Knickerbocker Theatre
219 Capitol Boulevard,
Nashville,
TN
37219
219 Capitol Boulevard,
Nashville,
TN
37219
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Showing 26 - 50 of 64 comments
I am interested Dave, I am a Nashville Native and former theatre Manager would love to hear more history of the Knickerbocker, I am sure you know of Harveys Dept. store that was across from the theatre.
William Henry Wassmann (1870-1928) had operated the Crystal here as early as 1912. The beam in the Knickerbocker building referred to by a writer above said “Wassmann’s Theatre.” He opened the Knickerbocker March 16, 1916 and on September 8 of the same year sold both the Crystal and the Knickerbocker to Crescent Amesement Company.
I bet I am the only one reading these lines who saw a big name movie star appear at this theater. There was no stage, just a little round platform with encircling steps, if I make myself clear. If there is any interest I will give the name and date of this appearance.
The Knickerbocker had the first “electric eye” door opener I ever saw.
The Knickerbocker theatre had 2 entrances,one on 6th Ave North and one on 5th Ave North.
Pity all these old theatres could not be saved. Great stories.
By the way my dad always called this theatre the Old Knickerbocker although I believe it was the only one ever in Nashville.
i am interested in pics of the knickerbocker before its downfall. please email me any pics you may have or come across, especially exterior front images. I would like to put up a page in dedication to the theater. Thanks so much.
Sadly, they’ve painted over what remained of any decor since that library photo was taken. Everything is a bland beige now.
Here is a photo from the Nashville Public Library:
http://tinyurl.com/6zcabb
Here is a postcard from the same source:
http://tinyurl.com/5msafk
Working near this former theatre site in downtown Nashville, I walked thru what remains of the theatre yesterday, which is just the side walls which still comprise the walls of the adjoining buildings. No roof, front, nor back walls. In fact, it is merely a parking lot in the middle of the block with the parking lot entrance where the screen once stood. If you didn’t know that a theatre had been there, you could not imagine one. For those that recall the Knickerbocker, the only remaining trace of it is where the balcony steps joined the blocks midway up the wall.
I LOVE this website. Ask and it shall be answered by someone, somewhere with a heart that cherishes these cinema treasures.
The Knickerbocker opened on March 22, 1916 with an ivory, green, and gold color scheme. William H. Wassman was the manager and Buel B. Risinger was the opening organist on the Kimball theatre pipe organ. The main organ pipe chambers were above the proscenium and there was an echo pipe chamber in the balcony. This organ could be played manually or with an automatic roll player. A grand piano was attached to the console which also allowed the organist or roll player to use that instrument as well.
Mr Risinger was also the Orchestra conductor, with a few of the more famous members of the orchestra being: E. Daniel Worland, Flute; George Modges, Tympanist, and Mozart Lucier, Violinist and Ass’t. Director.(Tennessean 3/12/16)
The theatre became a Crescent property in 1920. The theatre closed on February 4th, 1961
was most revealing of what could have happened if the FQ had been in that TN city! (had to finish the above sentence)
Danny52: Your comment about thanking God the French Quarter wasn’t in Nashville!
As a 56-year-old native Nashvillian, I can recall that the historic Hermitage Hotel, Union Station and the Ryman Auditorium were all threatened by the wrecking ball at one point. As I’ve always said, thank God the French Quarter wasn’t in Nashville … it would now be a parking lot, Walgreens' or Home Depot. We DO NOT cherish our architectural past with very few exceptions. It makes me extremely sad and ashamed.
Franklin TN sounds like a must-see community despite the ‘upscale’ urban development for those who live in Franklin yet probably work in Nashville!
Franklin is the county seat of Williamson Co., a really beautiful place, though recently overrun by ‘upscale’ urban development. Franklin has been used as the site of several movie locations because it’s downtown area is an almost perfectly preserved representation of late 19th Century small town America.
Franklin is the county seat of Williamson Co., a really beautiful place, though recently overrun by ‘upscale’ urban development. Franklin has been used as the site of several movie locations because it’s downtown area is an almost perfectly preserved representation of late 19th Century small town America.
M Horner: Yes, you are correct so thanks Mr. Memory!
Patsy, I think that memorabilia was posted by Lost Memory?
M Horner: Thanks for the great Knickerbocker Theatre memorabilia website!
Is the Franklin Cinema listed on CT? Thanks for this Franklin information as the town sounds like a must-see when in the Nashville area. In fact, I think my girlfriend’s daughter goes to church in Franklin TN.
Thanks, Patsy! I am determined now to update Belle Meade, Tennessee and Paramount. You have jogged my memory! Was going to buy The Tennessee sign, but had no place to put it!
There IS the Franklin Cinema in Franklin, 15 miles south of downtown Nashville. Franklin is worth a visit. A well-preserved late 19th Century town, surrounded by McMansions.
Marquee is available through becoming a member of THSA. The website is http://www2.hawaii.edu/~angell/thsa/welcome2.html
My interest was prompted with the demolition in 1992 of my hometown theatre, the Grand in Westfield NY which is listed on CT, btw. I acquired the theatre ‘bug’ soon after finding CT and becoming a member! And I don’t think there is a cure for it! The only downside is reading about so many theatres that have been demolished in the name of urban renewal!
Patsy, not familiar with that publication. Where is it avaiable? Am enjoying this dialog. What prompted your huge interest in movie palaces? Is it work or hobby or both?