It is still listed as an AMC theatre in today’s Globe and on AMC’s web site. Do you know when the transaction is supposed to close?
The Globe movie guide doesn’t show any local theatres belonging to a ‘Boston Culinary Group’ or ‘Boston Concessions Group’ or ‘Theater Merchandising’ chain. Do they operate under a different public brand name?
Grand Opera House, 1879. The caption says it was destroyed by fire in 1887. This appears to be the immediate predecessor of what eventually became the RKO Grand.
The Columbus Metropolitan Library has an online historic photo collection with several photos of this and other theatres. Enter “Cinestage” into the search form to see six photos.
Possibly, although Bombay Cinema was around before they took over this theatre, and they’re still around today. They just don’t have their own venue anymore. At the moment, they are renting out two screens of the Somerville Theatre.
Scott, are you saying that the Granada was also called the Grande?
Kimee, the Wollaston Theatre did indeed have Tuesday dollar nights, but it have been closed for the past couple of years due to the extremely poor condition of the building. I wish a historical society would take it over, but I’ve not hear of any such plans.
Next Thursday, as part of an Asians in Action fundraiser, Overshadowed: Bostonâ€\s Chinatown gets its public premiere. The three-part documentary was made by a 10-person Emerson College journalism class. The first section of the half-hour film discusses high-rise developments in Chinatown, like the Kensington; the middle tells of the Gaietyâ€\s demise; and the final segment profiles Da Zsong Lei, an aging Chinatown resident facing a 25 percent rent increase that could price him out of his apartment.
…
The filmmakers were able to shoot footage of the half-wrecked theater, whose missing wall provides a view of the internal performance space that activists thought was worth preserving. “People were just stopping in the street, looking and taking pictures, asking ‘what is that building?â€\” says Kim.
… Overshadowed: Bostonâ€\s Chinatown will be shown at an Asians in Action fundraiser, which will include Asian art, food, music, and a charity poker tournament, on May 12, at Tonic, 1316 Comm Ave, in Allston. A $20 suggested donation will go toward a community center in Chinatown. E-mail Anh Nguyen at for more information.
Next Thursday, as part of an Asians in Action fundraiser, Overshadowed: Bostonâ€\s Chinatown gets its public premiere. The three-part documentary was made by a 10-person Emerson College journalism class. The first section of the half-hour film discusses high-rise developments in Chinatown, like the Kensington; the middle tells of the Gaietyâ€\s demise; and the final segment profiles Da Zsong Lei, an aging Chinatown resident facing a 25 percent rent increase that could price him out of his apartment.
…
The filmmakers were able to shoot footage of the half-wrecked theater, whose missing wall provides a view of the internal performance space that activists thought was worth preserving. “People were just stopping in the street, looking and taking pictures, asking ‘what is that building?â€\” says Kim.
… Overshadowed: Bostonâ€\s Chinatown will be shown at an Asians in Action fundraiser, which will include Asian art, food, music, and a charity poker tournament, on May 12, at Tonic, 1316 Comm Ave, in Allston. A $20 suggested donation will go toward a community center in Chinatown. E-mail Anh Nguyen at for more information.
It includes this photo, which shows the marquee advertising “Jour of Natty Gann”, “Family Adventure”, and “Nitemare Elm St 2”. I cannot find the second film in the Internet Movie Database, but the other two came out in 1985.
This page has the Survey’s detailed description of the theatre and its surroundings. I’ll quote briefly from it:
“The Wollaston Theatre is a well-loved aspect of Wollaston community life and every effort should be made to insure its preservation. It was built as a 1259-seat legitimate theatre at a cost of $90,000 in 1926. The original owner was W. W. Wilson, a Wollaston realtor, but he sold it to the well-known contractor Edward H. Sears, who had actually built the building, by 1932. The architect for the building is listed as "James Tucker” which may be James A. Tuck of Boston. In between 1930 and 1935, the structure was converted to a movie theatre. In an amazing example of longevity of ownership, the Sears retained the theatre until 1977 when they sold it to the present owner, Arthur Chandler."
I haven’t seen a proposed floorplan yet, though it’s possible one is available at Emerson’s press office. Planning is still in a preliminary stage. Emerson is starting with an earlier proposal that was developed a couple years ago when the American Repertory Theatre was considering taking over the Paramount.
I did run into someone from Elkus-Manfredi over the weekend, and he made it pretty clear that this should be considered a renovation rather than a restoration.
And here’s one other thing to keep an eye on. Yesterday Emerson’s faculty voted overwhelmingly to demand the college president’s resignation. If they get their way, will it affect plans for the Paramount?
From the Boston Globe City Weekly, March 17, 2002:
Q. Can you find someone who will prove me right when I say that in the 1940s there was a theater on Blue Hill Avenue named the Liberty? I am not referring to the Oriental or the Franklin Park theaters. – R.S., Miami Beach.
A. Before, during, and after the 1940s, the Liberty Theatre, complete with a small white screen and a Wurlitzer Pipe Organ, was open for business on Blue Hill Avenue near Franklin Field. After it closed, the building was used as a church for many years. One Liberty Theatre fan recalls that performances in Yiddish would be featured there and, he says, if they apeared to have staying power, they would be moved up the avenue to the larger Franklin Park theater near Columbia Road.
From a Boston Globe obituary for Edward I. Milden, founder of the Grove Hall Cafeteria, published March 31, 1987:
Actors and actresses would come to the Grove Hall Cafeteria after performing at the Franklin Park Theater, which before becoming a movie theater, was a Yiddish Vaudeville Theater. Present-day performers such as comedian Norm Crosby freqeunted the cafeteria when in Boston.
Franklin Park Theatre, on Blue Hill Avenue at Ellington Street, close to Columbia Road, originally a Yiddish theatre, the actor who starred in Fiddler on the Roof (Zero Mostel?) played in this theatre.
It’s currently owned by the Boston Redevelopment Authority which took it by eminent domain (or threat of same) from an owner who was letting it fall apart and had applied for a demolition permit. The city wants it restored, not demolished.
I very much doubt it. I believe that Sarah Caldwell’s Opera Company of Boston is the only organization ever to present any form of classical music here.
It’s great to hear from you. Do you happen to know what the theatre’s original name was, before Sack owned it? Or when the main auditorium was split into separate upstairs and downstairs screens?
It is still listed as an AMC theatre in today’s Globe and on AMC’s web site. Do you know when the transaction is supposed to close?
The Globe movie guide doesn’t show any local theatres belonging to a ‘Boston Culinary Group’ or ‘Boston Concessions Group’ or ‘Theater Merchandising’ chain. Do they operate under a different public brand name?
Does this mean it will no longer be a theater?
The Columbus Metropolitan Library has an online historic photo collection with several photos of this and other theatres.
Grand Opera House, 1879. The caption says it was destroyed by fire in 1887. This appears to be the immediate predecessor of what eventually became the RKO Grand.
State House grounds in winter, 1898. Grand Theatre is the dark building on the right.
Bliss Business College, 1904. Located in the same building as the Grand Theatre.
The Grand Theatre was truly a “grand” experience both inside and out (3 photos show 1934 exterior, proscenium and organ, and ladies' lounge)
RKO Grand Theatre wreckage after the fire of June 15, 1934. It was quickly rebuilt and reopened October 4, 1935.
RKO Grand marquee, 1955, showing “Rage at Dawn”.
RKO Grand premieres This is Cinerama, November 3, 1960. Interior and exterior views.
Statehouse Parking Garage construction, 1963. Photo taken from above a nearby skyscraper shows the Hartman, Grand, and Ohio theatres side-by-side on State Street.
RKO Grand Cinerama and Ohio Theatres, side by side, 1969
Click on the thumbnails for full-size photos.
The Columbus Metropolitan Library has an online historic photo collection with several photos of this and other theatres.
Broad & High Streets, 1970, showing the RKO Palace vertical sign.
Tommy Dorsey and Irwin Johnson on the Palace stage, 1950
Broad Street downtown, looking west towards the RKO Palace vertical sign and marquee, 1969
The marquee in 1926, when it was still called the “Keith-Albee Palace”. The caption says it was renamed RKO Palace in 1929.
Five interior photos of the RKO Palace
West Broad Street, 1957, with RKO Palace marquee at right, and Loew’s Broad theatre across the street
Click on the thumbnails for full-size photos.
The Columbus Metropolitan Library has an online historic photo collection with several photos of this and other theatres.
Beechwold Theatre marquee
Beechwold Theatre exterior and interior
(click on the thumbnails to see full-size photos)
The Columbus Metropolitan Library has an online historic photo collection with several photos of this and other theatres. Enter “Cinestage” into the search form to see six photos.
FYI – the Meadow Glen Mall’s website is here.
Unfortunately, the mall has no movie theatre. In fact, the entire city of Medford no longer has any movie theatres.
Possibly, although Bombay Cinema was around before they took over this theatre, and they’re still around today. They just don’t have their own venue anymore. At the moment, they are renting out two screens of the Somerville Theatre.
Bombay Cinema website
It’s pretty close to Sullivan Square, but that’s on the Orange Line.
Scott, are you saying that the Granada was also called the Grande?
Kimee, the Wollaston Theatre did indeed have Tuesday dollar nights, but it have been closed for the past couple of years due to the extremely poor condition of the building. I wish a historical society would take it over, but I’ve not hear of any such plans.
Which was the last downtown first-run theatre to close — this one, or the RKO Palace?
I recall that the Southern Theatre continued with third-run double features for some years after all other downtown movie houses had closed.
From yesterday’s Boston Phoenix:
Showing next Thursday: The Gaietyâ€\s demise
Next Thursday, as part of an Asians in Action fundraiser, Overshadowed: Bostonâ€\s Chinatown gets its public premiere. The three-part documentary was made by a 10-person Emerson College journalism class. The first section of the half-hour film discusses high-rise developments in Chinatown, like the Kensington; the middle tells of the Gaietyâ€\s demise; and the final segment profiles Da Zsong Lei, an aging Chinatown resident facing a 25 percent rent increase that could price him out of his apartment.
…
The filmmakers were able to shoot footage of the half-wrecked theater, whose missing wall provides a view of the internal performance space that activists thought was worth preserving. “People were just stopping in the street, looking and taking pictures, asking ‘what is that building?â€\” says Kim.
…
Overshadowed: Bostonâ€\s Chinatown will be shown at an Asians in Action fundraiser, which will include Asian art, food, music, and a charity poker tournament, on May 12, at Tonic, 1316 Comm Ave, in Allston. A $20 suggested donation will go toward a community center in Chinatown. E-mail Anh Nguyen at for more information.
From yesterday’s Boston Phoenix:
Showing next Thursday: The Gaietyâ€\s demise
Next Thursday, as part of an Asians in Action fundraiser, Overshadowed: Bostonâ€\s Chinatown gets its public premiere. The three-part documentary was made by a 10-person Emerson College journalism class. The first section of the half-hour film discusses high-rise developments in Chinatown, like the Kensington; the middle tells of the Gaietyâ€\s demise; and the final segment profiles Da Zsong Lei, an aging Chinatown resident facing a 25 percent rent increase that could price him out of his apartment.
…
The filmmakers were able to shoot footage of the half-wrecked theater, whose missing wall provides a view of the internal performance space that activists thought was worth preserving. “People were just stopping in the street, looking and taking pictures, asking ‘what is that building?â€\” says Kim.
…
Overshadowed: Bostonâ€\s Chinatown will be shown at an Asians in Action fundraiser, which will include Asian art, food, music, and a charity poker tournament, on May 12, at Tonic, 1316 Comm Ave, in Allston. A $20 suggested donation will go toward a community center in Chinatown. E-mail Anh Nguyen at for more information.
And according to this page, the theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
The City of Quincy conducted an extensive Historical and Architectural Survey in 1986.
It includes this photo, which shows the marquee advertising “Jour of Natty Gann”, “Family Adventure”, and “Nitemare Elm St 2”. I cannot find the second film in the Internet Movie Database, but the other two came out in 1985.
This page has the Survey’s detailed description of the theatre and its surroundings. I’ll quote briefly from it:
“The Wollaston Theatre is a well-loved aspect of Wollaston community life and every effort should be made to insure its preservation. It was built as a 1259-seat legitimate theatre at a cost of $90,000 in 1926. The original owner was W. W. Wilson, a Wollaston realtor, but he sold it to the well-known contractor Edward H. Sears, who had actually built the building, by 1932. The architect for the building is listed as "James Tucker” which may be James A. Tuck of Boston. In between 1930 and 1935, the structure was converted to a movie theatre. In an amazing example of longevity of ownership, the Sears retained the theatre until 1977 when they sold it to the present owner, Arthur Chandler."
Follow the link to read more.
617-773-4600 has been “temporarily disconnected”.
If anyone passes by the theatre, could you report on what it now looks like? Does it have any signs, are the windows boarded up, etc.
I haven’t seen a proposed floorplan yet, though it’s possible one is available at Emerson’s press office. Planning is still in a preliminary stage. Emerson is starting with an earlier proposal that was developed a couple years ago when the American Repertory Theatre was considering taking over the Paramount.
I did run into someone from Elkus-Manfredi over the weekend, and he made it pretty clear that this should be considered a renovation rather than a restoration.
And here’s one other thing to keep an eye on. Yesterday Emerson’s faculty voted overwhelmingly to demand the college president’s resignation. If they get their way, will it affect plans for the Paramount?
From the Boston Globe City Weekly, March 17, 2002:
Q. Can you find someone who will prove me right when I say that in the 1940s there was a theater on Blue Hill Avenue named the Liberty? I am not referring to the Oriental or the Franklin Park theaters. – R.S., Miami Beach.
A. Before, during, and after the 1940s, the Liberty Theatre, complete with a small white screen and a Wurlitzer Pipe Organ, was open for business on Blue Hill Avenue near Franklin Field. After it closed, the building was used as a church for many years. One Liberty Theatre fan recalls that performances in Yiddish would be featured there and, he says, if they apeared to have staying power, they would be moved up the avenue to the larger Franklin Park theater near Columbia Road.
From a Boston Globe obituary for Edward I. Milden, founder of the Grove Hall Cafeteria, published March 31, 1987:
Actors and actresses would come to the Grove Hall Cafeteria after performing at the Franklin Park Theater, which before becoming a movie theater, was a Yiddish Vaudeville Theater. Present-day performers such as comedian Norm Crosby freqeunted the cafeteria when in Boston.
The Dorchester Athenaeum website says:
Franklin Park Theatre, on Blue Hill Avenue at Ellington Street, close to Columbia Road, originally a Yiddish theatre, the actor who starred in Fiddler on the Roof (Zero Mostel?) played in this theatre.
Some photos:
Blue Hill Avenue in 1932, with theatre on right (second photo)
Theatre is now a church (second photo)
Clear Channel has announced plans to sell off its live entertainment division. Will this affect plans for the Boyd?
Demolition continues, slowly. Here are some photos taken late Friday afternoon, April 29, including some of the surrounding neighborhood. (Scroll down to “Posted: Sun May 01, 2005”)
No work was going on over the weekend.
Demolition continues, slowly. Here are some photos taken late Friday afternoon, April 29, including some of the surrounding neighborhood. (Scroll down to “Posted: Sun May 01, 2005”)
No work was going on over the weekend.
It’s currently owned by the Boston Redevelopment Authority which took it by eminent domain (or threat of same) from an owner who was letting it fall apart and had applied for a demolition permit. The city wants it restored, not demolished.
I very much doubt it. I believe that Sarah Caldwell’s Opera Company of Boston is the only organization ever to present any form of classical music here.
It’s great to hear from you. Do you happen to know what the theatre’s original name was, before Sack owned it? Or when the main auditorium was split into separate upstairs and downstairs screens?