THIS IS EXCEPTED FROM A PREVIOUS POST BY NATIVE FOREST HILLER:
… CM Katz’s flip-flop of decisions is particularly disturbing in the Trylon case, since she opposed landmarking, then publicly stated her support, and then said she never felt it was suitable. She made no effort to encourage the LPC to calendar it. LPC won’t act without strong political support.She has the power, since she’s the Chair of Land Use. How can an elected official choose to suit her own interests, and mislead her constituents rather than serve them?
The Committee To Save The Trylon Theater & the community communicated. It was Melinda Katz who failed (to meet after promising, respond to letters, etc)! The effort isn’t over. Will her lack of intervention in this scenario be an obstacle in other neighborhood preservation efforts? Let’s continue to bond together for the benefit of the community, and not let this happen. “Power to the people!!!!!” ……
HOPE THIS SHEDS SOME LIGHT. YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO SEE WHAT IT’S SHINING ON, BUT THIS IS THE SAD TRUTH.
Thank you all so much for your suggestions! It seems like i can’t travel any distance without first trying to find out what little treasures i might be passing along the way.
If you were to consider Ohio, the beautiful (but endangered) Norwalk Theater in Norwalk Ohio is available immediately. It is still in good shape, but the current owners took on more than they bargained for and have not been able to keep it up to the high standards of the previous owners. Therefore, additional neglect to basic maintenance is going to take a quick toll unless someone moves in fast!
The next issue of Theatre Historical Society’s quarterly journal MARQUEE will have a piece on the Trylon, written by Trylon advocate Michael Perlman. Copies can be ordered by non members at www.historictheatres.org or better yet JOIN and get them delivered automatically to your mailbox!
Along with the Seneca Street “Geneva” and the demolished Exchange St. “Temple”, the Regent was one of the 3 Schine Chain theaters in Geneva. This was actually Schine’s first Geneva house and they operated out of it during the renovation of the former Smith’s Opera House into the Schine Geneva Theater. That magnificent Italianate garden atmospheric still stands beautifully restored today.
Sadly, insensitive plexing cost this theater most of its architectural elements and charachter. I recall that in the balcony screen area one can see a lot of decorative plaster and some other elements behind the screen. (Yes, that’s what we theater nuts do when we get into these plexed theaters — peek behind curtains, screens and the like!) Although all are coated with several layers of paint.
Hopefully, some kind of respectful reuse can be found. It is probably too late to return it to its original design and style. But i do hope that those who spearhead this project will at least attempt to research and replace some of the original decor. Just let me know when you need some help, Cara Leigh! : )
Just had a wonderful chat with Donald Buckley who is very involved with the Rescue the Russell efforts. He told me that they are launching on a $3 million capital campaign and they have used a $250,000 state grant to re-do the lobby area. The auditorium still needs MUCH work to address water/moisture damage and it will be a huge undertaking to restore the original paint colors after a horrendous job by the Panther Corp who bought the theater from Schine.
The rainbow is real?? Wow! I thought it was just an artful addition to the Curt Teich postcard. I don’t think i have ever seen an atmospheric with a rainbow. And to think this was a SCHINE theater too! How very special…. Thanks Hank : )
If you send photos to Uptown Adviser, please indicate if you would be willing to have them published in a tribute issue of Theatre Historical Society’s MARQUEE magazine which will be dedicated to Joe DuciBella. We will give line credit to any photo selected for publication. Many thanks,
Does anyone know the current status of the Russell project? Can anyone suggest a person to contact for more information? The email address on the theater’s website is invalid. Thanks.
We at Theatre Historical Society mourn the loss of Joe DuciBella. In 1973 Joe was named THS MEMBER OF THE YEAR in recognition of his efforts in founding THS and for his leadership in the critical early years. In 2005, Joe received the prestigious “Br. Andrew President’s Award” in recognition of his 36 years commitment and service to THS and its future.
We all share the sadness of his loss – we also share in the joy of the legacy left to us in the form of his encyclopedic knowledge and deep dedication to the organization that he helped Bro. Andrew and others to form.
Unfortunately, we don’t get to choose “history” Patsy! While none of us would ever consider the first duplex or triplex “historic theaters” – they indeed are part of the evolution of the history of motion picture exhibition. And it really irritates me to see that movies that I saw the FIRST TIME AROUND are now popping up on AMC or being remade! How can they be “movie classics”.. isn’t that reserved for OLD movies??!! If they are “old movies”… then what am I??
His work is truly amazing. One day i will scrape together enough cash to actually purchase one for my very own! In the meantime, i cherish my copy of the Wilhelm/Kinerk book as well as the previous Cone book.
The Colonia is a treat, definitely worth the detour if you find yourself in the proximity, even with the sad twinning. The exterior is certainly a photo op for a any theater buff.
Unfortunately, the balcony area is closed off and the conduit for the HVAC is run over the seating area. The seats are still there and the end caps are very decorative. When in the balcony, you can see much of the original Eberson detail – running bands of color from the procenium to the booth, plaster floral cascades on the walls. Such a shame!
For years, the Senator has been the “poster child” for single screen historic theaters. And now this?! Something has to be done, the Senator is too important to lose! Hopefully the city of Baltimore recognizes the value and importance of this wonderful theater and steps in with some kind of rescue plan.
I wasn’t aware that the Norwalk Theater is still considered a non profit venture. Is it? If so, it would be a great idea to post your 501c3 status or other IRS info on your site so that people can know the tax advantages of a donation. If you are indeed a for-profit entity, i see little hope of garnering “donations” to your cause.
The Norwalk was an excellent example of Eberson’s grecian deco treatment. Please do all you can to retain the design and flavor of this fabulous theater. It has an important place in the fabric of American Theater History and deserves to be preserved as its designer and architect intended! Town & Country was always very aware of their treasure and the responsibility that it entailed. I do hope that as the new owners you will continue that stewardship.
MANY thanks to all who inquired! Most of the records have now found good homes with dedicated collectors who will treasure them as much as their original owners. THANK YOU!
That post is from May 3, 2006 if you want to look up the whole post.
THIS IS EXCEPTED FROM A PREVIOUS POST BY NATIVE FOREST HILLER:
… CM Katz’s flip-flop of decisions is particularly disturbing in the Trylon case, since she opposed landmarking, then publicly stated her support, and then said she never felt it was suitable. She made no effort to encourage the LPC to calendar it. LPC won’t act without strong political support.She has the power, since she’s the Chair of Land Use. How can an elected official choose to suit her own interests, and mislead her constituents rather than serve them?
The Committee To Save The Trylon Theater & the community communicated. It was Melinda Katz who failed (to meet after promising, respond to letters, etc)! The effort isn’t over. Will her lack of intervention in this scenario be an obstacle in other neighborhood preservation efforts? Let’s continue to bond together for the benefit of the community, and not let this happen. “Power to the people!!!!!” ……
HOPE THIS SHEDS SOME LIGHT. YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO SEE WHAT IT’S SHINING ON, BUT THIS IS THE SAD TRUTH.
My thoughts exactly PKoch – let her constituents fill in those blanks! Not for me to say. :X Ditto on the current status.
See? No matter how bad, there is always something worse! : D
Hmmm…. yes. Isn’t it ironic…. : (
Thank you all so much for your suggestions! It seems like i can’t travel any distance without first trying to find out what little treasures i might be passing along the way.
Have a great weekend, all! : )
If you were to consider Ohio, the beautiful (but endangered) Norwalk Theater in Norwalk Ohio is available immediately. It is still in good shape, but the current owners took on more than they bargained for and have not been able to keep it up to the high standards of the previous owners. Therefore, additional neglect to basic maintenance is going to take a quick toll unless someone moves in fast!
THS visited this theater on their 2007 Conclave this summer. Very friendly welcome from the staff – very interesting theater, inside and out!
The next issue of Theatre Historical Society’s quarterly journal MARQUEE will have a piece on the Trylon, written by Trylon advocate Michael Perlman. Copies can be ordered by non members at www.historictheatres.org or better yet JOIN and get them delivered automatically to your mailbox!
Along with the Seneca Street “Geneva” and the demolished Exchange St. “Temple”, the Regent was one of the 3 Schine Chain theaters in Geneva. This was actually Schine’s first Geneva house and they operated out of it during the renovation of the former Smith’s Opera House into the Schine Geneva Theater. That magnificent Italianate garden atmospheric still stands beautifully restored today.
Sadly, insensitive plexing cost this theater most of its architectural elements and charachter. I recall that in the balcony screen area one can see a lot of decorative plaster and some other elements behind the screen. (Yes, that’s what we theater nuts do when we get into these plexed theaters — peek behind curtains, screens and the like!) Although all are coated with several layers of paint.
Hopefully, some kind of respectful reuse can be found. It is probably too late to return it to its original design and style. But i do hope that those who spearhead this project will at least attempt to research and replace some of the original decor. Just let me know when you need some help, Cara Leigh! : )
Just had a wonderful chat with Donald Buckley who is very involved with the Rescue the Russell efforts. He told me that they are launching on a $3 million capital campaign and they have used a $250,000 state grant to re-do the lobby area. The auditorium still needs MUCH work to address water/moisture damage and it will be a huge undertaking to restore the original paint colors after a horrendous job by the Panther Corp who bought the theater from Schine.
Check out photos and ways to help this outstanding example of atmospheric architecture at http://www.rosemaryclooney.com/russell/
The rainbow is real?? Wow! I thought it was just an artful addition to the Curt Teich postcard. I don’t think i have ever seen an atmospheric with a rainbow. And to think this was a SCHINE theater too! How very special…. Thanks Hank : )
If you send photos to Uptown Adviser, please indicate if you would be willing to have them published in a tribute issue of Theatre Historical Society’s MARQUEE magazine which will be dedicated to Joe DuciBella. We will give line credit to any photo selected for publication. Many thanks,
Karen Colizzi Noonan
President, THS
Thanks for the current view of this former SCHINE theater in Lima.
Does anyone know the current status of the Russell project? Can anyone suggest a person to contact for more information? The email address on the theater’s website is invalid. Thanks.
We at Theatre Historical Society mourn the loss of Joe DuciBella. In 1973 Joe was named THS MEMBER OF THE YEAR in recognition of his efforts in founding THS and for his leadership in the critical early years. In 2005, Joe received the prestigious “Br. Andrew President’s Award” in recognition of his 36 years commitment and service to THS and its future.
We all share the sadness of his loss – we also share in the joy of the legacy left to us in the form of his encyclopedic knowledge and deep dedication to the organization that he helped Bro. Andrew and others to form.
Unfortunately, we don’t get to choose “history” Patsy! While none of us would ever consider the first duplex or triplex “historic theaters” – they indeed are part of the evolution of the history of motion picture exhibition. And it really irritates me to see that movies that I saw the FIRST TIME AROUND are now popping up on AMC or being remade! How can they be “movie classics”.. isn’t that reserved for OLD movies??!! If they are “old movies”… then what am I??
: O
His work is truly amazing. One day i will scrape together enough cash to actually purchase one for my very own! In the meantime, i cherish my copy of the Wilhelm/Kinerk book as well as the previous Cone book.
The Colonia is a treat, definitely worth the detour if you find yourself in the proximity, even with the sad twinning. The exterior is certainly a photo op for a any theater buff.
Unfortunately, the balcony area is closed off and the conduit for the HVAC is run over the seating area. The seats are still there and the end caps are very decorative. When in the balcony, you can see much of the original Eberson detail – running bands of color from the procenium to the booth, plaster floral cascades on the walls. Such a shame!
Wow! Email me at and i can arrange to scan and send. : )
Tom, Please email me at to discuss the Utica project. Thanks, Karen
For years, the Senator has been the “poster child” for single screen historic theaters. And now this?! Something has to be done, the Senator is too important to lose! Hopefully the city of Baltimore recognizes the value and importance of this wonderful theater and steps in with some kind of rescue plan.
I wasn’t aware that the Norwalk Theater is still considered a non profit venture. Is it? If so, it would be a great idea to post your 501c3 status or other IRS info on your site so that people can know the tax advantages of a donation. If you are indeed a for-profit entity, i see little hope of garnering “donations” to your cause.
The Norwalk was an excellent example of Eberson’s grecian deco treatment. Please do all you can to retain the design and flavor of this fabulous theater. It has an important place in the fabric of American Theater History and deserves to be preserved as its designer and architect intended! Town & Country was always very aware of their treasure and the responsibility that it entailed. I do hope that as the new owners you will continue that stewardship.
The Lockport 8 was dingy, dirty, run-down and ill-cared for. The Palace is a GREAT venue to see a movie… just the way a movie SHOULD be seen!
MANY thanks to all who inquired! Most of the records have now found good homes with dedicated collectors who will treasure them as much as their original owners. THANK YOU!