Glenwood Theatre

An absolutely STUNNING photo of the Glenwood Theater, when it was still a real theater, before it became a bowling alley. Unbelievably rare photo from the NYC Archives:

http://nycma.lunaimaging.com/luna/servlet/detail/NYCMA~9~9~567095~1114967?sort=borough%2Cblock%2Clot%2Czip_code

The Glenwood Theatre was designed by architect Louis Allmendinger. Notice that the construction contract for the project had been let was published in the January 22, 1921, issue of The American Contractor.

Thanks, once upon a time, Panzer65, and Warren.

Once upon a time, I still think you know how to talk, and write ! You’re most welcome to my comment. My pleasure !

Peter, Thank you for your Comment and the suggestion of my having a Super Memory. Indeed…I’m happy to remember the name of the Movie..I did see! It’s possible that the theater has us in for a special screening of just ‘Bells’,as I don’t seem to remember having a problem with seating. However, Re: my last paragraph, Murray wouldn’t seem to support such a generous act. I do remember we being seated in the rear, left side. Or, being a weekday matinee, they had a light movie house attendance.(light movie house..oxymoron?)Anyway, I yeah still don’t not remember seeun no 2nd feature der. Gads..now I’ve even forgotten how to talk!

I believe the first time I went to the Glenwood Theater, I was accompanied by two Nuns ….(Be a great place to end this, wouldn’t it!)..and about 30 classmates..(Oh, Pheeeew).

It was 1947 and I was in Grade 5-A. on a St. Matthias School ‘Field Trip’. I guess I could say ‘The’ field trip, as it was the only one I remember. The movie we were taken to see, not surprisingly, was “The Bells of St. Mary”. As I recall, also not surprising, we didn’t remain for the second feature. If anyone wonders….yes, we walked, double file. No School Buses back then!

During my High School days, when I didn’t go to the ‘Biggies’ on Myrtle back toward Wyckoff Ave., the Glenwood was really nice to visit. I enjoyed seeing a bunch of good movies and, unlike the Ridgewood, one didn’t get blinded by the sun after leaving a summer matinee!

In my later teens, I took a few dates there on a Friday or Saturday nite. Mostly because those Gals lived either in Glendale or in the nearby area around Fresh Pond Rd.

Hey…I just realized what I like so much about this site!…I don’t even have to think about mentioning, as in the above paragraph, that on neighborhood dates…we walked. So we went to the nearest movies, ice cream parlors, etc. I think readers here, remember and take that as a given. Nice.

As for the theater itself, I remember a feeling of being relaxed. Other movies I saw there during the late 40s and early 50’s were mostly the ones I would have missed seeing at the two, afore referred to, Biggee’s.

A fun (?) thing about the Glenwood was their promotional ‘Dish Nites.” How cruel younger patrons could be; when some person carelessly placed a dish in their lap and then, absent-mindedly got up to buy candy or pop-corn. The accompanying clapping of hands was deafening. I’d wonder (after clapping, tee-hee) if the embarrassed dish collector ever came back to his/her seat.

I noted an above Comment by ‘Murray’, (June 5th, ’04) stating he was Manager during that time. It be interesting if a Group Rate was offered or if his, Jack Benny type telephone story, suggests S.M.S. paid full price?

Someone asked above when the Glenwood changed from a theater to a bowling alley. I would guess sometime around 1960-1962. I used to go the the Glenwood theater as a kid from the mid-1950’s to early 1960’s (I also bowled there many times later on). The price for kids was usually 25 cents except for some special showings (“30 Color Cartoons for 30 Cents”). At the time we thought the Ridgewood and Madison were too expensive at 35-40 cents! At Holloween, the Glenwood theater usually had a costume contest. I remember going as a spaceman one year!

I attended St. Matthias (class of ‘62) and I remember the nuns taking the entire school – in two-by two file along Catalpa. Ave. and Fresh Pond Rd. to the Oasis Theater to see the 10 Commandments, which would have been 1956.

Jim, I use gmail for cinematreasures….it lumps all the messages into one message if from the same sender, so I could have 40 emails from cinematreasures in a day, yet it only shows as one in my inbox…and I get to keep current with the site! I am very happy with the results…..

BrookynJim,.. Doing some catching up myself this morning. The Keith’s page reminded me of some dialogue we’ve had, and I hadn’t seen anything from you.

The ‘Cell’ was eerily thought provoking. As I recall, King doesn’t own a cell phone either.

I don’t recall long lines for phone booths anywhere, except for an occasional wait at an airport. I understand public phone booths have been totally removed. First the Glenwood, then the Keith’s, then phone booths, and most recently Jahn’s. I still don’t own a cell phone.

BTW, do you still read these pages BrooklyJim?

Shalom, ciao, and excelsior

Warren, I am still with you. Do not remember the exact box office daily take, could not have been much with the low admission prices, however little as it was a police officer accompanied the cashier to the bank. I do remenber bringing the very heavy film box down to the lobby after the final showing

I wouldn’t swear to the Ridgewood and Madison having phone booths on their balcony levels, Panzer65, but that’s my best educated guess at present.

Thanks, Warren. That seems reasonable.

Upon viewing the poll page ,about classic theaters features, one reply mentioned that she misses phone booths, because of cell phone chatter during movies. I thought it would be interesting to fellow members that the Glenwood Bowl had a phone booth on the second floor. It was situated way to the side where it was somewhat quiet. It was constructed of wood, had folding doors, no sign,a seat, an exhaust fan and a switchable light. I do not recall phone booths in any theater I have visited, but if anyone has recollections I would love to hear them.
I am guessing that the booth I described may have been a theater remnant.