Roosevelt Theatre

The map currently shown is correct. I used to go with a gal by the name of Alice Moran who lived on 88th St south of Jamaica ave.

Ciao and excelsior
‘Tonino

Robbie, negatory. I went to Brooklyn Tech., class of 1955

I attended St. Thomas the Apostle Church on 88th Street in Woodhaven. The church became so overcrowded that the parish purchased the Roosevelt Theatre and converted it into a church auditorium where masses were said in addition to the masses in the original church. The auditorium was named “Monsignor John Mulz Hall” after the priest who ran the Church until 1966. We sat on folding chairs during the mass and the Church also held their basketball games there. I also remember going to Friday night “teen” dances at that hall during my high school days. Needless to say, except for the high ceilings, all remnants of it ever being a movie theater were gone!

The theatre was named in honor of the beloved Teddy Roosevelt, who died in 1919 and was unable to attend the gala opening on May 7th, 1921. But the opening program included a compilation of newsreels and films reviewing his illustrious career as a war hero, U.S. President, trust-buster and conversvationist. The Roosevelt was considered the most luxurious theatre ever built in Woodhaven, costing in the vicinity of half a million dollars. “The comfort of the upholstered seats, the absence of annoying and obstructing posts, and the commodious balcony, aroused the liveliest appreciation,” said a report in The Richmond Hill Record. “In addition, the fine taste shown in the decorations, and changing color effects created by hidden lights and a great electrolier in the ceiling made a remarkable impression.” The Roosevelt was built and operated by Muller & Schwartz, who at the time also ran the Garden in Richmond Hill, the Oxford in Brooklyn, and the Keystone in Manhattan. Here’s an opening ad. Note the mention of “a gold fibre screen which gives a clear, soft reproduction, entirely free from flicker or eye strain”:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/teddy21.jpg

Anyone who grew up in Woodhaven and wants to get in touch with old friends,meet new friends and remember what it was like growing up in Woodhaven we started a family friendly group on the Yahoo site.Although you need to join to get on the site you can choose to get the messages sent to your “E” mail or just read them when you want to from the site.Just go to the Yahoo home page and click on groups.Then type in woodhaven-nyc and you will get to our group.If you don’t find anyone you know chances are someone knows where your friends are today……..Welcome and enjoy!!!