We specialize in this type of project and group. Please visit our website, www.cinema-consultant.com , for complete details. Oberleitner Associates Cinema Consulting.
Bijou (little jewel) was a very popular nickelodeon name. In 1907, following the success of their first theatre in nearby New Castle, PA, Harry and Albert Warner returned to Youngstown to expand their “chain” to 2 storefront venues. The Y'town Bijou was based on the New Catle model. At that time, both cities were about the same size and were industrial rivals. The Bijou was indeed next to the First National Bank in a building that housed a cigar store and other small retailers. A simple 2-sided sign hung above the entrance with only the theatre name. It’s safe to assume, based on the New Castle model, that it had a single hand cranked projector and less than 100 seats and a screen about 7 to 10 feet in width. Programs changed daily. Indications are that the Bijou was in business for about 3 years, afterwich the Warner’s moved to Pittsburgh to open up the Allegheny film distribution office. Jack Warner wasn’t an active member of the business until they opened a second “branch” in Norfolk a couple years later. The Bijou on the other end of Federal Street would have opened after the Warner Bijou closed. I don’t have much info about it except that it was a copycat name with no Warner involvement.
BTW, I’m curious about the Princess Burlesque in Y'town. Do any of you have any info?
It was standard practice for theatres to have “standee” areas at the rear of the auditorium. These areas could often accommodate 100 to 175+ people. In a sellout situation a sign in the boxoffice would read “SRO” Standing Room Only. In the days of more relaxed fire codes, managers wishing to maximize ticket sales would even put chairs in aisles next to existing rows of seats. Large seating capacities were important to show producers and as a result it was also not uncommon for manager/owners to exaggerate seating capacities to include all possible spots to park people. This practice continues to this day with film companies. Anyway, with the evidence provided herein, I think it’s reasonable to assume the Grand Opera House had a capacity of 1400 with standee, and other arrangements, making it possible for 1550 to 2000 people to be accommodated in various degrees of comfort.
We specialize in this type of project and group. Please visit our website, www.cinema-consultant.com , for complete details. Oberleitner Associates Cinema Consulting.
We specialize in this type of project and group. Please visit our website, www.cinema-consultant.com , for complete details. Oberleitner Associates Cinema Consulting.
The State started life as a deluxe, first-run with a full orchestra in the pit. By the mid-50;s it had declined somewhat into B-house status. By that point it and the Palace were owned by the same company. The advent of the roadshow/reserved seat policy found the State temporary shuttered. I think the concept of remodeling the State as a deluxe roadshow venue was a no brainer. The Palace was doing fine and the State was closed but still had good bones and a great history. The main lobby area was small; but, the walk up from the street was long and impressive. The new huge screen was placed in front of the original proscenium, draped with a wall to wall, gold curtain. The marquee was covered on three sides with large, front-lit graphic displays, similar to those one might expect to see in NYC. Very impressive.
If memory serves, the balcony was seldom, if ever, used during roadshow runs. I could speculate, but am not sure why this was since all performances were near sellouts. Going to a roadshow , like Ben Hur, was a real event that most people “dressed up” a bit more when attending the event. I miss those days and that “magic.”
Not only is the organ still there, it’s being restored! The following article has all the details including a special concert in October to kick off the restoration project. A great chance to see this magnificent building!
It would have been grand to have BOTH the Warner and Palace saved. I guess we should be thankful that at least one was saved. Many cities lost all of their movie palaces. Fear of TV and lack of foresight caused many urban developers to rush to tear down theatre buildings. Many times the best ones were the first to go.
When looking at the lobby of the Warner, I am often reminded of the New Yorker cartoon of a wide-eyed little boy who is standing in the lobby of the NYC Roxy, asking his father: “Does God live here?”
Although the above mentioned fire did not damage the theatre, I sadly must report that the Page went under the wrecking ball and bulldozer today (11 April 2011). The decision to tear down the theatre came as a complete surprise to everyone including the Mayor and Development Director of Riverside. Nouveau Cinema Group, a Dayton based non-profit is now looking for a new venue in the Miami Valley.
The status of this theatre should be changed to DEMOLISHED.
Thanks for the Vindicator page for this and other Y'town theatres!
The articles are interesting and it’s fun to see the old movie ads again! Brings back many memories.
Question: The Newport adopted a “Conventional Dress Policy” sometime in the 50’s and/or early 60’s. It was mentioned in all of their ads in that period. I believe the policy ended when Pete Wellman took over full control. Did this policy actually dictate how “dressed-up” people had to be before they would be granted admission?
At least some of us are still around to remember and comment.
I’ve read, with interest, some of your other posts for Y'town and Pittsburgh. Like yourself, I tried, any way I could, to get to both cities, and others, Part of it was the theatres and part was seeing the movies in their proper venue. One was as important as the other to me. People like you, Bob Vargo (Peter Wellman’s right hand for many years) and Wolfgirl should get together sometime to talk about the “good ol' days” in Eastern Ohio and Western PA. There seems like there were many people of like mind in that area.
BTW, FYU- Bill Petrich was alsoa accounting professor at YU.
Youngatown was blessed with a number of quality neighborhood theatres prior to the flight to suburbia. One one level there was the Regent, Home, Schenley and Mahoning theatres. The next level up contained Wellman’s Newport and Belmont along with the independently owned Poster and Uptown.
The uptown was owned by Stephen Foster (not the song writer) and family who maintained the Uptown as a true “shabby-chic” gem. For many years they featured the silent version of The King Of Kings at Easter time. In ‘65 it was beautifully remodeled for the opening of a long run of The Graduate. It was then billed as “Youngstown’s Luxury Theatre” and continued as a major first-run venue. Associated Theatres of Pittsburgh took over operations of the Liberty Plaza and Uptown in the early 70’s. Associated morphed into Cinemette, Under John Harper, in the mid-70'a
The domiant chain, prior to Associated Theatres/Cinemette, was Cleveland-based National Amusements. National,under Mr. Petrich (sp) operated the Palace and State downtown and opened some of the first large mall theatres in the suburbs. Associated (Pittsburgh) operated the Liberty Plaza and Uptown. John Harper and associates bought the Associated chain in the mid 70’s usiing the Cinemette name. Following was a spree of theatre purchasing and building.
The Foster was the main venue for true “art” films for many years. I, like many of you, saw my first Felini and Bergman films there. Occasionally the Foster would even present an opera or ballet-based film Throughout the 50’s and 60’s they maintained a postcard mailing list to “fine arts film fans.” This was the type of theatre that one usually expected to fine in NYC and the like. The real prototype of the art format house.
It’s a shame that it will probably be remembered as a porn theatre.
SEASONS GREETINGS
To all past members of the Memorial “family."
It was an honor to serve there as manager for a while in the late 60’s.
BTW, anyone out there who was a part of the Memorial family interested in a long, long, long overdue reunion, please get in touch.
Jack Oberleitner, .com
What a great little gem of a discovery.
I rremember seeing the front of the Mars theatre when I was quite young. If memory serves, the plain exterior did not hint of the plush interior. A few of these jewels still remain open around the country; but, their numbers are dwindling rapidly.
The Smyrna was a lovely theatre. Far nicer than you might expect in a town of that size. The exterior was streamline-modern with a tiny, very plain lobby. Concessions were served through a window that connected an adjacent coffee shop. Eventually concessions were available through vending machines only.
On the other hand, the standee area, small balcony and main auditorium were bordering on spectacular. A great adaptation of a classic design. I remember the front curtain was especially stylish and was used in a proper, professional way with stage lighting.
The average audience (in the mid and late 60’s) was another issue. Of the many hundreds of theatres I have seen or been associated with, in large and small towns, the Smyrna audience was one of the rudest and most disrespectful I have ever encountered. While not malicious, they were loud and unruly. The part-time managers, usually Dover AFB moonlighters) were more “bouncers” than anything. Truly a shame since the theatre itself was such a gem. As in many other places, when the teens take over, everyone else leaves…then the teens leave and the theatre closes.
I think that is a side street that intersects with E. Washington Street. Although the Neisner Building, which housed the theatre, runs along Mill Street, it fronts on E. Washington Street. The restaurant at the same location was named The Mill Street Grill with a side entrance. So the question is: did the theatre front on E. Washington of on Mill Street to the side? Maybe someone else will know.
Thanks Wolfgirl. As usual your a “bijou” in this department :–)
BTW, any of you buffs out there may be interested in our brand new website, www.cinema-consultant.com . Comments and referrals are always appreciated!
We specialize in this type of project and group. Please visit our website, www.cinema-consultant.com , for complete details. Oberleitner Associates Cinema Consulting.
Bijou (little jewel) was a very popular nickelodeon name. In 1907, following the success of their first theatre in nearby New Castle, PA, Harry and Albert Warner returned to Youngstown to expand their “chain” to 2 storefront venues. The Y'town Bijou was based on the New Catle model. At that time, both cities were about the same size and were industrial rivals. The Bijou was indeed next to the First National Bank in a building that housed a cigar store and other small retailers. A simple 2-sided sign hung above the entrance with only the theatre name. It’s safe to assume, based on the New Castle model, that it had a single hand cranked projector and less than 100 seats and a screen about 7 to 10 feet in width. Programs changed daily. Indications are that the Bijou was in business for about 3 years, afterwich the Warner’s moved to Pittsburgh to open up the Allegheny film distribution office. Jack Warner wasn’t an active member of the business until they opened a second “branch” in Norfolk a couple years later. The Bijou on the other end of Federal Street would have opened after the Warner Bijou closed. I don’t have much info about it except that it was a copycat name with no Warner involvement.
BTW, I’m curious about the Princess Burlesque in Y'town. Do any of you have any info?
It was standard practice for theatres to have “standee” areas at the rear of the auditorium. These areas could often accommodate 100 to 175+ people. In a sellout situation a sign in the boxoffice would read “SRO” Standing Room Only. In the days of more relaxed fire codes, managers wishing to maximize ticket sales would even put chairs in aisles next to existing rows of seats. Large seating capacities were important to show producers and as a result it was also not uncommon for manager/owners to exaggerate seating capacities to include all possible spots to park people. This practice continues to this day with film companies. Anyway, with the evidence provided herein, I think it’s reasonable to assume the Grand Opera House had a capacity of 1400 with standee, and other arrangements, making it possible for 1550 to 2000 people to be accommodated in various degrees of comfort.
We specialize in this type of project and group. Please visit our website, www.cinema-consultant.com , for complete details. Oberleitner Associates Cinema Consulting.
We specialize in this type of project and group. Please visit our website, www.cinema-consultant.com , for complete details. Oberleitner Associates Cinema Consulting.
The State started life as a deluxe, first-run with a full orchestra in the pit. By the mid-50;s it had declined somewhat into B-house status. By that point it and the Palace were owned by the same company. The advent of the roadshow/reserved seat policy found the State temporary shuttered. I think the concept of remodeling the State as a deluxe roadshow venue was a no brainer. The Palace was doing fine and the State was closed but still had good bones and a great history. The main lobby area was small; but, the walk up from the street was long and impressive. The new huge screen was placed in front of the original proscenium, draped with a wall to wall, gold curtain. The marquee was covered on three sides with large, front-lit graphic displays, similar to those one might expect to see in NYC. Very impressive.
If memory serves, the balcony was seldom, if ever, used during roadshow runs. I could speculate, but am not sure why this was since all performances were near sellouts. Going to a roadshow , like Ben Hur, was a real event that most people “dressed up” a bit more when attending the event. I miss those days and that “magic.”
Not only is the organ still there, it’s being restored! The following article has all the details including a special concert in October to kick off the restoration project. A great chance to see this magnificent building!
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/topstories/x357284543/Photos-Story-Concert-to-launch-effort-to-restore-Cathedral-organ
It would have been grand to have BOTH the Warner and Palace saved. I guess we should be thankful that at least one was saved. Many cities lost all of their movie palaces. Fear of TV and lack of foresight caused many urban developers to rush to tear down theatre buildings. Many times the best ones were the first to go.
When looking at the lobby of the Warner, I am often reminded of the New Yorker cartoon of a wide-eyed little boy who is standing in the lobby of the NYC Roxy, asking his father: “Does God live here?”
Although the above mentioned fire did not damage the theatre, I sadly must report that the Page went under the wrecking ball and bulldozer today (11 April 2011). The decision to tear down the theatre came as a complete surprise to everyone including the Mayor and Development Director of Riverside. Nouveau Cinema Group, a Dayton based non-profit is now looking for a new venue in the Miami Valley.
The status of this theatre should be changed to DEMOLISHED.
Wolfgirl, The Vindicator pages you have posted for various Youngstown theatres are wonderful!!!
Thanks!
Thanks for the Vindicator page for this and other Y'town theatres!
The articles are interesting and it’s fun to see the old movie ads again! Brings back many memories.
Question: The Newport adopted a “Conventional Dress Policy” sometime in the 50’s and/or early 60’s. It was mentioned in all of their ads in that period. I believe the policy ended when Pete Wellman took over full control. Did this policy actually dictate how “dressed-up” people had to be before they would be granted admission?
MilanP,
At least some of us are still around to remember and comment.
I’ve read, with interest, some of your other posts for Y'town and Pittsburgh. Like yourself, I tried, any way I could, to get to both cities, and others, Part of it was the theatres and part was seeing the movies in their proper venue. One was as important as the other to me. People like you, Bob Vargo (Peter Wellman’s right hand for many years) and Wolfgirl should get together sometime to talk about the “good ol' days” in Eastern Ohio and Western PA. There seems like there were many people of like mind in that area.
BTW, FYU- Bill Petrich was alsoa accounting professor at YU.
Youngatown was blessed with a number of quality neighborhood theatres prior to the flight to suburbia. One one level there was the Regent, Home, Schenley and Mahoning theatres. The next level up contained Wellman’s Newport and Belmont along with the independently owned Poster and Uptown.
The uptown was owned by Stephen Foster (not the song writer) and family who maintained the Uptown as a true “shabby-chic” gem. For many years they featured the silent version of The King Of Kings at Easter time. In ‘65 it was beautifully remodeled for the opening of a long run of The Graduate. It was then billed as “Youngstown’s Luxury Theatre” and continued as a major first-run venue. Associated Theatres of Pittsburgh took over operations of the Liberty Plaza and Uptown in the early 70’s. Associated morphed into Cinemette, Under John Harper, in the mid-70'a
A couple comments:
The domiant chain, prior to Associated Theatres/Cinemette, was Cleveland-based National Amusements. National,under Mr. Petrich (sp) operated the Palace and State downtown and opened some of the first large mall theatres in the suburbs. Associated (Pittsburgh) operated the Liberty Plaza and Uptown. John Harper and associates bought the Associated chain in the mid 70’s usiing the Cinemette name. Following was a spree of theatre purchasing and building.
The Foster was the main venue for true “art” films for many years. I, like many of you, saw my first Felini and Bergman films there. Occasionally the Foster would even present an opera or ballet-based film Throughout the 50’s and 60’s they maintained a postcard mailing list to “fine arts film fans.” This was the type of theatre that one usually expected to fine in NYC and the like. The real prototype of the art format house.
It’s a shame that it will probably be remembered as a porn theatre.
SEASONS GREETINGS
To all past members of the Memorial “family."
It was an honor to serve there as manager for a while in the late 60’s.
BTW, anyone out there who was a part of the Memorial family interested in a long, long, long overdue reunion, please get in touch.
Jack Oberleitner, .com
What a great find!
Thanks!
What a great little gem of a discovery.
I rremember seeing the front of the Mars theatre when I was quite young. If memory serves, the plain exterior did not hint of the plush interior. A few of these jewels still remain open around the country; but, their numbers are dwindling rapidly.
The Smyrna was a lovely theatre. Far nicer than you might expect in a town of that size. The exterior was streamline-modern with a tiny, very plain lobby. Concessions were served through a window that connected an adjacent coffee shop. Eventually concessions were available through vending machines only.
On the other hand, the standee area, small balcony and main auditorium were bordering on spectacular. A great adaptation of a classic design. I remember the front curtain was especially stylish and was used in a proper, professional way with stage lighting.
The average audience (in the mid and late 60’s) was another issue. Of the many hundreds of theatres I have seen or been associated with, in large and small towns, the Smyrna audience was one of the rudest and most disrespectful I have ever encountered. While not malicious, they were loud and unruly. The part-time managers, usually Dover AFB moonlighters) were more “bouncers” than anything. Truly a shame since the theatre itself was such a gem. As in many other places, when the teens take over, everyone else leaves…then the teens leave and the theatre closes.
Both the Family and Oriental were operated by Associated Theatres, Pittsburgh from the mid-60"s and 70’s.
Not anymore…long story…
Thanks for the clarifications!
I will check with my “expert in residence” in New Castle to see if the organ is still there.
Will report.
I think that is a side street that intersects with E. Washington Street. Although the Neisner Building, which housed the theatre, runs along Mill Street, it fronts on E. Washington Street. The restaurant at the same location was named The Mill Street Grill with a side entrance. So the question is: did the theatre front on E. Washington of on Mill Street to the side? Maybe someone else will know.
Orange bug: do you still live in the New Castle area?