Bravo Bway, Thanks for posting.
This has to be one of the most closest detailed photos of Madison’s facade during its glory days.
Looking closely, the projectionist’s area must be behind those three windows in the middle, although they don’t appear to be the typical up/down type that we are all familiar with. I have been in many buildings constructed during this era, most of them do open. One would guess perhaps they are there to let in light. The window to the extreme right must be the balcony restroom, which has a smaller dimension and appears to be more conventional than the others. One more curious feature, is the security gate at the tip of the marquee to the right, could people have been sneaking into the balcony via the restroom?
Indeed, some conversions do work out for the better of the building’s life, especially the ones you mentioned John. Regarding the Bushwick, it is a shame that such a unique asymmetrical building was left to decay after the church decided to leave. At least someone recognized this fact and turned it into the beautiful school that stands tall and proud today.
LuisV
The theater was called the Acme,located on Myrtle ave. in Queens. The building is in very good shape,its a small neighborhood type venue that had a renovation and it looks quite well for its age, especially considering it received an exterior paint job of yellow.
The remnants include the marquee,the columns and a very intricate molding that runs along the edge of the ceiling.Finally, some of the sloped floor still exists at the checkout counters. One day while doing some shopping and exploring, my cart rolled away as I was checking out!
LuisV in reply to supermarkets usually doing total guts upon renovation, the Acme on Myrtle ave.,which is now a supermarket, still has some of its theater features intact.
A very beautiful fountain in a magnificent palace, nice photo Warren.
Could you tell us what the fixtures are under the staircase?
The one to the left appears to be a chair, the middle one seems to be a case of sort, and the one to the right may be a smaller fountain?
Thanks Lost memory for the reference to the Empire Theater which indeed was moved on rails to its current location in,where else, but New York! Which I and every one agrees that Ridgewood and its furnishings belong here and nowhere else!
Being that Ms. Miller’s occupation is a publicity manager, she is most likely the most popular person in Alabama right now, and seeing that she enjoys it, why not make it one step better?
Moving a building the size and weight of Ridgewood would be a logistical nightmare to say the least. Although it has been done right here in New York, (some one help, the theater is on 42 st and moved about a block on rails) it can only be perceived as a way to get more customers in the diner.
Thanks Peter for the excellent recollection.
For me, whenever popcorn is prepared the theater is always the first thing I think of. How was Madison’s concessions? Any thing exceptional or standard fare?
Thanks Warren for that excellent photo.
I ran a CT poll about a year back,and the question was, “What Features of Classic Movie Houses do You Remember Most”?. The top response was “Well Lit Marquee”. Looking closely at this photo,it gives you a perception of how classy and opulent that the Madison was. If only it was at night and in color with all the lights illuminated, it would immediately catch the eye of all who seen it. I can truly see the connection between the celebrities who walked through Madison’s front door and that bright,well lit marquee.
Any building built during the pre war years were often equipped with large heating and cooling equipment. I happen to work in a building that was constructed during the years Madison was, and it has a large amount of air space, such as a high ceiling. The radiators are huge, almost 6 feet long, that could have doubled as a frying pan. Same for the boiler ,which looked like the A bomb dropped on Japan. When these theater buildings were erected,energy was cheap,therefore the building systems, which were designed before the computer, have a tendency to be “over the top”,which is why they are so hot or cold.
RKO’s advertising is very clever, the way they promote air conditioned theaters by placing frost on top of the “Air Conditioned” signs and also on top of the RKO banner in Warren’s news clipping.
And what better way to take one’s mind off the Great Depression?
The Little Rascals (Our Gang Comedies as they were known prior to their transgression to television),and The Three Stooges.
NYUK,NYUK,NYUK…Slap..ooooh!
Good point MPol, when I went to the Sony Theater in Lincoln Square in Manhattan, it had the most comfortable seats in any theater I have ever visited, definitely worth going back just for the comfort level.
While the Ridgewood does have its long running history to speak of, its true it is a standard vaudeville house,but its landmark designation should require it to be converted to its original intention, a single screen theater. Its acoustics that were intended for it will be brought back,not only that, the proposal to have it as a performing arts center will guarantee this great theater will carry on into future generations for young and old to enjoy.The RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill should receive the same landmark status as the Ridgewood, with its spectacular,but modest architecture, this “Diamond in the Rough” is a classic example of late 20’s theater construction.
Bravo Bway, Thanks for posting.
This has to be one of the most closest detailed photos of Madison’s facade during its glory days.
Looking closely, the projectionist’s area must be behind those three windows in the middle, although they don’t appear to be the typical up/down type that we are all familiar with. I have been in many buildings constructed during this era, most of them do open. One would guess perhaps they are there to let in light. The window to the extreme right must be the balcony restroom, which has a smaller dimension and appears to be more conventional than the others. One more curious feature, is the security gate at the tip of the marquee to the right, could people have been sneaking into the balcony via the restroom?
Indeed, some conversions do work out for the better of the building’s life, especially the ones you mentioned John. Regarding the Bushwick, it is a shame that such a unique asymmetrical building was left to decay after the church decided to leave. At least someone recognized this fact and turned it into the beautiful school that stands tall and proud today.
The Acme was also known as “The Itch”.
LuisV
The theater was called the Acme,located on Myrtle ave. in Queens. The building is in very good shape,its a small neighborhood type venue that had a renovation and it looks quite well for its age, especially considering it received an exterior paint job of yellow.
The remnants include the marquee,the columns and a very intricate molding that runs along the edge of the ceiling.Finally, some of the sloped floor still exists at the checkout counters. One day while doing some shopping and exploring, my cart rolled away as I was checking out!
LuisV in reply to supermarkets usually doing total guts upon renovation, the Acme on Myrtle ave.,which is now a supermarket, still has some of its theater features intact.
Great quote Peter, you should be at that land marking meeting with that one!
Indeed Broadway..maybe that can fall into the “Only in New York” category.
Indeed,unless it was taken apart,(other than being vandalized during that Ali fight fracas), one must wonder if it fit through the door!
Thank you TStathes.
A very beautiful fountain in a magnificent palace, nice photo Warren.
Could you tell us what the fixtures are under the staircase?
The one to the left appears to be a chair, the middle one seems to be a case of sort, and the one to the right may be a smaller fountain?
Outstanding photo!
Thanks Lost memory for the reference to the Empire Theater which indeed was moved on rails to its current location in,where else, but New York! Which I and every one agrees that Ridgewood and its furnishings belong here and nowhere else!
Being that Ms. Miller’s occupation is a publicity manager, she is most likely the most popular person in Alabama right now, and seeing that she enjoys it, why not make it one step better?
Moving a building the size and weight of Ridgewood would be a logistical nightmare to say the least. Although it has been done right here in New York, (some one help, the theater is on 42 st and moved about a block on rails) it can only be perceived as a way to get more customers in the diner.
Posting from www.queenscrap.com
Could this possibly be a remake of that Dirty harry movie where he crashes into a storefront?
“Dirty Honda & Empty Orchestra”
Thanks Peter for the excellent recollection.
For me, whenever popcorn is prepared the theater is always the first thing I think of. How was Madison’s concessions? Any thing exceptional or standard fare?
Thanks Warren for that excellent photo.
I ran a CT poll about a year back,and the question was, “What Features of Classic Movie Houses do You Remember Most”?. The top response was “Well Lit Marquee”. Looking closely at this photo,it gives you a perception of how classy and opulent that the Madison was. If only it was at night and in color with all the lights illuminated, it would immediately catch the eye of all who seen it. I can truly see the connection between the celebrities who walked through Madison’s front door and that bright,well lit marquee.
Silent Movies and The Mighty Wurlitzer,the way movies were originally intended to be enjoyed.
Any building built during the pre war years were often equipped with large heating and cooling equipment. I happen to work in a building that was constructed during the years Madison was, and it has a large amount of air space, such as a high ceiling. The radiators are huge, almost 6 feet long, that could have doubled as a frying pan. Same for the boiler ,which looked like the A bomb dropped on Japan. When these theater buildings were erected,energy was cheap,therefore the building systems, which were designed before the computer, have a tendency to be “over the top”,which is why they are so hot or cold.
RKO’s advertising is very clever, the way they promote air conditioned theaters by placing frost on top of the “Air Conditioned” signs and also on top of the RKO banner in Warren’s news clipping.
Peter,
I’m all for going on that tour!
And what better way to take one’s mind off the Great Depression?
The Little Rascals (Our Gang Comedies as they were known prior to their transgression to television),and The Three Stooges.
NYUK,NYUK,NYUK…Slap..ooooh!
Good point MPol, when I went to the Sony Theater in Lincoln Square in Manhattan, it had the most comfortable seats in any theater I have ever visited, definitely worth going back just for the comfort level.
Certain venues like old movies houses hold beloved memories that many cherish, for some reason the Ridgewood has just that.
While the Ridgewood does have its long running history to speak of, its true it is a standard vaudeville house,but its landmark designation should require it to be converted to its original intention, a single screen theater. Its acoustics that were intended for it will be brought back,not only that, the proposal to have it as a performing arts center will guarantee this great theater will carry on into future generations for young and old to enjoy.The RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill should receive the same landmark status as the Ridgewood, with its spectacular,but modest architecture, this “Diamond in the Rough” is a classic example of late 20’s theater construction.
Nice photo Warren, that one looks like a one in a million.