P.S. According to my notes and a check of the online database, the Crocker theatre had a Wurlitzer Style D (2 manual 6 rank) organ Opus 623 – installed on 3/30/1923.
It was gutted. I first saw it in the winter of 1992-1993. I was doing a research paper for school on the Chicago, Aurora, & Elgin RR which had a power station to the north of the Crocker theatre. The Railroad track was located just behind the Crocker and the Rialto theatres.
When I went to take some research pics of the railroad property, I was able to look into the front doors and see clear through to the back wall of the stage house. Even the lobby was ripped clean of all finishing’s, except for the staircase. There was also a small hole in the rear loading dock door in which you could see the stripped auditorium. I do have exterior shots from that trip,and subsequent visits, but I was never equipped to get shots of the dark interior.
Just back from London. I found several copies of the book at the gift shop of the “Tate Modern†Museum on the south bank of the Thames at the Millennium Bridge.
Yes, in the second pic, you can see a part of the light fixture and the arched doors. I was there this weekend and it looks like we may be getting some of the splendor back. The New Canopy lights have been installed, and they do not have the lowered “Stainless Steel” portion. However, that lower part is still installed on the inside of the ticket lobby.
I don’t have the pics on me, or the rights to publish them, but the marquee was “lowered” by the addition of a bottom section that lowered it’s clearence to the sidewalk. At the time of this change, the facade was altered, the doors changed, and the center box office installed. The side double doors were once under an arched entry. Right now, the old celing marquee which extended into the lobby is still in place.
The little grottos or alcoves or what not were supposed to have statues. I’m not the expert here, but am going off of pics I saw last week and the story I was told by the head of the local organ club.
LOL There is no difference in the “NEW” marquee and the one most recently gracing the theatre’s facade. THAT marquee, once had taller sides and a different under side “Canopy”. These were removed in earlier “renovations”.
You could always visit the friendlt neighborhood movie palace and ask for their assistance. For the right price, I’m sure that the announcement could be put on a theatre with a classic/historic marquee for you to shoot.
No self-respecting manager, espically if it’s a small town cinema or PAC, would turn down a few bucks, to let you photograph the marquee with “High Noon” displayed on it.
Finding the right theatre with a classic unaltered facade is your biggest task.
For those of you in the city, Watch Carefully! Demolition work has begun on the landmark marquee. The underside portion of the sign has been removed and scrapped. I watched workers testing the individual circuits last Friday.
Silver Screens to Golden Arches… what’s left of the Jeffery will be redeveloped.
http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140227/south-shore-above-79th/mcdonalds-replace-urban-partnership-bank-some-neighbors-not-thrilled
As noted in the local papers, this structure has been sold by the city of Oak Park and will be demolished for parking.
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According to this website: http://www.urbanremainschicago.com
The theatre is being salvaged. Anyone have an update?
“Straight Talk” 1992 Dolly Parton & James Russel. A Chicago radio station discovers it’s new (Dr. Laura-esque)talk show host, Dolly Parton.
Yes, for King Pharmaceuticals… VERY PROMINENT.
I can’t wait to go tonight and FINALLY get to enjoy the MOVIE instead of the SHOW going on in the theatre!
~Michael (From Cicero)
Isn’t this the same thing that closed the Patio theatre on the west side?
~Michael
So it can sit next to the “Chicago”.
~Michael
Well, all anyone needs is $$$ and time. There is an organ being sold by a club for around $10K and it’s in Patchogue, Long Island, NY.
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Michael
Here is another story and pics.
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Latest update from Chicago Sun-Times
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Print story has some photos – Pages 53&55.
~Michael
Here are 2 pics I took during one visit. One is a drawing of the “current” facade. The second was of a historical photo of the theatres early look.
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Michael
P.S. According to my notes and a check of the online database, the Crocker theatre had a Wurlitzer Style D (2 manual 6 rank) organ Opus 623 – installed on 3/30/1923.
Yes,
It was gutted. I first saw it in the winter of 1992-1993. I was doing a research paper for school on the Chicago, Aurora, & Elgin RR which had a power station to the north of the Crocker theatre. The Railroad track was located just behind the Crocker and the Rialto theatres.
When I went to take some research pics of the railroad property, I was able to look into the front doors and see clear through to the back wall of the stage house. Even the lobby was ripped clean of all finishing’s, except for the staircase. There was also a small hole in the rear loading dock door in which you could see the stripped auditorium. I do have exterior shots from that trip,and subsequent visits, but I was never equipped to get shots of the dark interior.
I too will miss this one.
~Michael
Just back from London. I found several copies of the book at the gift shop of the “Tate Modern†Museum on the south bank of the Thames at the Millennium Bridge.
Go get one NOW!!!!
~Michael
I’ve ordered mine!
Congratulations guys!
~Michael
Yes, in the second pic, you can see a part of the light fixture and the arched doors. I was there this weekend and it looks like we may be getting some of the splendor back. The New Canopy lights have been installed, and they do not have the lowered “Stainless Steel” portion. However, that lower part is still installed on the inside of the ticket lobby.
Michael
Try this one.
View link
M~
Brian, they were published, years ago. I’ll get them for you soon.
In the meantime… look at this pic and notice the stainless steel protion of the sign. The red light are a tip off to it’s local.
This was the “lowered section” which continued through the transom over the doors and into the ticket lobby.
View link
Michael
Brian,
I don’t have the pics on me, or the rights to publish them, but the marquee was “lowered” by the addition of a bottom section that lowered it’s clearence to the sidewalk. At the time of this change, the facade was altered, the doors changed, and the center box office installed. The side double doors were once under an arched entry. Right now, the old celing marquee which extended into the lobby is still in place.
The little grottos or alcoves or what not were supposed to have statues. I’m not the expert here, but am going off of pics I saw last week and the story I was told by the head of the local organ club.
Michael
LOL There is no difference in the “NEW” marquee and the one most recently gracing the theatre’s facade. THAT marquee, once had taller sides and a different under side “Canopy”. These were removed in earlier “renovations”.
Michael
Wonderful…
I will make sure to get pics when I am at work this weekend for the next update!
Brian, are they the full height sides, or the cut down version most recently on the side?
Michael
You could always visit the friendlt neighborhood movie palace and ask for their assistance. For the right price, I’m sure that the announcement could be put on a theatre with a classic/historic marquee for you to shoot.
No self-respecting manager, espically if it’s a small town cinema or PAC, would turn down a few bucks, to let you photograph the marquee with “High Noon” displayed on it.
Finding the right theatre with a classic unaltered facade is your biggest task.
Michael
Bryan,
Yes, it was… :) the Former State Lake Theatre to be exact.
Michael
For those of you in the city, Watch Carefully! Demolition work has begun on the landmark marquee. The underside portion of the sign has been removed and scrapped. I watched workers testing the individual circuits last Friday.