Haven Theatre
80-16 Jamaica Avenue,
Woodhaven,
NY
11421
80-16 Jamaica Avenue,
Woodhaven,
NY
11421
8 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 123 comments
No home of the 99¢ Deal.
Grew up six blocks away…saw many great movies here…Ben Hur, Sound of Music….had a popcorn machine in the lobby, for fifty cents you got a large cup of popcorn and you can press the button for butter ….the soda machine was right next to it for 25 cents…even got ice in the cup! My Parents told me that back in the 50’s they used to have give aways at the theatre…China sets, knife sets, etc…
There is a nice write-up in the Leader-Observer’s March 5, 1914 issue which came out the Thursday after the opening weekend as the Forest Park Theatre:
Some cliff notes: Opening date: February 28, 1914; Seating for 600+ [with hat racks, foot rests, ample spacing]; Two box offices; Extensive exterior & interior decoration
Architects: Maull & McMunn; Builder: Jacob Weber; Decorating: R. Maller; Owners: John Linker, Jacob Weber, Joseph Herrlein
http://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers 23/Forest Parkway NY Leader Observer/Forest Parkway NY Leader Observer 1912-1914/Forest Parkway NY Leader Observer 1912-1914 – 0927.pdf
Ed Solero I put that title up LOL
Was it closed due to poor attendance?
The title on the marquee, which is a film that was actually titled just “Prophecy” (not “The…”), would date the photo to mid-1979. The film opened June 15th, that year.
Here’s a photo of the Haven from the net:
http://viewoftheblue.com/photography/woodhaven/nyc4.jpg
My sister lived at 75 Grant Avenue between Jamaica and Etna. I used to go to her place and hang out. Many times we passed this movie theater and darn I wish I had gone in. I can’t remember when it closed but I still kick myself that I never went in.
If this house was built in 1913, then it might be the Roosevelt that was designed by Carlson & Wiseman. Or it might be another theater not yet listed.
Great Stories to read.Especially about “PLAY MISTY FOR ME” thanks for the stories.
Ironically, the other Liberty Department Store is in Ridgewood, and that one is in the former Madison Theater.
I have a record of the Forest Park/Haven Theatre(1938) with 450 seats, located at 80-16 Jamaica Avenue which was built in 1913. Later it became the Liberty Department Store.
Does anyone have a build date for the Haven? The January 27, 1920, issue of the trade journal Brick and Clay Record says that the Hay-Walker Brick Company had a contract to supply “…60,000 rough red texture brick for a new theater building at Woodhaven, L. I., and for which Carlson & Wiseman, 226 Henry Street, Brooklyn, are architects.” If the Haven opened in 1920, chances are it was the theater designed by Carlson & Wiseman.
The only other possibility among Woodhaven houses listed at Cinema Treasures is the Roosevelt Theatre, for which Warren gave an opening date of May 7, 1921. If construction was delayed, there could have been a gap of more than a year between the brick order and the opening of the theater.
For those of you “Woodhavenites” that are interested go onto Facebook and there is a Woodhaven group. It’s great! What a walk down Memory Lane. Come and chat for a while.
Maryellen
Here’s a google street view of the old Haven….now Liberty Dept Store.
View link
Wow, thanks for the link. I hope someone out there has better pics of the Haven, I have been dying to see them for a very long time now.
Wow, thanks for the link. I hope someone out there has better pics of the Haven, I have been dying to see them for a very long time now.
We just posted a picture of The Haven’s marquee circa 1941 —
View link
You can find some other Woodhaven goodies, including a Wiki with some other older pictures of the neighborhood, at:
http://projectwoodhaven.com/
The aforementioned Woodhaven Yahoo group is a great source of Woodhaven information — a great, friendly group of people.
Thanks, BabyBoomer. I already have an on-line group like that : Bushwick Buddies !
Peter R and anyone else interested……………If you go to yahoo groups and type in woodhaven_nyc you will reach a group which is composed of old and current residents from around the country.You must become a member to view the postings but you can choose between having them sent to your “E” mail or visiting the site yourself and reading them when you want.There are over 200 members and they talk about memories of growing up in Woodhaven and whats happening there now.We have a few members who post videos and old photo’s and if you are wondering what ever happened to an old friend we have a few members who probably know where they are now also.Give us a try we’re family friendly and you might find someone you hung out with.
Robert I look forward to your photos.
You’re most welcome, BabyBoomer. My pleasure. Feel free to ask me anything, any time. I don’t know offhand of any website devoted to Woodhaven, and the memories of the people who grew up there.
Robert R..I also am looking forward to seeing those photos.
Peter K..Oh well it was a long shot thanks anyway.
RobertR, I can’t wait for those pics.
No, BabyBoomer, I did not, on both counts. I have never asked The Leader Observer for anything.
My father’s parents and sister lived in Woodhaven, but not me.
RobertR, looking forward to your pictures.