, too, George. Bribes help.

Yes, Jim. Anything to grease the wheels. Seriously, though, yesterday, because I do not have Diane Freel's e-mail address, I e-mailed Dennis Doyle, master of the Richmond Hill website, the e-mail I had sent the late Ms. Cataldi at the end of September 2008. Hopefully he can forward it to her.

I may re-send it to Nancy Cataldi's e-mail address, in the hope that Diane Freel is reading e-mail that is still being sent there.

There's not much more I can do for the RKO Keith Richmond Hill, because I don't live in Queens any more.

For $20 you can Become a member of the Richmond Hill Historical Society for one year. That would be cheaper than buying dinner unless you dine at White Castle. LOL

Thanks, LM.

Would joining the RHHS help the RKO Keith Richmond Hill Theatre, though ?

Probably not. But it might allow you to get the email address for Diane Freel.

Indeed these are all marvelous suggestions. Perhaps a membership with the Richmond Hill Historical Society would give some insight into their operations. How can one obtain membership? Contact information for Ms. Freel would be much appreciated.
George

$ 20 for one e-mail address ? That's worse than $ 10 for the 100 year anniversary Ridgewood Times !

LOL

Good one Peter.

Yes indeedy, that is alot of money for an email address. I'm not sure if you receive anything more than a quarterly newsletter for your $20.

Glad you LOL, LM. Thanks.

I'm not spending $ 20 for a quarterly newsletter.

$20 per annum works out to only $5 per newsletter, which seems very reasonable. I would happily subscribe if I had the intense interest in the Richmond Hill area that some of you seem to have.

Indeed that is a true bargain. My friend Peter.K, where may I obtain further information about membership in the Richmond Hill Historical Society?
George

George Tobor, here is an e-mail address for you :

richmond.hill.history@gmail.com

The site master's name is Dennis Doyle.

Indeed my good friend Peter.K. Your help is much appreciated. I will inquire about membership immediately.
George

Go for it, George. Or try googling Richmond Hill Historical Society to get its e-mail address.

Click here for a membership form. Fill it out, print it and mail it in. I don't think you can join online.

Thanks, L.M. Good of you !

Yes my good friend Peter.K the resource provided by Lost Memory is greatly appreciated. I will faithfully follow the instructions to obtain my membership. Perhaps membership with the Richmond Hill Historical Society will lead to landmarking of the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill.
George

If nothing else, George T., it would be a first step, which is the start of EVERY long journey !

If your membership helps to get this building landmarked, I would say that it was well worth the $20.

Agreed !

Just passed by the theater this morning. It just looks so sad with the missing lettering. Jahn's has a banner up that says that it is soon to become a Mexican Restaurant. The interior has been totally gutted. It looks so much smaller than I remembered it.

Finally, on the other side of the theater, is a restaurant that I'm pretty sure was Salerno's for most of the last few deacades. It now has another Italian name (which escapes me, but is similar to Salerno's) and get this......It is an Italian/Indian restaraunt. Yes, you read that correctly. I'm not sure if half of the space is Indian and the other half Italian or whether this is a new trendy fusion menu. I doubt that. Alas.....time marches on!

Indeed LuisV that was Salerno's Restaurant next to the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill. How sad to hear it is gone. Your updates are much appreciated. Yes, time marches on but sometimes not for the better.
George

Italian/Indian restaurant? Jahn's gutted, The Keith's future uncertain, indeed, these are trying times.

Oh, and the Triangle Hofbrau is a pool hall! :-(

I thought the Hofbrau was medical offices....I guess a pool hall is better than it being medical offices!

It's Both!!!! Pool Hall on one side and medical offices on the other!

If someone breaks your thumbs in the pool hall, you won't have far to go for medical attention. LOL

Somehow, I doubt that they are both open at the same time! :-)

Indeed the interior of the Triangle Hofbrau was gutted in 1998 for the medical office to be built. I fear that the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill will suffer a similar fate in the not too distant future.
George

It's all so sad, guys.

I was about to write that "at least Salerno's is still there" until the recent comment rudely informed me otherwise. This is really a time to feel badly about this neighborhood. Hopefully, the Richmond Hill will not meet the same fate.

Hopefully, but what's going to revitalize that downtown Richmond Hill transportation hub area of Myrtle-Jamaica Aves.-Lefferts Blvd.-Hillside Avenue ? Americans and immigrants of Mexican and Indian descent ?

It's funny, I never quite thought of this area as a "Transportation Hub" though I suppose at one time (when the LIRR station was still open) it could have been perceived as one.

The Q-10 bus on Lefferts is less important since the Air-Train opened. The LIRR station is long closed and abandoned. And, oddly, the J Train (an also ran of NYC subway lines) has a station at 121st Street rather than at Lefferts Blvd where is obviously should have been. I remember hearing tales about Jamaica Avenue being originally an Indian Trail which became the main east-west route back in the 1800's. Stage Coaches plied the route when it was a dirt road. Ah, the past.......

I don't really see much of a chance of resurrection in this part of Richmond Hill. The reality is that this area has been dormant for the last 40 years (since the Keiths closed). Sure, Jahns, Triangle Hofbrau, the bowling alley and Salerno's were still there, but this area never had a "spark". It wasn't Austin Street in Forest Hills, Steinway St. in Astoria or Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights. It was even a poor cousin to Liberty Avenue on the South side of Richmond Hill. I see this area slumbering for many more moons unless, of course, the RKO Keith's somehow gets resurrected back into a theater/performing arts space that brings significant numbers of people back to this forlorn corner of Queens.

I understand what you're saying, Luis V, about "transportation hub", but I'm also thinking in terms of the Q-55 and Q-56 bus lines. I wouldn't call the J train an also-ran. I know the Air Train serves an important function, but, to me, it is ridiculously and obviously indirect. A more direct solution (first proposed in August 1974, but shot down because of environmental concerns about Forest Park) would have been to revive the LIRR Rockaway line from 63rd Drive in Rego Park to JFK Airport.

The LIRR Richmond Hill station closed on March 13, 1998, but is still there, and LIRR Montauk Branch trains still operate past it from Jamaica to Long Island City. I don't know if the biker bar on the east side of Hillside Avenue between the LIRR station and Myrtle Avenue is still there, or the MASH outlet clothing store.

Downtown Richmond Hill has been, still is, and will always be, magical for me.

Just took a rather depressing walk past this old theater. The Mexican restaurant replacement for Jahns has not yet opened, though the new Italian-Indian replacement for Salerno's seems to be doing a pretty good business. For the record, it is named Sorrento and appears to retain Saterno's basic ambience. How the food tastes is anyone's guess.

The old movie house was doing pretty good business, with a rather paltry flea market in the old lobby - the big flea market day is Sunday - and a full house for Bingo. But I really got the impression that this will not last for long.

Hopefully, the Richmond Hill Historical people will come to the rescue here.

Thanks for the update, John D.

Here's a great 1949 view of the marquee and vertical sign: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd=2731&pag=460&dept_id=575602&nr=1&nostat=1

Thanks, Warren. It's always great to see a view of the RKO Keith Richmond Hill Theatre up and running as a cinema again.

It's sad to hear that the ownership has changed. The previous owner was a friendly old guy who would often sit near the entrance in a folding chair on bingo days, and was happy to talk about the theater. When I met him sometime in 2007 he offered to let me upstairs for a peek at the balcony, said to be left largely in its original state. I went back last year, but he wasn't around and the staff wouldn't let me near the stairs, claiming they were dangerous. I'd bet the new owner has some more aggressive plans for the building, which aren't likely to make us happy. I doubt he/she acquired it to keep it operating as a somewhat seedy bingo hall and a low-end flea market.

By the way, Sorrento's next door was re-launched by someone connected with the family that had long owned Salerno's. Last summer, an elderly customer coming out told me that the menu was similar and the food was still good. However, it's now added an Indian menu to reflect the neighborhood's current population, so the ownership may have changed again.

About the only remnant of the old triangle left intact is the florist down the block (Bangert's), still operating under a great 1920s neon sign. And the Richmond Hill library (a Carnegie library) is still intact on the other side of the tracks.

Thanks Warren for that fantastic link to the Keiths in its prime. The caption says that the parking in the rear was sold to build an A&P. I have no recollection of that ever having been built. I thought there was still parking behind the building though I could be wrong.

J.D., hopefully they only added a cook who could prepare Indian cuisine. By the looks of things on my last walk through, both the Italian and Indian interests seem quite secure. So there is hope for the future - at least here. Hope the same is ultimately true for the old movie palace.

You and me both, John D.

The picture from Queens Chronical that Warren posted must have been taken from the now abandoned Richmond Hill LIRR station platfrom which runs next to the theater.

From the Queens Crap blog, Jan. 15:

"The RKO Keith’s marquee continues to deteriorate after the new owner stripped its lettering." w/photo

http://queenscrap.blogspot.com/2009/01/more-richmond-hill-crapola.html

What a delightful name for a blog. At least they didn't use the "s" word.

Well, Warren it's either queens crap or queen scrap. I don't miss the "s" word either.

Bway, good observation about where that photo must have been taken from. Makes me wish I could still get up onto that platform. I was last there January 1997, just about 12 years ago.

Yes, Warren, and its Italian diminutive, "crapola".

Starring Leonardo di Crapio?

Good one, BklynJim ! Thanks !

Here's a photo of the Keith's projection room:


http://reliques.online.fr/theaters/theaters04.html

Thanks Bway, though it looks pretty brutal.

Yup, John, purty ugly, except for the projector, which reminds me of Wall-E a bit.

Coyote ugly. Why is the projector still there? I thought the upstairs portion of the building was altered when it was used as a recording studio.

I just got back from a visit to Richmond Hill and have the following updates:

All letering making any reference to the RKO Keiths on the Marquee have been removed.

The plastic lettering advertising the flea market is curling up and will fall off soon as well. I just don't see how this theater makes money as a flea market. Granted, I haven't seen the turnout for Bingo but how many people play Bingo?

Jahn's next door is still under renovation for its new stint as the Mexican restaurant "Montezuma". I actually saw them working and the entire interior has been gutted. The Jahn's sign remains on the exterior....for now.

The Triangle Hofbrau, which on my last visit a few months ago, was medical offices on one side and a pool hall on the other is now just a pool hall! Leo's Billiards and Restaurant! Not sure what the restaurant serves but you can be sure it ain't Haute Cuisine! :-)

The parking lot behind the Keiths that was referenced in a prior post is now the site of some butt ugly multi-family housing. Man, it is ugly.

The Richmond Hill Savings Bank that was on the corner of 118th Street and Jamaica Avenue is also closed and "for rent".

To summarize, I'm more pessimistic than ever about this theater and the area being able to support a renovated theater and it does pain me to say that.

Thanks for your trip report, LuisV. I can relate : it reads pretty ugly. The only bright note for me is that the Hofbrau is once again serving food, albeit not German cuisine as it once did.

Indeed my good friends; the area is in a constant flux of change. When neighborhoods decline they breed apathy and crime, discourage investment and contaminate the areas around them. Use of the building as a flea market did not enhance the stability or quality of the neighborhood. Why then do some city neighborhoods die while others flourish? Perhaps it all comes down to the community itself. Would the current residents support the use of the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill as a theatre? I am fast becoming as pessimistic as LuisV in the realization that this building is doomed. What was once a joy to behold is now a decaying hulk of a building.
George

George Tabor, I have to respectfully disagree with the characterization of this neighborhood as one of decline. What I found is that while the area retail, while decidedly low brow, has not created an atmosphere of decline and fear. The area around the RKO Keiths has never been a retail mecca with chain stores and the like. I moved to nearby Richmond Hill area in 1970 and even then, the area around the Keiths seemed stuck in some sort of limbo.

I think we feel it is a decline because the stores and restaurants that we remember growing up are now gone. Jahn's is being replaced by Montezuma. The Triangle Hofbrau, by a pool hall. Who's to say that 50 years from now, Monetezuma will be remembered as the local dining hot spot and the Pool Hall the popular meeting place for the neighborhood? :-)

The sad reality is the the Keiths was closed before I even moved to Queens. I've never seen it open. That said, I still am very pessimistic about the Keiths. It has been sold and the new owner is going to have to demand a decent return on investment and perhaps in these trying economic times more people will play bingo and keep this place afloat for a decade or so more, but I just don't see daily Bingo with a Sunday Flea Market tossed in as a viable business model.

On Friday January 26, 1962, the Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Curly-Joe DeRita) embarked on a three day promotional tour for their latest feature film, THE THREE STOOGES MEET HERCULES. They were accompanied by "The Herculean Giant" (almost 8 foot tall Dave Ballard) and popular DJ Clay Cole, who was one of the stars of the co-feature, TWIST AROUND THE CLOCK.

On Saturday January 27, they appeared at the RKO Richmond Hill at 9:10 PM.

Thanks, Bob. Missed 'em then. Never even knew they were there.

Nyuk nyuk nyuk ....

I think that's the flick in which they went from Ithaca in upstate NY to Ithaca, Ancient Greece.

It was quite a tour. Over a 3 day period, they appeared at 21 theaters!

I agree with Luis on this. While it is quite sad to see Sorrentinos gone, the Hofbrau gone, and most of all, Jahn's, I don't find this to be a "declining" neighborhood. Different, yes. In "decline", no.
Demographics change, Luis said it right, 50 years from now, in all likeliness, people will be sitting on some internet message board (or whatever people use to communicate then), and lament the loss of their old "Montezuma Restaurant" and the old "Pool Hall" under the el.....
The golden age is never the present age, as humans, we always look back at out pasts as the "golden age".

That being said, I also agree that I just don't see the area surrounding this theater to make a live theater, or even a restored movie theater in this location viable. Let's not remember that the RKO Keiths, even when open, was never really a shining star in profitiablility. It probably was a little overbuilt even when it was first placed there......

Good points, Bway. Thanks.

When did the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill stop showing movies ? 1968 ? 1970 ?

I don't know exactly when the Keith's Richmond Hill closed Peter, but it was a bingo hall by 1968.

I think it was in the 60's already, but not sure of the actual date. It closed very early on already, for the reasons stated....it was unfortunately never a real profit maker.

.....due to the same problem it has today, sort of an out of the way, less dense area.

It's an odd area. Kew Gardens, which is right next door is a beautiful neighborhood of many stately homes on winding tree lined streets. The area is also interspersed with fairly large buildings that were almost all rentals but were mostly converted to coops in the 80's. Richmond Hill to the south has lots of old Victorian homes and is also pretty nice and yet........

I kind of don't get it! It is also why I don't view that as a area in decline. I think most people would be overjoyed to live in this immediate neighborhood. The problem is that this particular nexus is so bland. There's no other way to describe it and maybe it starts with the RKO Keiths being a Bingo Hall/Flea Market for over 40 years. It's kind of the 800 lb flea bitten gorilla in the room!

:-)

Thanks, Lost Memory. I don't get it, either.

Ummm. It was me not Lost Memory. That's OK though. :-)

With the notable exception of Jahn's ice cream emporium, I don't recall Richmond Hill ever being a district that people visited from other parts of Queens. I'm always surprised that Keith's decided to open a theatre there, but I guess it was in anticipation of a "boom" in local population and retail business. That never happened, as the Depression would soon arrive, followed by World War II. By the end of the war, the new generation saw the modern housing developments in Nassau and Suffolk Counties as their Utopia, and did not want to settle in areas that seemed to have passed their prime.

Luis....I believe that Peter was thanking me for giving the approximate closing year. Sometimes you just can't keep up with the conversations on these pages.

Yikes!!!! It's not always about me! :-)

Thanks Lost Memory and yes, I do mean you!

Warren, you are correct. I believe that RKO made a mistake even opening this theater here. Let's not forget that, back in the day, the Loews Willard and Garden theaters were just down Jamaica Avenue towrd Wodhaven and the incredible Valencia, Savoy, Hillside, Alden and other Jamaica palaces were just up the road in the other direction. Add in the Midway and Forest Hills (not far away), the Austin in Kew Gardens and the two fairly big theaters The Lefferts and The Casino which were on Richmond Hill's true main retail street, Liberty Avenue, and it didn't leave you much audience to fight over. The battle was over before it ever really started.

RKO operated the theatre until closing, so it should be fairly easy to find the final booking in newspaper advertising. If 1963 is believed the year, then start with January and see if it's advertised. If so, keep going forward until it disappears from advertising.

Yes, Lost Memory, that's true.

Wait, wait...In my defense....In my post, in the scond paragraph, I did say "I don't get it" and then in the very next post, Peter K says "Thanks Lost Memory, I don't get it either" It makes sense that I would assume he was talking about me! :-)

So, I just want to let everyone know I'm not an egomaniac!

Here is a shot of the entrance.

Great photo Lost. I remember the first time I walked into the Keiths, some time in the early 80's, with my parents when we went to the flea market. I was in awe of the building, and it's diamond in the rough appearance even then already. As I mentioned WAY up on this page somewhere, it's probably "the" theater that got me interested in theater buildings. I remember, I went off on my own then already to explore the place....even snuck up into the balcony back then.
Even back then, it gave a glow of how could this beautiful building have all this crap lying around being used as a flea market. it didn't seem appropriate judging the grandeur of the building.
And back then, the ceiling of the auditorium was still all original, as was the top 1/3 of the walls and procenium arch. The beige paint only went up about 2/3 of the way up the walls, and the top part and the ceiling, as well as the curtain over the the sage was all original colors yet, and spectacular they were.

It's amazing that the theater survived so well intact as it is today, more than 40 years since it was last used as a theater. it would be a shame for it to have survived all this time and now be destroyed.

Didn't think you were, LuisV !

Thanks for the pic, Lost Memory !

Actually, if you click next on that photo, there's other photos of the interior of the Keiths on "flea market" day.

I just noticed that myself. LOL This photo will remind you what the marquee looked like before the letters were removed.

I remember looking up to these chandeliers in the 80's already....back then the chrystals were only grey....now they are black! Again, amazing all this still is there, so long later. It's still in such intact condition, even if a diamond in the rough.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/annulla/1738752089/in/photostream/

Here is another photo. It looks like Jahn's is closed and Montezuma isn't open yet so maybe someone can put a date to this photo.

Warren, besides Jahn's, which was actually only one of many ice cream parlours with that name, the Triangle Hofbrau had a significant regional reputation. One of its delicacies - Turtle Soup - was widely known throughout NYC. (Fortunately, the place went out of business before the PETA people caught wind of this!)

I agree with the other commentators that the cinematic development of this theater makes little economic sense. Most Richmond Hill residents visit the Kew Gardens and the Cinemart - or make the slightly longer trek to the Midway or Branden - to satisfy their motion picture needs. I know that's what my wife did when she lived in the area.

The theatre was built and owned by local interests, and only leased by Keith's. I suspect that it was the nearest that Keith's could get to Jamaica at the time. Keith's was then still more of a vaudeville chain than movies. I guess it thought that it could attract enough people with vaudeville. Needless to say, those acts couldn't be seen anywhere else at the same time. Keith's and its successor, RKO, finally did get into Jamaica by taking over the Alden (originally the Shubert Jamaica), but by that time, vaudeville was "dead."

I've yet to find a closing date for RKO Keith's Richmond Hill, but it definitely WASN'T in 1963. January 15, 1964, was opening day for a double bill of "The Conjugal Bed" & "Bluebeard." I hope to resume the search from that date ASAP.

It would be interesting to find out the exact date. This does narrow it to between 1964 and 1968, as it was mentioned that it was a Bingo hall by 1968.

Good work, Warren and Bway, and thanks. Let's keep on this.

I found a closing date. But before I reveal it, let's see if anyone can guess the year and month. In case of a tie, extra points will be awarded for the title of the last main feature to be shown at RKO Keith's Richmond Hill.

OK! I'll play.....November 1967

Deadline is tomorrow (2/14) at 10:00am (EST).

Congratluations, Luis! You came very close and might even be 100% correct. The last booking at RKO Keith's Richmond Hill was "Up the Down Staircase," as part of a big, city-wide "return" engagement. The single-week run started on Friday, October 27th, and was due to end on Thursday, November 2nd. Since the month changed in that week, I don't know if the Richmond Hill ran the full seven days or closed on October 31st to avoid paying another month's rent and other expenses. However, the landlord might have a
agreed to the overlapping. Also, the advertising for "Up the Down Staircase" included so many theatres that listings of second features was impossible. The Richmond Hill had an asterix next to its name,indicating that a second feature was being shown, but I don't know the title...The closing of the Keith's Richmond Hill appears to have been entwinned with the opening that summer of the New RKO Twin in Lawrence, Nassau County. RKO may have decided that

Sorry, I accidentally hit the "submit" button before finishing. I intended to continue that RKO may have decided that revenues from the RKO Twin would more than compensate for the losses it had been suffering at the Richmond Hill. That summer, the Richmond Hill had been removed from the booking track it usually shared with the RKO Keith's Flushing and RKO Alden, and was reduced to showing exploitation packages like "Devil's Angels" & "Riot on Sunset Strip." After Keith's Richmond Hill closed, its runs were taken over by the Lefferts Theatre, which very prominently mentioned Richmond Hill in its advertising address.

Thanks Warren! I moved to nearby South Ozone Park (118th Street & 111th Avenue)in November of 1970 and so the Keiths was already closed by then. I went every once in a while to Jahn's which was right next door to the Keiths and it's funny how I didn't really give it much thought that this old theater sat unused (as far as I'm concerned, a flea market counts as unused). I was never curious as to what it looked like inside.

Back then, we had an embarassment of movie palaces still open and so it took a lot for one to stand out. From my youth, the only ones that I have clear recollections of being in awe when walking through the lobby and sitting in the auditorium watching a film were Loew's Valencia, Radio City and the RKO Keiths Flushing. The Elmwood gets an honorable mention. Most of the other theaters were probably in such bad shape or had their decorative elements painted over or hidden that you didn't wonder what it was like in its prime.

Oddly enough. my interest in palaces started in the late 80's when I started to go "clubbing" and many of the most famous discos of the era were in old theaters like Studio 54 (Gallo Opera ouse), The Saint (Loews Commodore), Shout (Miller), Club USA (Forum) and Palladium (Academy of Music). I remember admiring the beauty of these theaters and wanting to know more.

That's why I am so grateful for Cinema Treasures. I have found out more about theaters and the business of movie exhibition than I ever could have imagined through the posting of dedicated people like Warren Harris, Howard Bass and many others.

It has been fascinating to see the efforts to save theaters like The Boyd (Successful), The Jersey (Successful), The St. George (Successful) and The Ridgewood (Work in Progress) and painful to see the lack of success at theaters like the RKO Keiths Flushing and Richmond Hill, Loews Kings and the Demille.

For now, I am trying to generate interest in landmarking Ziegfeld Theatre now that it is approaching its 40th anniversary and will therefore be eligible.

We have gone from a wealth of palaces to a precious few. Cinema Treasures is helping to protect what is left and for that we should all be thankful!

I must correct an error that I made about the closing date of on or about November 1, 1967.
The RKO Richmond Hill actually operated for another eight months after that, finally closing on June 25th, 1968, according to advertising in the Long Island Press. The final program was a Paramount double-bill of "Half a Sixpence" & "Treasure of San Gennaro": http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/rhcloser.jpg

Thanks Warren.

Re posting a link to the photos of the RKo Keith's Richmond Hill, a very fascinating theater.

http://picasaweb.google.com/rausch.paulw/RKOKeithSRichmondHillTheater?feat=directlink

The year given for this photo is 1986. Was this the Coca Cola Keith's? :)

Thank you Lost, that's how i rememeber the Keiths when i first set foot into it, and that is actually the theater that began my interest in theaters, as once inside, it was like a diamond in the rough, and I was hooked.....

Is the white marquee in the 1986 photo just a white covering placed over the old marquee?

Yes. I didn't realize the old marquee was under there. It wasn't until the movie company that was filming a movie there in the 2000's wanted an old look, and removed the aluminum, and to everyone's surprise the original, and intact marquee was still under there. The marquee was then at least cosmetically restored, and remained as the Bingo hall sign until the new current owner so uncerimoniously destroyed the RKO Keiths lettering.

Thanks Bway. While your here, take a look at the photos for the RKO Keith's in Flushing. That theater was a triplex when the photos were taken.

Thanks....my email notifications for that theater aren't on yet, haha. I will check it out now....I am slowly moving up my list of theaters as the weeks go on, slowly trying to get the notifications turned back on.

Indeed the aluminum siding covering the marquee gave it a hideous appearance. Perhaps it was done to disguise the fact that this was a former theatre. I have not received any new messages from this blog. Have notifications been halted?
George

George, here's the "problem" explained. Basically, you just have to make a new comment in any theater you want to continue to recieve notifications from. Any theater you didn't comment in after around March 15th, you won't get the notifications from unless you make a new message. You can click your name to for an easy access to the list of theaters you commented in, but you have to make a new message in any of the ones you want to keep updated on.
Here's the link to what happened:
http://cinematreasures.org/news/20835_0_1_0_M11/

Just commenting to get future comments.

Just commenting to get future comments.

RE: Bway. Your explanation about lack of notifications is much appreciated. To my friend Luis, is there anything new concerning our beloved RKO Keith's theatre? Are bingo games still conducted here?
George

Hi George, I'm afraid that I have no new information about this theater. In recent months I was visiting frequently because I was trying to rent out an apartment I own in Kew Gardens. Now that I finally have a new tenant (whew!) I have no reason to go back for another 2 years. Alas, I have not seen anything new in print about the current status of the Keiths either. I suppose that's not necessarily bad news. However, we need to keep on close eye on this endangered palace.

It's probably an endangered palace as Luis said, but the downturn in the economy may have bought some time....

I wonder if the economy is hurting the bingo players. Probably not. Some of those hardcore players would play bingo if they had to use their food money to play.

This link has a 1938 photo of the Keith's Richmond Hill.

The same fate that consumed the Ridgewood and Jahn's Ice Cream parlor could very well happen to this well preserved specimen. The time is now to consider landmark status for the Keith's.

I completely agree Panzer65. My fear is that the current owner (who bought this theater recently) will probably claim economic hardship. I just don't see how this theater can survive long term as a flea market/bingo hall. Yes, it has survived decades under this format, but that was under the old owner, who presumably had a much lower operating cost because he had owned the theater for so long. The new owner probably has a significant mortgage that must be paid. I really fear for this theater.

Indeed Luis V & Panzer65. Perhaps it is time to consider landmark status for the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill. How much longer can bingo sustain the new owners investment? The photo is much appreciated Lost Memory. While the photo of the booth is disturbing at first, it is further proof that much of the original theatre is intact. Landmark status for the RKO Keith's Richmond Hill should be a high priority.
George

George....You might want to check with NativeForestHiller about getting the Keith's landmarked. He has been through the process before and could give you some pointers.

A local newspaper clipping from the Glory Days of the Keith's.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HPdxhxJgPtqI-hpIpU7M5g?feat=directlink

Nice find Panzer65. I wasn't aware that the Keith's had a parking lot in the rear at one time. Interesting that the article states that the last movie to play at the Keith's was "Reflections in a Golden Eye" which conflicts with the information posted on Mar 18, 2009 at 7:55am.

Another former Queens theater, the Elmwood, now a beautiful church,also had a parking lot adjacent to the premises, which is now an apartment complex.

Great article! Thanks for posting it...

Glad you liked it..any theater fan should visit the Keith's, its a magnificent step back into history.

It's the theater that got me interested in theaters....
Ever since I first walked in there as a kid when I went to a flea market with my parents there, I was hooked. As intact as it is now, it was even more intact in the early 80's. The ceiling still had it's original gold leaf paint, and colors. The side walls were painted beige to about 3/4 up of the walls. It was a magical place in all it's diamond in the rough glory. It still is.

Nice Post B'way. You got me to thinking which theater got ME intersted in theaters and my answer is Loews Valencia in Jamaica with Radio City a close second. They were two theaters that it almost didn't matter what was on screen. The space itself was enough entertainment. It saddens me that today's youth (I'm turning 50 this year and still consider myself young btw) will never know what it was like to go to a movie palace to see regular films; or more importantly, to have a grand choice of palaces to pick from.

While I remember attending occassional films at the Valencia, Radio City, Elmwood, Loews State, I'll even throw in the Loews Astor Plaza, most of the theaters that I went too were the crummy nabe theaters like the Lefferts, Crossbay and Casino. If only I had the appreciation for theaters then that I do now, I would have had a chance to have seen movies at so many of the palaces that are long gone today.

My partner chuckles about how excited everyone gets at The Ziegfeld when the curtains are closed....then opened before a film. He finds it amazing that anyone cares about that (He's from Texas!) :-)
But, it is a big deal. Few theaters are truly part of the show anymore. Virtually no theaters do the curtain thing anymore and I absolutely love it when I see it done at the Ziegfeld. Yes, it is one of the main reasons I go there as frequently as I do. It brings me back to the heydey of movie palaces.

Well, I've gone off topic. While I grew up in Richmond Hill and Kew Gardens, I have never had a chance to explore the inside of the Keiths. I've been in the lobby and, of course, seen all of the photos. This theater deserves to be saved. Unfortuantely, it has to be able to support itself financially. Who is going to come up with the funds necessary for a proper restoration and expect to get it back; especially in these hard times.

It's encouraging that the Shore Theater in Brooklyn is getting attention. The Kings is in city hands and I am hopeful that it too will be restored. The Paramount is safely in LIU's hands and it too, may be restored to the public and the other Ketihs in Flushing has a grass roots movement to save it from the wrecking ball. So there is still hope for the Keiths Richmond Hill.

Marvelous article Panzer65. It is much appreciated. The RKO Keith's Richmond Hill can still be saved since it is largely intact minus the seats of course. I fear that it is inevitable that the building will eventually be gutted and used for retail if nothing is done to prevent it. We must act swiftly to obtain landmark status.
George

Luis, I completely agree with you. And Radio City was another theater I loved to see a movie in as a kid. I saw a few films there as a kid, and my parents took me to a movie there in the late 70's when they were going to close Radio City. It was supposed to be the last movie to be screened there. Luckily the theater was saved. The last movie I saw there was The Lion King in the early 90's, when Disney premiered it there.
The Elmwood was another theater I liked. And yes, the curtain thing at the Zeigfeld is great. I used to go there a lot too. The Trylon on Queens Blvd still did the curtain thing to until it's unfortunate demise.

Hi friends, found an excellent site which contains photos of theater conversions which have some sections intact from their days of showing films.

http://www.marchandmeffre.com/

Thanks! That is very interesting, and this theater is such an appropriate spot to put that link!

Thanks you Panzer for such a terrific show. I could think of a number of other creative conversions, e.g., the Woodside and the Meserole, that could also make this cut.

I felt this thread was the appropriate place to post this link because the Keith's Richmond Hill is a stunning example of how the American movie palace experience was seen and felt, not only that, the mentioned site also has a photo of the Keith's projection room. It appears the photographer was interested in the areas that were abandoned in conversions to other uses. This is a fascinating venture for the classic movie house fan like ourselves.I do wish he would have taken photos of the Keith's balcony area. I have been to the orchestra section, but the owner would not let me into the balcony. Upon viewing the photos , I took an interest in the one of Chicago's Uptown theater. The architecture of the interior is quite stunning, especially the fact that it has a mezzanine section, which is peculiar to most American movie houses that sweeps gracefully into the side walls where the box seats are usually situated and have independent access. The design also has an oval

shaped dome above the mezzanine, which doubles as a ventilation duct. The Uptown
is also under landmark protection, it closed in 1981, but grass roots group has cared for her until a full restoration can begin.
Check out their CT thread, and also they have a petition you can sign to accelerate the process of renovation. Here's a link of the beautiful mezzanine.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GW0bs72SAs_lgHr_y-MIqA?feat=directlink

Thanks again Panzer. I to am fascinated with building conversions to other uses. It is also the first time I have seen the inside of Loews 46th St, now a furniture store. The Eagle Theater in Manhattan was also interesting with all the mattresses thrown in there, it must be a mattress store.
The Keiths is definitely a great example of a classic theater, and while a diamond in the rough, it is very intact which is pretty great.
I was in the Keith's balcony when I was a kid, I went up the stairway when my parents were there for a flea market, and I went "exploring". It was easy then, as a ckid could get away with being places he should n't be... I don't think that would be as easy as as an adult, haha. The Keoiths is the theater that got me interested in old theaters, as I mentioned before in this page.

Hello Bway,
There must be more examples of the mentioned theaters across America, the ones in New York most likely are plentiful, but gaining access to these forgotten places is the key. The gentleman who owns the website definitely has a good idea as far as wanting only the reclusive sections of theater conversions, they are almost like a time portal...a forgotten area that only the true theater fan would like to see and explore. Thanks for the tip about the Loews 46 st..I'm going to check the CT site and may visit the store in the future.I have been to the Meserole in Brooklyn, its forgotten area exists in the balcony I beleive.

The Meserole Theater actually is a great coversion. The entire interior of the theater is intact. The floor has been leveled, but that was perhaps the most severe thing done, otherwise much remains right in view in the store. They even project slides of sales onto the old screen area!

Panzer, I would also include the old Woodside Theater, which was marvelously converted into a Catholic Church in the early 1950's. Its CT page has a number of terrific pictures that clearly indicate how such conversions should be made. Unfortunately, no pictures of its terrific exterior, which has been equipped with a very imposing Romanesque front, have been added to this site.

But please take a look of this unjustly neglected site and enjoy.

Well, here is the Woodside's CT page. Enjoy!


http://cinematreasures.org/theater/6406/

Thank you, John, I read the CT page on the Woodside, and it is on my must visit list.

There are many theater conversions to churches that went well. They are perhaps the "best" conversion a theater can have in regard to the integrity of the building. I don't really even consider church converstions, "conversions", as they usually remain completely intact, right down to the seats! They are basically still "theaters". The list probably goes on forever, but here's a few theater to church conversions, just off the top of my head:

Loews Valencia in Jamaica - completely intact
Colonial Theater in Bushwick - completely intact
Loews Gates in Bushwick - completely intact and renovated
Rivoli i in Bushwick - intact
....the list goes on.

I forgot about perhaps one of the best church conversions.... the 175th St in Manhattan....now the United Palace.

Other big church conversions: Loews Metropolitan in Brooklyn,Loews Elmwood in Queens, The Hollywood in Manhattan, and The Stanley in Jersey City! All are restored and, I believe, intact.

While I know others would disagree, I found conversions to discos highly succesful in many high profile efforts. Who can forget the amazing Studio 54 (Gallo Opera House), The Saint (Loews Commodore), Club USA (The Forum), Palladium (Academy of Music), Xenon (Henry Miller), Bond's International Casino (International Casino). These clubs stand out as among the most illustrious in New York's history. There was something incredibly special about dancing under the amazing archtecture that these theaters provided. In most cases, these theaters were saved for many years after they would have been torn down as a result of their successful turns as discoteques. Unfortunately, only one, Studio 54, is still around for us to enjoy today as it has been successfully returned to live theater. All of the others, sadly, have been demolished.

I also have to add, that I never saw any of these theaters while they were actually showing films. But I was able to enjoy and admire them many times during my "disco" years. I couldn't even pick a favorite as each was spectacular in its own way; particularly The Palladium, Club USA and of course, The Saint!

Was Roseland in Manhattan a theater at one time? I have been in there a few times for concerts, and it seems like it may have been a theater at one time.
And of course there's the Hammerstein Ballroom, still used for concerts, with the seats ripped out, but still has a lot of it's theater features. I think it was the Manhattan Opera House.

Roseland was once a ice skating rink and later converted to a roller skating rink.

http://www.marchandmeffre.com/theaters/index04.html