Not that it’s important, but my recollection is that the street directly behind the Biltmore is Eddy Street, and that Union Street is the next block up (north). Both Fay’s and the Carlton were located between Washington and Fountain Streets. I know exactly where Mathewson St. Church is, and I never realized that the Carlton was directly across from it! Yes, you are right about Fay’s being “never just movies,” but I think possibly there were times when there was just vaudeville. From what I recall, there was most of the time a combo of movie and live acts.
By the way, when I was growing up in Pawtucket and spending much time in the theaters there, I was fascinated by my elders' recollections of a theater called the Music Hall or some such name that had been on Main Street, possibly in the building that became the home of the Peerless Dept. Store, or maybe next to that. Have you heard of this? I think it was gone by the time I came on the scene, but I always wondered about it.
RIGHT turn, that’s what I meant. Now you know why I end up in Woonsocket when I mean to go to Bristol! Actually, I can picture that right turn into the theater itself, and I can recall that behind the last row of seats there was a beautiful marble “divider.” The place was indeed magnificent. Yes, the Columbus is wonderful. I attended a Christmas Concert at the end of 2003, I believe, by the Narragansett Bay Chorus, which was wonderful and especially so because of its setting. I do hope they continue to make a “go” of this endeavor. I met the man who now owns it, and he is very enthusiastic about it. I believe in the 70s sometime, the RI High School Drama Festivals were held there — not every year but once or twice.
Fay’s for some reason is a place I didn’t frequent. Union Street was a “side street” and I believe Fay’s was just off Washington Street. People of the generation before me seemed to be very fond of Fay’s and the “famous” stars they had seen there. I believe they showed a movie along with the vaudeville acts. By the time I graduated from H.S. and began going very frequently to downtown Providence, Fay’s had pretty much had its day. Ditto the Carlton, which was also on a side street, in the same block off Washington.
Oh Yes, now I see what you mean. The narrow part of the theater (lobby) would have been at front, and then it would have widened where a left turn took you into the theater itself. It seemed to me, being a lifelong movie addict, that my world was leaving me, little by little, as these gorgeous theaters went the way of the wrecking ball. Of course, the parking was always awful in downtown Providence (and is worse than ever now), but we always managed to find a spot. I took my son to see “Mary Poppins” at the Majestic in about 1964, and even then the line was around the block. I seek out these few little theaters that are still left, but they are SO few I’m having a hard time. The Avon is still doing well though, even with its legendary poor sound system!
I doubt it was the Paramount, which I assume would have featured Paramount films. The Pawtucket Strand and the Woonsocket Stadium showed mainly MGM films. At least the Strand where I worked as a teenager did not show Paramount films — they were shown at the Leroy, along with 20th Century Fox, etc.
Oh I’m not sure exactly why it acquired the reputation that it did. The prevailing rumor was that the place was overrun by bugs and vermin, etc. and that undesirable people hung out there. One of my fellow music students at that time told me that “the seats are so low, a man sat on my brother.” This is about all I can recall of the Bijou. It and the Empire disappeared seemingly at the same time, although I seem to remember that the Empire went on to present road show musicals for a time. It’s hard to imagine now that there were so many theaters in downtown Providence! Besides the magnificent, palatial Loew’s State (now “PPAC”), there was the Albee, the Strand, the Majestic (which is still glorious and is home to the inimitable Trinity Square Repertory Company’s two theaters), The Metropolitan, Fay’s, The Carlton, the Capitol (another “undesirable” place)along with the aforementioned Bijou and Empire. And the area where all these were located is probably less than a square mile. I haven’t checked to see if the Liberty Theater is included Cinema Treasures. It was not downtown but in South Providence, probably on Broad Street, and was a neighborhood theater that I remember from my high school days.
I’m thinking this must be the theater that was owned by the same people who owned the Strand in Pawtucket and the Stadium in Woonsocket. The manager of the Pawtucket Strand, a Mr. Lancaster, had previously managed a theater in Newport and was transferred to Pawtucket. I had no idea it was the wonderful Jane Pickens, which is flourishing!
In the 40s and possibly the 50s (beginning I don’t know when), this theater was owned by the same organization that owned the Strand in Pawtucket and another theater in Newport whose name I cannot now recall. I hope they have continued success with this lovely place.
Even in its days as a flourishing movie theater, once in awhile it did present special events, such as the Ballet Russe and the American Ballet Theater, as well as an opera now and then I believe. The seats in the mezzanine were absolutely unbeatable. This theater was gloriously beautiful — marble everywhere, etc. It was positioned on Westminster Street immediately to the right of Grace Church. It’s hard to believe that the narrow parking lot could have housed what seemed to be a mammoth theater!!
Yes, this later one is the one I remember, but it closed sometime in the late 40s — I used to pass it when I was going up the street to my piano lesson!! By that time it had a terrible reputation and was the kind of place your mother wouldn’t allow you to go into!!
So sorry to hear that the Castle has closed. I saw “Chicago” there about a year-and-a-half ago, after having seen it a couple of times already in a first-run theater. Guess I was in my “Chicago” phase. Anyway, I am sorry to hear that after all the enthusiasm, work and money that went into the renovation and inclusion of the cafe, it has had to close.
This was known as the Capitol during the 40s and was pretty rundown. It closed for a time, was remodeled and opened as The Center in 1948. There was a nice “soda shop” after the re-opening that was part of the theater. They showed “A Date With Judy” starring Liz Taylor in late 1948, much to the dismay of the manager of the Strand, which was just around the corner. The Strand showed MGM films and there was some acrimony about the fact that the distributor chose to show this film at the new Center Theater. It did not last long in its new identity.
I’m wondering if the Casino Theater on Broad Street might be the one later named the Lafayette? It would be at least a mile north of the Leroy (over the Central Falls line), which would account for the disparity in the street numbers (66 for Leroy). I have not yet checked to see if the Lafayette is listed in Cinema Treasures. ML (I LOVED the Leroy and am so grateful to have lived during the Golden Age of movies, which were given a glorious setting in this palatial theater. Albo Vitali’s boxing etc. is a sad post-script.
Roland, I do remember a Stanley’s, but I can’t recall if it was directly across from the Bellevue. At least from the mid-30s, the Bellevue was right around the corner from Rand Street. At one time there was a small restaurant at the very corner, adjacent to the theater, which was called “The Pig ‘n’ Whistle” during the 40s. I do recall Dakin’s Fish and Chips, which was on the opposite side of Dexter Street, closer to Pawtucket. It was there for many years and is the only landmark I can think of which might give you a clue as to the street number. ML
Roland L.: Your mother and I were born the same year and probably frequented the Bellevue (and other theaters in the area) at the same time. In fact, we probably knew each other somewhat, as it was an area where people of the same age group seemed to know somebody who knew somebody who knew them, etc.!! ML
Ohmigosh the picture is wonderful!! In 1948 just prior to my being employed at the Strand, the lobby and the ticket window area were remodeled, so it became just a bit different from the picture you so kindly provided. I am printing it out and keeping it and plan to send it to my fellow movie-going friends! As to the snacks we sold back in ‘48 and '49, they consisted primarily of candy and the inevitable popcorn. The popcorn was pre-made and came in large plastic bags, but we were forbidden to fill the glass popcorn containers in front of customers, as the intent was to have them believe the popcorn was freshly made right there!! One very busy night, in an effort to keep up with customer demand, a fellow candy girl filled it in plain sight of the patrons and was summarily fired for doing so!! AND she was the manager’s own daughter. The most popular candy bars then were Mounds, Almond Joy, Chuckles, Chocolate-covered marshmallow, Old Nick … We became able to remember what the various customers would buy, as they were creatures of habit when it came to their theater snacks. I too follow this pattern and seldom deviate from licorice Nibs and Jujyfruits, although I buy them from the market or pharmacy and not the theater. Back then most candy bars were 5 cents, with a few at 10 cents. Popcorn, large, was 15 cents, and that was really splurging!
I can see that this would be very possible. I’m sure were more than 40 rows, and three large sections across, in the orchestra level, and the balcony was quite good size too. I spent a lot of time up there doing my homework, as on some weeknights the balcony wasn’t open. I have not lived in Pawtucket since 1960 but still say I’m from there! I lived elsewhere in RI until the end of 2003, when I moved to Connecticut. I can’t say I miss it, because it is so changed now, and the Pawtucket I knew no longer exists. For four years I lived in Smithfield, off Route 104, so I saw movies at the Community Theater in Centerdale too. I visited a friend in RI last year and could hardly find my way around Centerdale!!
Gerald: Unfortunately no. I would be SO happy to have a photo of either of these theaters, but especially the Strand. It was torn down to make way for a parking lot, possibly in 1958 or 1959. I know that when our new candy counter opened in September of 1948, the Pawtucket Times did a little article with ME standing behind the counter!! I don’t even have a copy of that, but I wonder if you could find it in the Times archives? Are you located in Pawtucket? As for the Bellevue, I think it’s possible that it was at least partially owned by the Crawley family, some of whom lived on Pine Street in C.F. They were a large family and perhaps some of them remain in the area.
Gerald: Unfortunately no. I would be SO happy to have a photo of either of these theaters, but especially the Strand. It was torn down to make way for a parking lot, possibly in 1958 or 1959. I know that when our new candy counter opened in September of 1948, the Pawtucket Times did a little article with ME standing behind the counter!! I don’t even have a copy of that, but I wonder if you could find it in the Times archives? Are you located in Pawtucket? As for the Bellevue, I think it’s possible that it was at least partially owned by the Crawley family, some of whom lived on Pine Street in C.F. They were a large family and perhaps some of them remain in the area.
I worked at the Strand as a “candy girl” when I was a senior in high school — 1948-49. It was a very, very happy year, as all the ushers and candy girls were friendly and dated and had parties, etc. People lined up around the block in those days, even in snowy, freezing weather, and waited to get into the theater and it didn’t matter at what point the movie was when they finally got in. Mr. Harold Lancaster was the manager then, and a Mr. Hayes was the assistant manager. The movie that was playing on my first night of employment was “The Emperor Waltz” starring Bing Crosby and Joan Fontaine. Shortly thereafter, the selection was “Easter Parade,” with Fred Astaire and Judy Garland, which was extremely popular and was held over.
I spent virtually EVERY Saturday of my growing-up life in the Fairlawn and was heartbroken when it was closed. I have tried for many years to find out (if possible) when it opened, as I went with my parents to see “Gone With the Wind.” I believe that film was its opening offering. I would love to have this info!! My visits to the Fairlawn are among the happiest memories of my childhood/teen years.
posted by Marialivia on Apr 1, 2005 at 5:31pm
I frequented this theater (and I mean FREQUENT!!) during my growing-up years in Pawtucket, not far from Central Falls. The Bellevue was affectionately (?) known to us at that time as “The Belly-ache”! It was packed with kids on Saturdays, some of whom became overly noisy at times, whereupon a cop would yell SHUT UP!! as loudly as he could, and we did! I believe his name was Mr. Crawley.
Not that it’s important, but my recollection is that the street directly behind the Biltmore is Eddy Street, and that Union Street is the next block up (north). Both Fay’s and the Carlton were located between Washington and Fountain Streets. I know exactly where Mathewson St. Church is, and I never realized that the Carlton was directly across from it! Yes, you are right about Fay’s being “never just movies,” but I think possibly there were times when there was just vaudeville. From what I recall, there was most of the time a combo of movie and live acts.
By the way, when I was growing up in Pawtucket and spending much time in the theaters there, I was fascinated by my elders' recollections of a theater called the Music Hall or some such name that had been on Main Street, possibly in the building that became the home of the Peerless Dept. Store, or maybe next to that. Have you heard of this? I think it was gone by the time I came on the scene, but I always wondered about it.
RIGHT turn, that’s what I meant. Now you know why I end up in Woonsocket when I mean to go to Bristol! Actually, I can picture that right turn into the theater itself, and I can recall that behind the last row of seats there was a beautiful marble “divider.” The place was indeed magnificent. Yes, the Columbus is wonderful. I attended a Christmas Concert at the end of 2003, I believe, by the Narragansett Bay Chorus, which was wonderful and especially so because of its setting. I do hope they continue to make a “go” of this endeavor. I met the man who now owns it, and he is very enthusiastic about it. I believe in the 70s sometime, the RI High School Drama Festivals were held there — not every year but once or twice.
Fay’s for some reason is a place I didn’t frequent. Union Street was a “side street” and I believe Fay’s was just off Washington Street. People of the generation before me seemed to be very fond of Fay’s and the “famous” stars they had seen there. I believe they showed a movie along with the vaudeville acts. By the time I graduated from H.S. and began going very frequently to downtown Providence, Fay’s had pretty much had its day. Ditto the Carlton, which was also on a side street, in the same block off Washington.
I’ll put my meager recollection’s at the Fay’s site.
Oh Yes, now I see what you mean. The narrow part of the theater (lobby) would have been at front, and then it would have widened where a left turn took you into the theater itself. It seemed to me, being a lifelong movie addict, that my world was leaving me, little by little, as these gorgeous theaters went the way of the wrecking ball. Of course, the parking was always awful in downtown Providence (and is worse than ever now), but we always managed to find a spot. I took my son to see “Mary Poppins” at the Majestic in about 1964, and even then the line was around the block. I seek out these few little theaters that are still left, but they are SO few I’m having a hard time. The Avon is still doing well though, even with its legendary poor sound system!
I doubt it was the Paramount, which I assume would have featured Paramount films. The Pawtucket Strand and the Woonsocket Stadium showed mainly MGM films. At least the Strand where I worked as a teenager did not show Paramount films — they were shown at the Leroy, along with 20th Century Fox, etc.
Oh I’m not sure exactly why it acquired the reputation that it did. The prevailing rumor was that the place was overrun by bugs and vermin, etc. and that undesirable people hung out there. One of my fellow music students at that time told me that “the seats are so low, a man sat on my brother.” This is about all I can recall of the Bijou. It and the Empire disappeared seemingly at the same time, although I seem to remember that the Empire went on to present road show musicals for a time. It’s hard to imagine now that there were so many theaters in downtown Providence! Besides the magnificent, palatial Loew’s State (now “PPAC”), there was the Albee, the Strand, the Majestic (which is still glorious and is home to the inimitable Trinity Square Repertory Company’s two theaters), The Metropolitan, Fay’s, The Carlton, the Capitol (another “undesirable” place)along with the aforementioned Bijou and Empire. And the area where all these were located is probably less than a square mile. I haven’t checked to see if the Liberty Theater is included Cinema Treasures. It was not downtown but in South Providence, probably on Broad Street, and was a neighborhood theater that I remember from my high school days.
I’m thinking this must be the theater that was owned by the same people who owned the Strand in Pawtucket and the Stadium in Woonsocket. The manager of the Pawtucket Strand, a Mr. Lancaster, had previously managed a theater in Newport and was transferred to Pawtucket. I had no idea it was the wonderful Jane Pickens, which is flourishing!
In the 40s and possibly the 50s (beginning I don’t know when), this theater was owned by the same organization that owned the Strand in Pawtucket and another theater in Newport whose name I cannot now recall. I hope they have continued success with this lovely place.
Even in its days as a flourishing movie theater, once in awhile it did present special events, such as the Ballet Russe and the American Ballet Theater, as well as an opera now and then I believe. The seats in the mezzanine were absolutely unbeatable. This theater was gloriously beautiful — marble everywhere, etc. It was positioned on Westminster Street immediately to the right of Grace Church. It’s hard to believe that the narrow parking lot could have housed what seemed to be a mammoth theater!!
Yes, this later one is the one I remember, but it closed sometime in the late 40s — I used to pass it when I was going up the street to my piano lesson!! By that time it had a terrible reputation and was the kind of place your mother wouldn’t allow you to go into!!
So sorry to hear that the Castle has closed. I saw “Chicago” there about a year-and-a-half ago, after having seen it a couple of times already in a first-run theater. Guess I was in my “Chicago” phase. Anyway, I am sorry to hear that after all the enthusiasm, work and money that went into the renovation and inclusion of the cafe, it has had to close.
This was known as the Capitol during the 40s and was pretty rundown. It closed for a time, was remodeled and opened as The Center in 1948. There was a nice “soda shop” after the re-opening that was part of the theater. They showed “A Date With Judy” starring Liz Taylor in late 1948, much to the dismay of the manager of the Strand, which was just around the corner. The Strand showed MGM films and there was some acrimony about the fact that the distributor chose to show this film at the new Center Theater. It did not last long in its new identity.
I’m wondering if the Casino Theater on Broad Street might be the one later named the Lafayette? It would be at least a mile north of the Leroy (over the Central Falls line), which would account for the disparity in the street numbers (66 for Leroy). I have not yet checked to see if the Lafayette is listed in Cinema Treasures. ML (I LOVED the Leroy and am so grateful to have lived during the Golden Age of movies, which were given a glorious setting in this palatial theater. Albo Vitali’s boxing etc. is a sad post-script.
Roland, I do remember a Stanley’s, but I can’t recall if it was directly across from the Bellevue. At least from the mid-30s, the Bellevue was right around the corner from Rand Street. At one time there was a small restaurant at the very corner, adjacent to the theater, which was called “The Pig ‘n’ Whistle” during the 40s. I do recall Dakin’s Fish and Chips, which was on the opposite side of Dexter Street, closer to Pawtucket. It was there for many years and is the only landmark I can think of which might give you a clue as to the street number. ML
Roland L.: Your mother and I were born the same year and probably frequented the Bellevue (and other theaters in the area) at the same time. In fact, we probably knew each other somewhat, as it was an area where people of the same age group seemed to know somebody who knew somebody who knew them, etc.!! ML
Ohmigosh the picture is wonderful!! In 1948 just prior to my being employed at the Strand, the lobby and the ticket window area were remodeled, so it became just a bit different from the picture you so kindly provided. I am printing it out and keeping it and plan to send it to my fellow movie-going friends! As to the snacks we sold back in ‘48 and '49, they consisted primarily of candy and the inevitable popcorn. The popcorn was pre-made and came in large plastic bags, but we were forbidden to fill the glass popcorn containers in front of customers, as the intent was to have them believe the popcorn was freshly made right there!! One very busy night, in an effort to keep up with customer demand, a fellow candy girl filled it in plain sight of the patrons and was summarily fired for doing so!! AND she was the manager’s own daughter. The most popular candy bars then were Mounds, Almond Joy, Chuckles, Chocolate-covered marshmallow, Old Nick … We became able to remember what the various customers would buy, as they were creatures of habit when it came to their theater snacks. I too follow this pattern and seldom deviate from licorice Nibs and Jujyfruits, although I buy them from the market or pharmacy and not the theater. Back then most candy bars were 5 cents, with a few at 10 cents. Popcorn, large, was 15 cents, and that was really splurging!
I can see that this would be very possible. I’m sure were more than 40 rows, and three large sections across, in the orchestra level, and the balcony was quite good size too. I spent a lot of time up there doing my homework, as on some weeknights the balcony wasn’t open. I have not lived in Pawtucket since 1960 but still say I’m from there! I lived elsewhere in RI until the end of 2003, when I moved to Connecticut. I can’t say I miss it, because it is so changed now, and the Pawtucket I knew no longer exists. For four years I lived in Smithfield, off Route 104, so I saw movies at the Community Theater in Centerdale too. I visited a friend in RI last year and could hardly find my way around Centerdale!!
Gerald: Unfortunately no. I would be SO happy to have a photo of either of these theaters, but especially the Strand. It was torn down to make way for a parking lot, possibly in 1958 or 1959. I know that when our new candy counter opened in September of 1948, the Pawtucket Times did a little article with ME standing behind the counter!! I don’t even have a copy of that, but I wonder if you could find it in the Times archives? Are you located in Pawtucket? As for the Bellevue, I think it’s possible that it was at least partially owned by the Crawley family, some of whom lived on Pine Street in C.F. They were a large family and perhaps some of them remain in the area.
Gerald: Unfortunately no. I would be SO happy to have a photo of either of these theaters, but especially the Strand. It was torn down to make way for a parking lot, possibly in 1958 or 1959. I know that when our new candy counter opened in September of 1948, the Pawtucket Times did a little article with ME standing behind the counter!! I don’t even have a copy of that, but I wonder if you could find it in the Times archives? Are you located in Pawtucket? As for the Bellevue, I think it’s possible that it was at least partially owned by the Crawley family, some of whom lived on Pine Street in C.F. They were a large family and perhaps some of them remain in the area.
I worked at the Strand as a “candy girl” when I was a senior in high school — 1948-49. It was a very, very happy year, as all the ushers and candy girls were friendly and dated and had parties, etc. People lined up around the block in those days, even in snowy, freezing weather, and waited to get into the theater and it didn’t matter at what point the movie was when they finally got in. Mr. Harold Lancaster was the manager then, and a Mr. Hayes was the assistant manager. The movie that was playing on my first night of employment was “The Emperor Waltz” starring Bing Crosby and Joan Fontaine. Shortly thereafter, the selection was “Easter Parade,” with Fred Astaire and Judy Garland, which was extremely popular and was held over.
I spent virtually EVERY Saturday of my growing-up life in the Fairlawn and was heartbroken when it was closed. I have tried for many years to find out (if possible) when it opened, as I went with my parents to see “Gone With the Wind.” I believe that film was its opening offering. I would love to have this info!! My visits to the Fairlawn are among the happiest memories of my childhood/teen years.
posted by Marialivia on Apr 1, 2005 at 5:31pm
I frequented this theater (and I mean FREQUENT!!) during my growing-up years in Pawtucket, not far from Central Falls. The Bellevue was affectionately (?) known to us at that time as “The Belly-ache”! It was packed with kids on Saturdays, some of whom became overly noisy at times, whereupon a cop would yell SHUT UP!! as loudly as he could, and we did! I believe his name was Mr. Crawley.