The far west theaters weren’t built/opened yet. Dunno maybe the picture is from a store in the mall. Does anyone recall a car hop in the area. A drive in food joint would make sense. But it could pass for a drive in movie joint stand.
I sent the photo to my grandfather. He thinks that could be the old concession stand from the Halsted Drive In, or possibly Bel Air. Both places had an ice creamish stand back in the days. But yes he indeed confirmed that wasn’t a stand at RO #1.
I can ask my grandfather about it. He was there in the seventies. But I think he’ll say the same thing. RO #1 was a classy joint. Not one of these ghetto looking multi plex’s. Back in the days every employee was dressed up. Even the projectionists wore suits and ties.
And to answer the D-150 question. That system was disconnected along time ago. The rack still exists but the D-150 equipment doesn’t. It was all removed when Dolby surround came out.
I don’t think that is a concession stand from RO. At least not the big one. Back in those days, management would never allow ice cream or anything that could drip into the theater. I have to agree with JRS, that picture looks like it came from a drive in. Or maybe an old ice cream parlor.
The info I was told is pretty accurate. The way I understand it, when Loew’s shut down RO they did just that. And nothing was removed. If anything was, it must have happened earlier or later. All I know is, if everything is still there, it’s gotta be in pretty bad shape.
a long time the ceiling of 1 & 4 had a night time sky painted on it. It showed stars, planets, comets. When you entered the lobby, and if you looked above the concession stand there was wall. They had a night time mural of Chicago on it and it continued to the ceiling which was the sky. Behind that was the walkway used by the projectionist to get to the booths.
I like the star idea you have. Funny thing I kinda remember the Music Box. This was another theater my grandfather worked at. I just hope those theaters are not to far gone as far as renovation goes. All the gear is still there. Nothing was ever removed. From what I remember I heated heard rumors that some group from Cal City was looking into purchasing 1-4. But I heard they bailed on it.
I also asked grandpa about the Diana. He thinks they were named for the owner of Esseness (sp) wife. I finally convinced him to join. Hopefully he’ll start posting here. He told me he checked out the RO posts and finally signed up. My grandfather said he’s impressed by all the posts. He also commented on the movie history you guys wrote up.
So found out a few more things about 2-3. 1-6 opened in December of 1988. Before the mall was enclosed. 2-3 were numbered 13-14 and were running till summer of 89. Those theaters closed because of costs. However, grandpa did say they were reopened in 1990 for maybe 3 weeks. Because crowds were so small and 13-14 were only showing stale movies no one ever showed. Grandpa was pretty sure about this cause he remembered running 13-14 in 90. Not 91. They opened in early 90, and then sometime later Cineplex sold 13-14 off to a developer. Later turned into stores. Before when they were 2-3 both theaters were closed for roof repairs and there was a rodent problem
I don’t want you to think I’m disagreeing with you JR or anyone for that matter. It’s all too confusing. I think I’m even confusing my grandfather a bit. But its good for him and his mind. I’m trying to get him to join cinema treasures because he has lots of memories of working at River Oaks. Plus all my info comes second hand from him.
I checked the Diana page and not much activity over there. That would be a good question for grandpa. Now if I can only get him away from the Texas Hold'em site. lol. That’s all he uses his computer for.
I don’t remember the exactyear 2-3/13-14 reopened. It may have been earlier. River Run may have played a factor into the reopening but not sure. Grandpa said he’ll look through his stuff and find out the exact reasons of that and other things. He even has many tales of the Diana Theaters in Homewood and the old Halsted Drive In. A few more movie houses he worked at.
JR, yes at one time all 14 operated. 2-3 were closed in 89 for two reasons. One was the lease, the other was code violations. Cineplex Odeon who was the owner in 89 decided instead of correcting the problem, just shut them down. They even attempted to put the building up the market for sale but no takers. Sometime later maybe 91 or so they fixed the violations reopened it for a while and then closed again only this time for good. Basically they found a buyer and in which case the theater was turned into stores.
The violations were building and rodent problems. My grandfather told me 2-3 were the worst for rodents around that time. He said it was so bad when the inspectors came in they found droppings all around and on the food prep areas.
But yes there was a point in time all were operating.
Grandpa said he recalls operating the projectors at 2-3/13-14 in 91 on several occasions.
2-3 were part of the numbering. 13-14. If you drive by 1-4 and look at the old Cineplex Odeon marquee, if it’s still there, you’ll notice 14 spaces used to advertise all the movies and what theaters they were playing in. The marquee had little arrows pointing to the direction of where that certain theater was located. 2-3 also known as 13-14 were open for a short time after 1-6 opened. Maybe a month or so at best. 1-6 were operating before the mall construction was complete.
I like it. That would make a nice lobby area for 1-4. Would be even cooler if you make a balcony. Only problem I see is vandalism. That’s not exactly a good area anymore. You would to some type of material to put over the interior. If you do open it again, my grandfather said he’ll work for you in the booth.
Not exactly when Cineplex but a while later. The renumbering of those two were not for long though.
And old 2-3 were numbered 13-14 because everyone knew these would be the first to close. After 1-6 opened in the mall Cineplex’s plan was to only have 12 theaters. Not 14. But they left them open for a short time.
So grandpa told me some more info on those two theaters. He actually asked another former projectionist who worked there. He always told me of all theaters he worked River oaks was the most confusing. Anywho the ones by Fields were 7-8. These two opened last. But they opened under Plitt. When Cineplex came these two were renumbered around 86 to #5-6. And the ones over by west were renumbered 7-8. The reason Cineplex thought it made more sense to renumber these two because of their locations. Then the other six in the mall were built, resulting in renumbering the ones by Fields back to 7-8.
Yes it is confusing especially when RO had several different owners. Plitt, Cineplex, Loews/Cineplex. It makes your brain hurt.
I dunno about those two. Talked to my grandfather via skype last night. He recalls sometime during the 80’s the theater by Fields were numbered 5-6. And the ones over by west were 7-8. He says they were both numbered this way because it more sense since the two over at west were not close like the others. I kinda have to with grandpa on this one since he worked there for 31 years. And I spent almost every weekend in those theaters watching movies.
Another thing I found out, at one point there was talk of expanding the old 1-4. Adding two more theaters the same size as #4. This was talked about sometime in the seventies but never happened.
I’m just surprised another company never came and built a complex. One those type that have 16+ theaters in one building. Grandpa told this was another idea that was talked about when Cineplex owned them. They wanted all the theaters in one area, but instead decided on the six in the mall.
Oh Cinemark, talked to my grandfather a few days ago. He believes all the gear is still sitting in 9-10.
All the projectors, DLP projector, the platters, sound equipment, etc. Not sure what kind of condition the stuff
is in considering it’s been idle for three years.
I told him about your plan, he wishes you much luck. It needs a good owner. Every once in awhile he’ll drive past it and still can’t believe it’s condition. But like he told me, it looks just like everything else around it.
Actually Cinemark those two were originally 5 & 6. Back before the mall was enclosed and the other six were built 5 & 6 were those. 7&8 were on the backside of RO West. Then those to were re-numbered 7&8 when River Oaks had fourteen theaters.
Before the mall remodel.
1-4 the big theaters.
2-3 across the street. (now known as office max).
5-6 next to Fields.
7-8 behind RO West.
After the remodel.
1-6 on the mall.
7-8 next to Fields
9-10 the big theaters.
11-12 behind RO West.
13-14 the other ones across the street from 9-10.
I do believe those could seat 400. Those were the smallest back in the days.
Cinemark I could’ve sworn a Tinseltown or some other big theater chained moved in or around the area. Maybe it wasn’t in South Holland. I still can’t understand why both River Run and then River Oaks closed. Hard to believe the Indiana theaters put both of them out considering it so much farther to drive too.
The far west theaters weren’t built/opened yet. Dunno maybe the picture is from a store in the mall. Does anyone recall a car hop in the area. A drive in food joint would make sense. But it could pass for a drive in movie joint stand.
I sent the photo to my grandfather. He thinks that could be the old concession stand from the Halsted Drive In, or possibly Bel Air. Both places had an ice creamish stand back in the days. But yes he indeed confirmed that wasn’t a stand at RO #1.
I can ask my grandfather about it. He was there in the seventies. But I think he’ll say the same thing. RO #1 was a classy joint. Not one of these ghetto looking multi plex’s. Back in the days every employee was dressed up. Even the projectionists wore suits and ties.
And to answer the D-150 question. That system was disconnected along time ago. The rack still exists but the D-150 equipment doesn’t. It was all removed when Dolby surround came out.
I don’t think that is a concession stand from RO. At least not the big one. Back in those days, management would never allow ice cream or anything that could drip into the theater. I have to agree with JRS, that picture looks like it came from a drive in. Or maybe an old ice cream parlor.
The info I was told is pretty accurate. The way I understand it, when Loew’s shut down RO they did just that. And nothing was removed. If anything was, it must have happened earlier or later. All I know is, if everything is still there, it’s gotta be in pretty bad shape.
a long time the ceiling of 1 & 4 had a night time sky painted on it. It showed stars, planets, comets. When you entered the lobby, and if you looked above the concession stand there was wall. They had a night time mural of Chicago on it and it continued to the ceiling which was the sky. Behind that was the walkway used by the projectionist to get to the booths.
I like the star idea you have. Funny thing I kinda remember the Music Box. This was another theater my grandfather worked at. I just hope those theaters are not to far gone as far as renovation goes. All the gear is still there. Nothing was ever removed. From what I remember I heated heard rumors that some group from Cal City was looking into purchasing 1-4. But I heard they bailed on it.
I also asked grandpa about the Diana. He thinks they were named for the owner of Esseness (sp) wife. I finally convinced him to join. Hopefully he’ll start posting here. He told me he checked out the RO posts and finally signed up. My grandfather said he’s impressed by all the posts. He also commented on the movie history you guys wrote up.
So found out a few more things about 2-3. 1-6 opened in December of 1988. Before the mall was enclosed. 2-3 were numbered 13-14 and were running till summer of 89. Those theaters closed because of costs. However, grandpa did say they were reopened in 1990 for maybe 3 weeks. Because crowds were so small and 13-14 were only showing stale movies no one ever showed. Grandpa was pretty sure about this cause he remembered running 13-14 in 90. Not 91. They opened in early 90, and then sometime later Cineplex sold 13-14 off to a developer. Later turned into stores. Before when they were 2-3 both theaters were closed for roof repairs and there was a rodent problem
I don’t want you to think I’m disagreeing with you JR or anyone for that matter. It’s all too confusing. I think I’m even confusing my grandfather a bit. But its good for him and his mind. I’m trying to get him to join cinema treasures because he has lots of memories of working at River Oaks. Plus all my info comes second hand from him.
I checked the Diana page and not much activity over there. That would be a good question for grandpa. Now if I can only get him away from the Texas Hold'em site. lol. That’s all he uses his computer for.
I don’t remember the exactyear 2-3/13-14 reopened. It may have been earlier. River Run may have played a factor into the reopening but not sure. Grandpa said he’ll look through his stuff and find out the exact reasons of that and other things. He even has many tales of the Diana Theaters in Homewood and the old Halsted Drive In. A few more movie houses he worked at.
Cinemark do you remember all the murals they painted on the wall of 1-4? If you get opportunity to buy it you should consider murals.
JR, yes at one time all 14 operated. 2-3 were closed in 89 for two reasons. One was the lease, the other was code violations. Cineplex Odeon who was the owner in 89 decided instead of correcting the problem, just shut them down. They even attempted to put the building up the market for sale but no takers. Sometime later maybe 91 or so they fixed the violations reopened it for a while and then closed again only this time for good. Basically they found a buyer and in which case the theater was turned into stores.
The violations were building and rodent problems. My grandfather told me 2-3 were the worst for rodents around that time. He said it was so bad when the inspectors came in they found droppings all around and on the food prep areas.
But yes there was a point in time all were operating.
Grandpa said he recalls operating the projectors at 2-3/13-14 in 91 on several occasions.
2-3 were part of the numbering. 13-14. If you drive by 1-4 and look at the old Cineplex Odeon marquee, if it’s still there, you’ll notice 14 spaces used to advertise all the movies and what theaters they were playing in. The marquee had little arrows pointing to the direction of where that certain theater was located. 2-3 also known as 13-14 were open for a short time after 1-6 opened. Maybe a month or so at best. 1-6 were operating before the mall construction was complete.
I like it. That would make a nice lobby area for 1-4. Would be even cooler if you make a balcony. Only problem I see is vandalism. That’s not exactly a good area anymore. You would to some type of material to put over the interior. If you do open it again, my grandfather said he’ll work for you in the booth.
Not exactly when Cineplex but a while later. The renumbering of those two were not for long though.
And old 2-3 were numbered 13-14 because everyone knew these would be the first to close. After 1-6 opened in the mall Cineplex’s plan was to only have 12 theaters. Not 14. But they left them open for a short time.
So grandpa told me some more info on those two theaters. He actually asked another former projectionist who worked there. He always told me of all theaters he worked River oaks was the most confusing. Anywho the ones by Fields were 7-8. These two opened last. But they opened under Plitt. When Cineplex came these two were renumbered around 86 to #5-6. And the ones over by west were renumbered 7-8. The reason Cineplex thought it made more sense to renumber these two because of their locations. Then the other six in the mall were built, resulting in renumbering the ones by Fields back to 7-8.
Yes it is confusing especially when RO had several different owners. Plitt, Cineplex, Loews/Cineplex. It makes your brain hurt.
I dunno about those two. Talked to my grandfather via skype last night. He recalls sometime during the 80’s the theater by Fields were numbered 5-6. And the ones over by west were 7-8. He says they were both numbered this way because it more sense since the two over at west were not close like the others. I kinda have to with grandpa on this one since he worked there for 31 years. And I spent almost every weekend in those theaters watching movies.
Another thing I found out, at one point there was talk of expanding the old 1-4. Adding two more theaters the same size as #4. This was talked about sometime in the seventies but never happened.
I’m just surprised another company never came and built a complex. One those type that have 16+ theaters in one building. Grandpa told this was another idea that was talked about when Cineplex owned them. They wanted all the theaters in one area, but instead decided on the six in the mall.
If you think Woodfield was confusing, what about River oaks in Calumet City?
Oh Cinemark, talked to my grandfather a few days ago. He believes all the gear is still sitting in 9-10.
All the projectors, DLP projector, the platters, sound equipment, etc. Not sure what kind of condition the stuff
is in considering it’s been idle for three years.
I told him about your plan, he wishes you much luck. It needs a good owner. Every once in awhile he’ll drive past it and still can’t believe it’s condition. But like he told me, it looks just like everything else around it.
since we’re discussing 5-6/7-8, anyone know what’s in there now?
What about the old 2-3? And the one behind RO West. Was this demolished?
Cinemark that photo is the original 5-6. Then re-numbered to 7-8.
Actually Cinemark those two were originally 5 & 6. Back before the mall was enclosed and the other six were built 5 & 6 were those. 7&8 were on the backside of RO West. Then those to were re-numbered 7&8 when River Oaks had fourteen theaters.
Before the mall remodel.
1-4 the big theaters.
2-3 across the street. (now known as office max).
5-6 next to Fields.
7-8 behind RO West.
After the remodel.
1-6 on the mall.
7-8 next to Fields
9-10 the big theaters.
11-12 behind RO West.
13-14 the other ones across the street from 9-10.
I do believe those could seat 400. Those were the smallest back in the days.
Cinemark I could’ve sworn a Tinseltown or some other big theater chained moved in or around the area. Maybe it wasn’t in South Holland. I still can’t understand why both River Run and then River Oaks closed. Hard to believe the Indiana theaters put both of them out considering it so much farther to drive too.
Fortunately Loew’s no longer exists. AMC took them over. A little too late though. I think AMC would’ve left this one and original #1 open.
I’m sure 1-6 may have had some DLP, but my grandfather was pretty much the 9-10 guy until he retired in 2000.