Being from Glendale, during the 70’s and 80’s I attended the movies frequently, and found The Haven to be one of the best and most comfortable. The balcony was never open, but anyway, Of all the movies I saw there, one was most memorable, and stands out ,I seen it at least a dozen times..“Fast Times at Ridgemont High”!!
I lived in Glendale from 1965 to 1997, but still reside in Queens, and attended the Oasis and Ridgewood , during the 70’s, but unfortunately, never attended The Madison. After reading the postings I feel I missed out, on history and experience, for some reason, don’t know why,I was so close yet so far. I was impressed with the descriptions of this theater, I did not search all of them, but a friend who attended told me there was a fountain..in the lobby!Can anyone elaborate on this? A previous posting has said that there are no remnants of the old theater, perhaps because of fire damage, and the ornate front facade is obscured by a large sign. I’m so curious about what I missed, that I’m planning to visit the defunct theater, now a department store, just to say I’ve been there!I cant believe a gem like this is not landmarked!
Ridgewood theater has a historical interest, how many movie venues are 91 years old and still operate? I’m wondering why there is such a slow process to preserve motion picture history, this movie house is a treasure and definitely should be preserved, after reading the Commodore page, I’m concerned that time is running short.
I searched for The Ridgewood and saw two happy sentences, the first, theres four other theaters in the US with this name, and they all say closed, until you come to the one for New York, open. The second, is that according to a neighborhood newspaper and the first posting, The Ridgwood is the oldest operating theater in New York. Does any one know if this great facility is landmarked? If not, it really should be, despite the fact that its interior has been altered, its history and relatively unchanged exterior, make it a prime reason to be landmarked.
Thnaks for your reply PKoch, This theater has many fascinating stories, in response to Orlando, who was inside the Bushwick in 2001, it was a rare opportunity indeed to step on the stage, one which featured Vaudeville talents Moe and Shemp Howard, Mae West, George Burns,and Cary Grant.Such interesting descriptions of the interior, A stone Goddess, An Angel attached to the ceiling. But perhaps the most interesting feature is one that Joe S. mentions, that because this was a Vaudeville house originally, the rear half of the balcony had obstructed views, Joe S. claims that in a full house these seats would be last to fill. There was a stone arch that only permitted half the screen to be viewed!
I often pass the RKO Bushwick during my working hours, and its a fine specimen of how ornate the movie houses of the early 20 the century looked. I passed when it was abandoned, and wondered how such a building, full of so much culture and history can be so carelessly neglected. Then on another trip I passed after its full renovation and it had a gleam to it, standing tall and proud, proclaiming its grand presence. Has this building been landmarked, if not does its exterior qualify?
Indeed ,the Glenwood was located at the corner of Myrtle and Decatur streets, a block away from the LIRR trestle, thanks Bway for the information concerning the Glenwood’s opera boxes. In reply to PKoch, indeed, the sideways view would be difficult unless a Vaudeville act was on the bill. Being constructed in 1921, I assume during the age of silent films the Glenwood was a Vaudeville House, that would be safe to assume considering we all agree that it did indeed have Opera boxes. Can any one provide interior shots to confirm this? I also have some sad photos of the demolition (ugh!) in 1983, which I witnessed through my Kodak disc camera. When uploading is available I will post them.
The demolition of the Commodore is bittersweet for me. I lived in Williamsburg for five years with my girlfriend whom I married. She wanted to see Ghost in 1990 so badly she suggested we go to The Com for my first and only visit. It was a comfortable and friendly atmosphere to say the least. And I remember its modest admission fee.
Sadly my wife died in 1992, and I moved back to my native Queens. But the movie Ghost and the Commodore have a place in my heart and memory.On a recent trip with my sister in law I drove past the Com, to see its roof destroyed, and a bulldozer parked nearby. Its was a sad sight indeed, and cringed upon seeing it.Tomorrow is the anniversary of my wifes passing, may the Commodore also restin peace.
PKoch,
My reply from a May 30 posting, (sorry my time was short that day),the aesthetics of the Oasis from what I can recall were quite simple , if my memory serves me correctly. I believe that the Marquee was overhauled when I attended, and the balcony was closed due to people throwing things. My apologies , PKoch but I cant recall any more aesthetics at the Oasis, I can remember the ones at the Ridgewood, which I will post soon. In regards to the mini mall off Metropolitan Ave., they are functional to say the least,they appear to be a piece of the suburbs brought to the city. Being a life long city dweller I like the convenience they bring.
PKoch, in reply, I have not visited The Atlas Park cinema, but am happy that the lobby is one that has a look and feel that you just stepped into a movie house and not just some auditorium. In regards to the Loew’s Jersey City, its great to see classic theaters revived, the trend now is demolition, and hopefully Landmarks Preservation will move to landmark the Ridgewood, the oldest operating theater in NYC. The Loew’s Jersey city appears to be your favorite or one of them, can you describe it? Does it retain the classic features? As far as Green Acres, that, like the Oasis has a place in my heart, as I spent many times in my parents Chrysler at the defunct drive in, and plan on posting there as time allows. Screens are up to 24?!
PKoch, thanks for your reply, the only two classic ballparks left are
Boston’s Fenway Park built in 1912, and Chicago’s Wrigley Field built in 1911. Yankee Stadium, which was built in 1923, was renovated in 1974, and a lot of the old character of the old park were removed.
Incidentally, A new retro style replica of the original Yankee Stadium as it looked in 1923, is being constructed next to the old one, the only feature and this is a definite, is that columns holding the stands will not obstruct any views. It is slated to be completed in 2009, along with the Mets' Citi Field, an Ebbets Field replica.
PKoch,
In response to your prior quote from Mr. Leno, indeed ,thats so true,and it does seem to apply to many new construction around the city, theres no aesthetic character being put into many buildings. But i’m starting to see a relationship between old theaters and old ballparks as far as asthetics go. There are only two classic ballparks left, the older ones were considered obsolete and demolished (that word!!). So in a resurrection of"retro" ballparks they decided to correct that mistake by replicating the look and feel of the past parks. I really wish the new theaters would follow that trend.
Does anyone have any recollections of viewing a motion picture from an “opera box”? While at the Ridgewood, which was quite an ornate theater, I often peered at them and wondered if they were functional or did they serve an ornamental purpose? Perhaps in the Vaudeville era of early 20the century theaters they had a specific purpose? Could their function have been like a ballpark, where patrons would pay extra for a suite and or box seat?
Could any body help on this topic?
PKoch, your welcome sir, I’m new to this site and really enjoy sharing the memories of attending the classic movie houses.
I have additional information concerning any remnants of the old Glenwood theater in the now defunct bowling alley. I phoned a fellow league bowler who also attended from 1976 to 1983. Prior postings had mentioned the second floor, my friend said that halfway down the two alleys situated on both walls on either side there appeared to be a panel inserted that seemed to block was he said appeared to be opera boxes, he said the shape of the paneling made him believe this. We also speculated that perhaps these panels were blocking a window , but we don’t recall the outside wall being sealed up.
PKoch,
Thanks for your reply, in my youth living in Glendale in the 70’s, really was an age of innocence, I had a black and white TV that was 12 inches in the house I grew up in, considering the fact that we had no cable and few channels, going to the movies, especially the Oasis, was a cherished memory of my youth I will never forget, and enjoy sharing. I could not wait for Saturday, to walk to that big building with the fancy marquee outside, and the anticipation,,knowing you were going to your second home, where you knew you would enjoy your self! The old theaters like old ballparks, had that feel to them that new ones cant replicate.
PKoch,
Thanks for your reply, in my youth living in Glendale in the 70’s, really was an age of innocence, I had a black and white TV that was 12 inches in the house I grew up in, considering the fact that we had no cable and few channels, going to the movies, especially the Oasis, was a cherished memory of my youth I will never forget, and enjoy sharing. I could not wait for Saturday, to walk to that big building with the fancy marquee outside, and the anticipation,,knowing you were going to your second home, where you knew you would enjoy your self! The old theaters like old ballparks, had that feel to them that new ones cant replicate.
I bowled in leagues at the Glenwood from 1976 till its closing in 1983. The only distinguishable trait left from the theater is the marquee which was overhauled to accommodate the Glenwood Bowl name. The main entrance was on Decatur St., the original entrance under the marquee was a lounge. In reference to the balcony,it was accessable from the side entrance and appears to be a replacement staircase. The second floor/balcony perhaps was altered to a full floor,there were lanes on the second floor, and prior posts claim you could look down on the bowlers downstairs which did not exist when I bowled there. The renovation to a bowling alley was constructed very well, you would never know it was a theater.
Tonino,
I have passed by this building many times during the 70’s when it was the Victorian House, although I never went inside until last month, the placement and construction of the deli counter does seem to indicate it served purpose as the concession stand.
The former Acme theater and Victorian House has been re-opened! As of early May, it is now a Met food store. I visited recently and found a lot of the theater’s distinct features still in tact. The marquee is still up and being utilized, inside, the former ticket booth/concession stand now serves as the delicatessen! The original red quarry tile floor is being utilized, and is in remarkable shape.However the slope still exists, especially at the front at the check out lanes,when I parked my shopping cart to check out,it actually rolled away from me! Finally the original ceiling is exposed, complete with a fresh coat of paint, showing the beautiful molding. Visit and enjoy!
Being from Glendale, during the 70’s and 80’s I attended the movies frequently, and found The Haven to be one of the best and most comfortable. The balcony was never open, but anyway, Of all the movies I saw there, one was most memorable, and stands out ,I seen it at least a dozen times..“Fast Times at Ridgemont High”!!
I lived in Glendale from 1965 to 1997, but still reside in Queens, and attended the Oasis and Ridgewood , during the 70’s, but unfortunately, never attended The Madison. After reading the postings I feel I missed out, on history and experience, for some reason, don’t know why,I was so close yet so far. I was impressed with the descriptions of this theater, I did not search all of them, but a friend who attended told me there was a fountain..in the lobby!Can anyone elaborate on this? A previous posting has said that there are no remnants of the old theater, perhaps because of fire damage, and the ornate front facade is obscured by a large sign. I’m so curious about what I missed, that I’m planning to visit the defunct theater, now a department store, just to say I’ve been there!I cant believe a gem like this is not landmarked!
Ridgewood theater has a historical interest, how many movie venues are 91 years old and still operate? I’m wondering why there is such a slow process to preserve motion picture history, this movie house is a treasure and definitely should be preserved, after reading the Commodore page, I’m concerned that time is running short.
I searched for The Ridgewood and saw two happy sentences, the first, theres four other theaters in the US with this name, and they all say closed, until you come to the one for New York, open. The second, is that according to a neighborhood newspaper and the first posting, The Ridgwood is the oldest operating theater in New York. Does any one know if this great facility is landmarked? If not, it really should be, despite the fact that its interior has been altered, its history and relatively unchanged exterior, make it a prime reason to be landmarked.
Thnaks for your reply PKoch, This theater has many fascinating stories, in response to Orlando, who was inside the Bushwick in 2001, it was a rare opportunity indeed to step on the stage, one which featured Vaudeville talents Moe and Shemp Howard, Mae West, George Burns,and Cary Grant.Such interesting descriptions of the interior, A stone Goddess, An Angel attached to the ceiling. But perhaps the most interesting feature is one that Joe S. mentions, that because this was a Vaudeville house originally, the rear half of the balcony had obstructed views, Joe S. claims that in a full house these seats would be last to fill. There was a stone arch that only permitted half the screen to be viewed!
I often pass the RKO Bushwick during my working hours, and its a fine specimen of how ornate the movie houses of the early 20 the century looked. I passed when it was abandoned, and wondered how such a building, full of so much culture and history can be so carelessly neglected. Then on another trip I passed after its full renovation and it had a gleam to it, standing tall and proud, proclaiming its grand presence. Has this building been landmarked, if not does its exterior qualify?
Indeed ,the Glenwood was located at the corner of Myrtle and Decatur streets, a block away from the LIRR trestle, thanks Bway for the information concerning the Glenwood’s opera boxes. In reply to PKoch, indeed, the sideways view would be difficult unless a Vaudeville act was on the bill. Being constructed in 1921, I assume during the age of silent films the Glenwood was a Vaudeville House, that would be safe to assume considering we all agree that it did indeed have Opera boxes. Can any one provide interior shots to confirm this? I also have some sad photos of the demolition (ugh!) in 1983, which I witnessed through my Kodak disc camera. When uploading is available I will post them.
The demolition of the Commodore is bittersweet for me. I lived in Williamsburg for five years with my girlfriend whom I married. She wanted to see Ghost in 1990 so badly she suggested we go to The Com for my first and only visit. It was a comfortable and friendly atmosphere to say the least. And I remember its modest admission fee.
Sadly my wife died in 1992, and I moved back to my native Queens. But the movie Ghost and the Commodore have a place in my heart and memory.On a recent trip with my sister in law I drove past the Com, to see its roof destroyed, and a bulldozer parked nearby. Its was a sad sight indeed, and cringed upon seeing it.Tomorrow is the anniversary of my wifes passing, may the Commodore also restin peace.
PKoch,
My reply from a May 30 posting, (sorry my time was short that day),the aesthetics of the Oasis from what I can recall were quite simple , if my memory serves me correctly. I believe that the Marquee was overhauled when I attended, and the balcony was closed due to people throwing things. My apologies , PKoch but I cant recall any more aesthetics at the Oasis, I can remember the ones at the Ridgewood, which I will post soon. In regards to the mini mall off Metropolitan Ave., they are functional to say the least,they appear to be a piece of the suburbs brought to the city. Being a life long city dweller I like the convenience they bring.
PKoch, in reply, I have not visited The Atlas Park cinema, but am happy that the lobby is one that has a look and feel that you just stepped into a movie house and not just some auditorium. In regards to the Loew’s Jersey City, its great to see classic theaters revived, the trend now is demolition, and hopefully Landmarks Preservation will move to landmark the Ridgewood, the oldest operating theater in NYC. The Loew’s Jersey city appears to be your favorite or one of them, can you describe it? Does it retain the classic features? As far as Green Acres, that, like the Oasis has a place in my heart, as I spent many times in my parents Chrysler at the defunct drive in, and plan on posting there as time allows. Screens are up to 24?!
PKoch, thanks for your reply, the only two classic ballparks left are
Boston’s Fenway Park built in 1912, and Chicago’s Wrigley Field built in 1911. Yankee Stadium, which was built in 1923, was renovated in 1974, and a lot of the old character of the old park were removed.
Incidentally, A new retro style replica of the original Yankee Stadium as it looked in 1923, is being constructed next to the old one, the only feature and this is a definite, is that columns holding the stands will not obstruct any views. It is slated to be completed in 2009, along with the Mets' Citi Field, an Ebbets Field replica.
PKoch,
In response to your prior quote from Mr. Leno, indeed ,thats so true,and it does seem to apply to many new construction around the city, theres no aesthetic character being put into many buildings. But i’m starting to see a relationship between old theaters and old ballparks as far as asthetics go. There are only two classic ballparks left, the older ones were considered obsolete and demolished (that word!!). So in a resurrection of"retro" ballparks they decided to correct that mistake by replicating the look and feel of the past parks. I really wish the new theaters would follow that trend.
Thanks for your reply PKoch, I will contact the fellow Cinema Classics friends for information regarding Opera Boxes and Thanks again!
Does anyone have any recollections of viewing a motion picture from an “opera box”? While at the Ridgewood, which was quite an ornate theater, I often peered at them and wondered if they were functional or did they serve an ornamental purpose? Perhaps in the Vaudeville era of early 20the century theaters they had a specific purpose? Could their function have been like a ballpark, where patrons would pay extra for a suite and or box seat?
Could any body help on this topic?
PKoch, your welcome sir, I’m new to this site and really enjoy sharing the memories of attending the classic movie houses.
I have additional information concerning any remnants of the old Glenwood theater in the now defunct bowling alley. I phoned a fellow league bowler who also attended from 1976 to 1983. Prior postings had mentioned the second floor, my friend said that halfway down the two alleys situated on both walls on either side there appeared to be a panel inserted that seemed to block was he said appeared to be opera boxes, he said the shape of the paneling made him believe this. We also speculated that perhaps these panels were blocking a window , but we don’t recall the outside wall being sealed up.
PKoch,
Thanks for your reply, in my youth living in Glendale in the 70’s, really was an age of innocence, I had a black and white TV that was 12 inches in the house I grew up in, considering the fact that we had no cable and few channels, going to the movies, especially the Oasis, was a cherished memory of my youth I will never forget, and enjoy sharing. I could not wait for Saturday, to walk to that big building with the fancy marquee outside, and the anticipation,,knowing you were going to your second home, where you knew you would enjoy your self! The old theaters like old ballparks, had that feel to them that new ones cant replicate.
PKoch,
Thanks for your reply, in my youth living in Glendale in the 70’s, really was an age of innocence, I had a black and white TV that was 12 inches in the house I grew up in, considering the fact that we had no cable and few channels, going to the movies, especially the Oasis, was a cherished memory of my youth I will never forget, and enjoy sharing. I could not wait for Saturday, to walk to that big building with the fancy marquee outside, and the anticipation,,knowing you were going to your second home, where you knew you would enjoy your self! The old theaters like old ballparks, had that feel to them that new ones cant replicate.
I bowled in leagues at the Glenwood from 1976 till its closing in 1983. The only distinguishable trait left from the theater is the marquee which was overhauled to accommodate the Glenwood Bowl name. The main entrance was on Decatur St., the original entrance under the marquee was a lounge. In reference to the balcony,it was accessable from the side entrance and appears to be a replacement staircase. The second floor/balcony perhaps was altered to a full floor,there were lanes on the second floor, and prior posts claim you could look down on the bowlers downstairs which did not exist when I bowled there. The renovation to a bowling alley was constructed very well, you would never know it was a theater.
I spent many Saturday afternoons viewing matinée movies at the Oasis.At a young age I would walk there and my mother would give me money that today may buy perhaps a pack of gum.I would buy popcorn,soda, and admission, plus money left over.I preferred the Oasis over the Ridgewood and Madison, probably for its kid friendly cartoons and its location. I do recall its days as a concert venue, that being Richard Hell and the Voidoids. An unusual name indeed, I recall seeing this name pasted on light poles and walls, it also marked the beginning of the end of those days of movies there. As a teenager, I attended the roller rink, but it was much too small for its purpose.This building was my favorite theater.
Tonino,
I have passed by this building many times during the 70’s when it was the Victorian House, although I never went inside until last month, the placement and construction of the deli counter does seem to indicate it served purpose as the concession stand.
The former Acme theater and Victorian House has been re-opened! As of early May, it is now a Met food store. I visited recently and found a lot of the theater’s distinct features still in tact. The marquee is still up and being utilized, inside, the former ticket booth/concession stand now serves as the delicatessen! The original red quarry tile floor is being utilized, and is in remarkable shape.However the slope still exists, especially at the front at the check out lanes,when I parked my shopping cart to check out,it actually rolled away from me! Finally the original ceiling is exposed, complete with a fresh coat of paint, showing the beautiful molding. Visit and enjoy!