Mardi Gras Theater

jflundy on October 8, 2008 at 7:30 pm

Here is a photo dating to 1908 which shows what I believe to be the Mardi Gras Theater on Surf Avenue. If it existed under this name in 1908 it would contradict information I have posted above about it opening in 1920. It may have existed under a different name in 1908 but vertical sign shown in photo does not give name.
http://www.shorpy.com/node/4616?size=_original

Beer signs in the photo near the vertical may indicate that movies may have been projected in the large saloon said to occupy the first floor of the hotel mentioned above, prior to 1920.

jflundy on November 12, 2004 at 8:54 pm

This theater opened in the former Boston Hotel on Surf Avenue in 1920. It replaced a large saloon at ground level. The hotel itself dated prior to 1890 and became unviable after the BRT subway/“L” lines provided cheap (nickel),fast access from the City as well as Queens and far away Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Bushwick. The saloon was closed by passage of the Volstead act in October 1919 which implemented the 18th Ammendment.

Mike (saps) on August 4, 2004 at 11:11 pm

What theater is that on the left with Movies written on a vertical sign?