hlsc: Thanks for the above link as I have now sent them an email in regards to my hometown theatre and this one having been designed by the same architect, Michael DeAngelis. I have heard that DeAngelis may still be living though have not been able to confirm this and hope that someone can for me on CT.
Lost: I wish I had paid more attention when I went through the plywood temporary entrance as they might have been there, but I really doubt it. I was to meet someone at the theatre, but couldn’t coordinate our schedules in late March. However, I do plan to attend one of the functions to celebrate the opening of the restored theatre.
I just viewed the 2008 photo and there certainly there,but I was in Z in late March and there was a different front on the building while work was being done…perhaps they will be replaced when work is completed. I will email a person involved with that theatre project to get the final decision on the doors. If they don’t use them, that would be a shame. If not, I hope they at least keep them in storage.
This movie theatre is mentioned in a book entitled “The Jimmy Roselli Story”. Jimmy Roselli and Frank Sinatra were from the same town and lived on the same street. Sinatra was 10 years older than Roselli.
woytek: I think I may have gotten my theatres mixed up when I asked about a planned June grand opening. A June opening was to be at the Strand in Zelienople which has been moved to July according to a recent email I received from a Ron Carter.
I also sent Mike McCarthy an email about this Drive-In and with the hope that the citizens of Roane County will and continue to support their Drive-In. There aren’t many left these days! So if you wish to write him perhaps he’ll forward all of our thoughts and concerns to the Mid-Town owners so they know there are folks out there who do care. Mike’s email address is
I just read the story and viewed the TV video by Mike McCarthy about this Drive-In that could be closed, again. I hope the citizens of Roane County TN can and will support this fading American icon for when they are gone they are gone forever!
Lost: Thanks so very very much for the Vitrolite site. Sure wish a hometown restaurant had kept that facade, but to this day the tile is gone and so is the restaurant! In the meantime, new owners have not been found and so the location is an eyesore for the residents of the old hometown where the Grand Theatre WAS located, too!
Joe: If you would, please email me the Boxoffice Magazine photo of this theatre. I truly appreciate being led to the Grand Theatre/Westfield NY Boxoffice 1941 article thanks to you!
jeffreyt: Interesting post..let us know what you find out and can photograph.
Patsy
commented about
Fiveon
May 30, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Roy Benjamin also built the Marion in Ocala Florida which I hope to see next winter! The Marion has some connnection to John Travolta as he lives near Ocala in Anthony FL. He auctioned off a motorcycle from one of his movies to help with the theatre renovation. Thanks John!
Patsy
commented about
Fiveon
May 30, 2009 at 4:13 pm
I just learned of this theatre through a Florida friend, Irv Lipscomb. After clicking on Roy A. Benjamin’s name it is interesting to learn that 2 other theatres designed by him in Jacksonville are still listed as OPEN…the San Marco and the Florida Theatres!
hlsc: Thanks for the above link as I have now sent them an email in regards to my hometown theatre and this one having been designed by the same architect, Michael DeAngelis. I have heard that DeAngelis may still be living though have not been able to confirm this and hope that someone can for me on CT.
Lost: I wish I had paid more attention when I went through the plywood temporary entrance as they might have been there, but I really doubt it. I was to meet someone at the theatre, but couldn’t coordinate our schedules in late March. However, I do plan to attend one of the functions to celebrate the opening of the restored theatre.
I just viewed the 2008 photo and there certainly there,but I was in Z in late March and there was a different front on the building while work was being done…perhaps they will be replaced when work is completed. I will email a person involved with that theatre project to get the final decision on the doors. If they don’t use them, that would be a shame. If not, I hope they at least keep them in storage.
Love them original doors though I’m afraid they might not have been saved.
Dattola Theater: I look forward to seeing the family photos and interior/exterior shots from the early 60’s!
Anthony Biamonte: Nice to meet you. Please email me (address can be found on my profile page).
I have visited Enid and don’t recall seeing a theatre, but I didn’t have the theatre “bug” then.
This movie theatre is mentioned in a book entitled “The Jimmy Roselli Story”. Jimmy Roselli and Frank Sinatra were from the same town and lived on the same street. Sinatra was 10 years older than Roselli.
Lost: Great site…thanks….again to our number one CT member!
Any photos would be great to see. Irv told me that the marquee was made of glass which is quite unusual. Too bad that wasn’t saved!
woytek: I think I may have gotten my theatres mixed up when I asked about a planned June grand opening. A June opening was to be at the Strand in Zelienople which has been moved to July according to a recent email I received from a Ron Carter.
woytek: Do you know the status of the planned June grand opening for this theatre?
Lost: Yes, that is a much better photo without the trash cans. Thanks.
Lost: Thanks….again!
I also sent Mike McCarthy an email about this Drive-In and with the hope that the citizens of Roane County will and continue to support their Drive-In. There aren’t many left these days! So if you wish to write him perhaps he’ll forward all of our thoughts and concerns to the Mid-Town owners so they know there are folks out there who do care. Mike’s email address is
I just read the story and viewed the TV video by Mike McCarthy about this Drive-In that could be closed, again. I hope the citizens of Roane County TN can and will support this fading American icon for when they are gone they are gone forever!
Lost: Thanks so very very much for the Vitrolite site. Sure wish a hometown restaurant had kept that facade, but to this day the tile is gone and so is the restaurant! In the meantime, new owners have not been found and so the location is an eyesore for the residents of the old hometown where the Grand Theatre WAS located, too!
Joe: If you would, please email me the Boxoffice Magazine photo of this theatre. I truly appreciate being led to the Grand Theatre/Westfield NY Boxoffice 1941 article thanks to you!
Would love to see exterior and interior photos of when it was the Florida Theatre.
Any photos, anyone?
Yes sir!
Lost: Thanks…again.
jeffreyt: Interesting post..let us know what you find out and can photograph.
Roy Benjamin also built the Marion in Ocala Florida which I hope to see next winter! The Marion has some connnection to John Travolta as he lives near Ocala in Anthony FL. He auctioned off a motorcycle from one of his movies to help with the theatre renovation. Thanks John!
I just learned of this theatre through a Florida friend, Irv Lipscomb. After clicking on Roy A. Benjamin’s name it is interesting to learn that 2 other theatres designed by him in Jacksonville are still listed as OPEN…the San Marco and the Florida Theatres!