Peter,
I must have been anywhere between 8 and 12 when I saw The Sound Of Music at the Ridgewood. So many cherished memories live in that grand theater,its what makes Cinema treasures and its members so distinguished, especially you Peter.
Peter,
Excellent point about how Ridgewood’s asymmetrical design allowed for peculiar sight lines and also windows, which are unusual for a theater. Its apparent Thomas Lamb had incorporated a slight touch of grandeur in Ridgewood’s design.But had designed it with much practicality allowing windows for ventilation, and at the same time, using unused theater space for other venues.
Re: Grove Billiards, pardon me friends for going off topic. I attended the hall to play pool in my teenage years, during the 80’s.Perhaps in the years before my youth it was known as Ridgewood Grove. I beleive it was a boxing and wrestling venue,afeterwards then it was abandoned or burned. Today its a buffet Chinese restaurant, wonder if any remnants remain?
once upon a time,
Thanks for your reply concerning the configuration of Cappy’s and the Dance Room.I appreciate the time you took to explain in detail how Ridgewood thrived as a multi cultural venue.
How ironic that your saw the Sound of Music at the Ridgewood.That was the first movie I saw there as a child, and every time I watch Julie Andrews sing on that hill ,it reminds me of that day I saw it at the Ridgewood with my mother and brother.
Thanks Lost Memory.
The Ariel veiw really helped to establish where the floor where the dance and pool hall once existed. Just as I thought in my previous post, it took up the top floor, above the lobby and behind the balcony as once upon a time mentioned.
Hello PKoch,
Re: Hank’s Billiards and the Teen Dance Hall.
I’m wondering how such an establishment would fit into Ridgewood’s top floor(s).Could they be in the area where the auditorium wing meets the outer lobby, or back portion of the balcony. Looking at the Myrtle ave. side it appears the facade houses the main area of this portion of the building, it seems the square footage is limited up there.Never been there , I’m just being inquisitive.
once upon a time,
That was such an excellent posting from someone who attended in the earlier years in Ridgewood’s history. If memory serves me correctly, the establishment Cappy’s that you mention above the theater was a pool hall. I attended Ridgewood a few times as a child in its single screen configuration, and several in its multiplex alter ego. I attended Grove Billiards to play pool many times, just around the corner, do you now when Cappy’s closed?
Excellent point Peter,I saw some old photos of the RKO Greenpoint,which unfortunately is no longer in existence, and it too used the same engineering technique, having the marquee and the lobby
amongst storefronts, usually on a main avenue, then having the auditorium offset 45 to 90 degrees sideways. A clever but functional
way of accommodating a large structure , without compromising space on a city block. And as I have mentioned in previous posts, the early 20 th century base ball venues used the same technique in comparison,
actually squeezing in a large structure amongst smaller ones as not to compromise space and functionality. There are not many specimens left to compare to, but the classic example would be Boston’s Fenway Park,
a true asymmetrical structure.
Re:Peter’s quote from The New York Times:
“The Madison was built in 1927 for burlesque and vaudeville and was the second largest theater in Queens, behind the RKO Keith in Flushing."
Looking outside it does not appear like a large theater,but looking at the square footage inside, it is deceiving.
Thanks Bway & Peter K.,
I may be stepping into The Twilight Zone beyond that door, excellent view upon the once proud RKO Madison and its possible hidden treasures.It just adds to the mystique, these mysteries of unseen areas that are waiting to be discovered.
Bway, really puts the whole mystery into perspective, we must remember that unfortunately there was a fire, so if anything remains it may be water damaged, soot accumulation,or the bleak possibility that because of these circumstances,the manager may not allow access to areas not open to the public, which may present a hazard. The next question is if that happens,no one including CT members will ever venture to areas that should be documented and photographed for people like myself who want to experience first hand what this once beautiful theater looked like.
My last visit was July of last year, I posted what I had taken in dated July 14, 2007. Hopefully it will be more detailed, and of course, the photos to prove it.
I don’t want to make promises PKoch, but with every posting I see about connecting the dots, I feel I must visit the Madison that was left behind in ‘78.Armed with my camera and an explorer’s mentality, I must see the manager first, after that obstacle, I may make Cinema Treasures history.
Peter K.(aka PKoch?)
Thats an excellent idea, if it is possible, I for one never being in Madison as a theater, would find that quite interesting.In the meantime,I would like to take some before and after photos, the older ones that Warren provided would be excellent to compare to today’s store. The only real way to solve the mystery would be to ask the manager for access to areas not open to the public, I have a feeling there are some viewing treasures behind those walls and above the ceiling.
Bway,
My recollections were off a bit,for all the times I passed Oasis, today the memories have faded. You are correct, I thought the facade was intact but its true, the exterior wall is actually a portion of the interior.Just like the Madison, they left nothing to remind us of the theater’s past glory.Unless of course we both meet up someday with a camera and a 12 foot ladder and start removing ceiling tiles!
Bway
The entrance foyer to the store in respect to Warren’s picture, is looking to the left as you enter from the street,according to your post. Then the today’s staircase to the furniture area, puzzles me as much as the other picture of the balcony does.Is today’s staircase a modernized version of the marble one?
Zitch
I agree,with your posting about the ambiance of old theaters, its something that can not be duplicated in newer establishements.
In reply to your inquiry about Eddie’s Sweet Shop on Metropolitan ave., its alive and well. But unfortunately, another establishment identical to Eddie’s, Jahn’s Ice cream Parlor,closed earlier this year. There are some excellent postings about Jahn’s in the RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill CT page.
Zitch
Yes indeed it was the Oasis and its been closed for several years. After conversion to a roller rink, it became a CVS pharmacy, with the front facade still intact, but without the marquee.
Warren posted a great photo of the Oasis in its last days as a theater, would love to see one of Ridgewood prior to its multiplexing.The last movie I saw before renovations was King Kong in 1976.
Thank you Warren for the photo.
Bway, in reply to your post, this view of the balcony gives a better perspective in comparison to the liberty store configuration,from what I see, the edge of the balcony to about where the railing is is the furniture area,which does appear sloped in Warren’s photo. The opening to the left must be the top landing of the marble staircase, which no longer exists.If the photographer moved just to the right, that door, that we all want to enter in todays configuration appears.I do want to take photos and compare them, I hope they let me!
As usual you come through with the photos Warren,
This is just how i remember the Oasis in its final days of showing movies.Not fancy, but functional.
I did attend it later as a roller rink, and indeed, it did have all the seats removed for the skating venue. My gripe was that the rink was a small circle, that was not suitable for the enjoyment of several skaters. Other than that I cannot remember much, but I do have many fond memories in that building,movies and skating.
Bway,
Thanks for your reply in regard to Madison’s balcony area,which today exists as a furniture area. I looked at that balcony photo that Warren posted over and over. The mezzanine you mention is the first five rows, which do appear sloped, but the measurements seem to add up to the fact there is the back portion of the balcony that is closed to the public. The door you mention must be part of that opening in the middle, which also confirms that the balcony is divided in two through the middle width wise. I wonder what is back there? The dome? the chandelier? the seats? The old marble staircase which appears to now be a auxiliary exit must lead to the back portion of the former balcony.
Peter,
I must have been anywhere between 8 and 12 when I saw The Sound Of Music at the Ridgewood. So many cherished memories live in that grand theater,its what makes Cinema treasures and its members so distinguished, especially you Peter.
Peter,
Excellent point about how Ridgewood’s asymmetrical design allowed for peculiar sight lines and also windows, which are unusual for a theater. Its apparent Thomas Lamb had incorporated a slight touch of grandeur in Ridgewood’s design.But had designed it with much practicality allowing windows for ventilation, and at the same time, using unused theater space for other venues.
Re: Grove Billiards, pardon me friends for going off topic. I attended the hall to play pool in my teenage years, during the 80’s.Perhaps in the years before my youth it was known as Ridgewood Grove. I beleive it was a boxing and wrestling venue,afeterwards then it was abandoned or burned. Today its a buffet Chinese restaurant, wonder if any remnants remain?
once upon a time,
Thanks for your reply concerning the configuration of Cappy’s and the Dance Room.I appreciate the time you took to explain in detail how Ridgewood thrived as a multi cultural venue.
How ironic that your saw the Sound of Music at the Ridgewood.That was the first movie I saw there as a child, and every time I watch Julie Andrews sing on that hill ,it reminds me of that day I saw it at the Ridgewood with my mother and brother.
Thanks Lost Memory.
The Ariel veiw really helped to establish where the floor where the dance and pool hall once existed. Just as I thought in my previous post, it took up the top floor, above the lobby and behind the balcony as once upon a time mentioned.
Peter ,
Thanks for your reply concerning Ridgewood Theater’s top floor.
Hello PKoch,
Re: Hank’s Billiards and the Teen Dance Hall.
I’m wondering how such an establishment would fit into Ridgewood’s top floor(s).Could they be in the area where the auditorium wing meets the outer lobby, or back portion of the balcony. Looking at the Myrtle ave. side it appears the facade houses the main area of this portion of the building, it seems the square footage is limited up there.Never been there , I’m just being inquisitive.
once upon a time,
That was such an excellent posting from someone who attended in the earlier years in Ridgewood’s history. If memory serves me correctly, the establishment Cappy’s that you mention above the theater was a pool hall. I attended Ridgewood a few times as a child in its single screen configuration, and several in its multiplex alter ego. I attended Grove Billiards to play pool many times, just around the corner, do you now when Cappy’s closed?
Nice photo Warren,
A truly beautiful theater inside and out.
The pool hall has been closed for several years now, today it exists as a Chinese buffet restaurant.
Excellent point Peter,I saw some old photos of the RKO Greenpoint,which unfortunately is no longer in existence, and it too used the same engineering technique, having the marquee and the lobby
amongst storefronts, usually on a main avenue, then having the auditorium offset 45 to 90 degrees sideways. A clever but functional
way of accommodating a large structure , without compromising space on a city block. And as I have mentioned in previous posts, the early 20 th century base ball venues used the same technique in comparison,
actually squeezing in a large structure amongst smaller ones as not to compromise space and functionality. There are not many specimens left to compare to, but the classic example would be Boston’s Fenway Park,
a true asymmetrical structure.
Re:Peter’s quote from The New York Times:
“The Madison was built in 1927 for burlesque and vaudeville and was the second largest theater in Queens, behind the RKO Keith in Flushing."
Looking outside it does not appear like a large theater,but looking at the square footage inside, it is deceiving.
Thanks Bway & Peter K.,
I may be stepping into The Twilight Zone beyond that door, excellent view upon the once proud RKO Madison and its possible hidden treasures.It just adds to the mystique, these mysteries of unseen areas that are waiting to be discovered.
Bway, really puts the whole mystery into perspective, we must remember that unfortunately there was a fire, so if anything remains it may be water damaged, soot accumulation,or the bleak possibility that because of these circumstances,the manager may not allow access to areas not open to the public, which may present a hazard. The next question is if that happens,no one including CT members will ever venture to areas that should be documented and photographed for people like myself who want to experience first hand what this once beautiful theater looked like.
PKoch ,your making me feel like the James T. Kirk of CT!
My last visit was July of last year, I posted what I had taken in dated July 14, 2007. Hopefully it will be more detailed, and of course, the photos to prove it.
I don’t want to make promises PKoch, but with every posting I see about connecting the dots, I feel I must visit the Madison that was left behind in ‘78.Armed with my camera and an explorer’s mentality, I must see the manager first, after that obstacle, I may make Cinema Treasures history.
Peter K.(aka PKoch?)
Thats an excellent idea, if it is possible, I for one never being in Madison as a theater, would find that quite interesting.In the meantime,I would like to take some before and after photos, the older ones that Warren provided would be excellent to compare to today’s store. The only real way to solve the mystery would be to ask the manager for access to areas not open to the public, I have a feeling there are some viewing treasures behind those walls and above the ceiling.
Thank you Bway,
I now have a better understanding of Madison’s original configuration. Perhaps some interior photos of the store may be in order.
Bway,
My recollections were off a bit,for all the times I passed Oasis, today the memories have faded. You are correct, I thought the facade was intact but its true, the exterior wall is actually a portion of the interior.Just like the Madison, they left nothing to remind us of the theater’s past glory.Unless of course we both meet up someday with a camera and a 12 foot ladder and start removing ceiling tiles!
Or,is the the view perspective with the photographer’s back facing the entrance doors,and the orchestra entrance is to the left?
Bway
The entrance foyer to the store in respect to Warren’s picture, is looking to the left as you enter from the street,according to your post. Then the today’s staircase to the furniture area, puzzles me as much as the other picture of the balcony does.Is today’s staircase a modernized version of the marble one?
Zitch
I agree,with your posting about the ambiance of old theaters, its something that can not be duplicated in newer establishements.
In reply to your inquiry about Eddie’s Sweet Shop on Metropolitan ave., its alive and well. But unfortunately, another establishment identical to Eddie’s, Jahn’s Ice cream Parlor,closed earlier this year. There are some excellent postings about Jahn’s in the RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill CT page.
Zitch
Yes indeed it was the Oasis and its been closed for several years. After conversion to a roller rink, it became a CVS pharmacy, with the front facade still intact, but without the marquee.
Warren posted a great photo of the Oasis in its last days as a theater, would love to see one of Ridgewood prior to its multiplexing.The last movie I saw before renovations was King Kong in 1976.
Thank you Warren for the photo.
Bway, in reply to your post, this view of the balcony gives a better perspective in comparison to the liberty store configuration,from what I see, the edge of the balcony to about where the railing is is the furniture area,which does appear sloped in Warren’s photo. The opening to the left must be the top landing of the marble staircase, which no longer exists.If the photographer moved just to the right, that door, that we all want to enter in todays configuration appears.I do want to take photos and compare them, I hope they let me!
As usual you come through with the photos Warren,
This is just how i remember the Oasis in its final days of showing movies.Not fancy, but functional.
I did attend it later as a roller rink, and indeed, it did have all the seats removed for the skating venue. My gripe was that the rink was a small circle, that was not suitable for the enjoyment of several skaters. Other than that I cannot remember much, but I do have many fond memories in that building,movies and skating.
Bway,
Thanks for your reply in regard to Madison’s balcony area,which today exists as a furniture area. I looked at that balcony photo that Warren posted over and over. The mezzanine you mention is the first five rows, which do appear sloped, but the measurements seem to add up to the fact there is the back portion of the balcony that is closed to the public. The door you mention must be part of that opening in the middle, which also confirms that the balcony is divided in two through the middle width wise. I wonder what is back there? The dome? the chandelier? the seats? The old marble staircase which appears to now be a auxiliary exit must lead to the back portion of the former balcony.