I was amazed stepping in this store, after my mother telling me what beautiful theater this was, that this photo was the only recognizable feature of the former theater, the balcony outline.
Hello everyone, been away from CT for awhile, I do recall reading from the old CT format that the answer to Peter’s question is that the bowling alley was short lived, the closing date was 1966. With all the configuration changes to this building, it is interesting to see if further alterations will uncover any architecture. Chances are the second floor ceiling has some.I believe a theater to gym conversion occurred in Brooklyn where the proscenium was dominant in the new design. I still wonder if anything exists currently, besides the brick facade under the siding.
Imagine removing that siding on the facade and revealing the former brick, who knows what lies underneath! Since the building still stands from the theater days, and a bowling alley conversion in the 60’s, the jackpot question is:how much remains inside from the theater?
The architectural elements of this theater were quite simplistic to say the least. being this is a movie house from the dawn of the movie palace, which Thomas Lamb excelled at, its intersting to see the two things that the designers added, the urns, and the cut outs that seemes to resemble window cut outs, which were perhaps most visible during the building’s life from the Marcy ave.train station.
I’m very saddened to see the time go by and slowly erode the beloved theater I attended as a teenager in my hometown. Even if it is saved, its apparent that little respect is given to a building that brought simple pleasures of seeing a movie in a classic setting such as the experience of going to the movies. Perhaps movies will once again play at Ridgewood, and I found it quite difficult to even consider posting this link, but as much as it hurts to see these photos, it does send a message that we look away from such grand examples of American movie houses, even if they are the more humble type from before the age of the movie palace.http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/75-abandoned-theaters-from-around-the-usa
Peter, if I remember correctly, Julius DeRosa, chief architect of the Madison, worked under renowned theater architect Thomas Lamb for some time. Besides the balustrades being similar, do you recall any other similarities in the Madison to the Ridgewood? DeRosa seemed to have a flair for the Romanesque design, which through only a few photos could I understand this. The one memory I have of Ridgewood in is one screen configuration is its huge chandelier, which I remember being afraid to sit under. Did Madison also have one? A prevoius post mentioned that Ridgewood also has an organ, and upon removing the partition walls, an organ was discovered
behind one of the decorative wall grilles. My reading also indicates Madison had an organ too, including an orchestra pit in front of the stage. Perhaps thats where Madison’s organ was. Was it operational when you were there as an active theater?
I think Mr. DiMola is seeing dollar signs to do a demolition job, and to cash in on pricelees artifacts from the Ridgewood. Consequently, he also is using the theater to get publicity, he already appeared in the Daily news twice, proud that he already pilfered some artifacts. Thanks NativeForestHiller for the proscenium photos, they are just the way I remember them when I attended as a teen in the 70’s. I wish there was a photo of the chandelier, if its still there. I bet the vultures already are eyeing it!
Indeed but there’s one distinct difference….The Michigan was a palace style venue that has been desecrated, while the Richmond Hill is a perfect example of a functioning neighborhood style movie house…I hope they protect it in some way..and when they do, it should remain untouched as a throwback to the way movies were meant to be viewed.
Indeed but there’s one distinct difference….The Michigan was a palace style venue that has been desecrated, while the Richmond Hill is a perfect example of a functioning neighborhood style movie house…I hope they protect it in some way..and when they do, it should remain untouched as a throwback to the way movies were meant to be viewed.
Extending the train route that runs along Myrtle ave would definitely bring much vibrancy to the shopping district, and perhaps less parking problems. If this plan was already completed, the Ridgewood would no doubt still be an active cinema.
One more thing about the proposed parking garage, I remember reading the RKO Madison page that after its demise, the same proposal was destined for the Madison also?
Indeed Peter, New York being a city that evolved by way of the train and trolley, its planners never realized that the automobile would dominate as the prime source of transportation.As with classic movie houses, their existence would only flourish for a short time until the the dawn of the television age. That being said,most older NYC infrastructure cannot support such vehicle activity. That being said, the best solution is to build municipal parking garages where feasible, without compromising historic structures. The city should look into revenue generating methods of vehicle parking facilities, instead of so many residential buildings.
I saw a theater somewhere in the US that was converted to a garage, many of the ornate features were retained, but they got very shabby from lack of maintenance. Our beloved Ridgewood does not deserve this kind of conversion.
Just like the Madison, if you look close enough you can find theater remnants.
Never knew this was a movie house, appears the exterior was altered extensively. Wonder if any theater remnants remain?
I was amazed stepping in this store, after my mother telling me what beautiful theater this was, that this photo was the only recognizable feature of the former theater, the balcony outline.
Hello everyone, been away from CT for awhile, I do recall reading from the old CT format that the answer to Peter’s question is that the bowling alley was short lived, the closing date was 1966. With all the configuration changes to this building, it is interesting to see if further alterations will uncover any architecture. Chances are the second floor ceiling has some.I believe a theater to gym conversion occurred in Brooklyn where the proscenium was dominant in the new design. I still wonder if anything exists currently, besides the brick facade under the siding.
Imagine removing that siding on the facade and revealing the former brick, who knows what lies underneath! Since the building still stands from the theater days, and a bowling alley conversion in the 60’s, the jackpot question is:how much remains inside from the theater?
The architectural elements of this theater were quite simplistic to say the least. being this is a movie house from the dawn of the movie palace, which Thomas Lamb excelled at, its intersting to see the two things that the designers added, the urns, and the cut outs that seemes to resemble window cut outs, which were perhaps most visible during the building’s life from the Marcy ave.train station.
Hi Peter,
After seeing the happy news that the Loews Kings is being saved, and marveling at all its interior photos, I can say YES! The Kings is #49!
Link from prior post:
View link
I’m very saddened to see the time go by and slowly erode the beloved theater I attended as a teenager in my hometown. Even if it is saved, its apparent that little respect is given to a building that brought simple pleasures of seeing a movie in a classic setting such as the experience of going to the movies. Perhaps movies will once again play at Ridgewood, and I found it quite difficult to even consider posting this link, but as much as it hurts to see these photos, it does send a message that we look away from such grand examples of American movie houses, even if they are the more humble type from before the age of the movie palace.http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/75-abandoned-theaters-from-around-the-usa
I hope the restoration of this beautiful palace from the past will save more of this American Icons!!
Thank you for your vigilance Peter.
This photo really exemplifies what a stunning palace the Madison was, thanks for posting Bway.
Peter, if I remember correctly, Julius DeRosa, chief architect of the Madison, worked under renowned theater architect Thomas Lamb for some time. Besides the balustrades being similar, do you recall any other similarities in the Madison to the Ridgewood? DeRosa seemed to have a flair for the Romanesque design, which through only a few photos could I understand this. The one memory I have of Ridgewood in is one screen configuration is its huge chandelier, which I remember being afraid to sit under. Did Madison also have one? A prevoius post mentioned that Ridgewood also has an organ, and upon removing the partition walls, an organ was discovered
behind one of the decorative wall grilles. My reading also indicates Madison had an organ too, including an orchestra pit in front of the stage. Perhaps thats where Madison’s organ was. Was it operational when you were there as an active theater?
I think Mr. DiMola is seeing dollar signs to do a demolition job, and to cash in on pricelees artifacts from the Ridgewood. Consequently, he also is using the theater to get publicity, he already appeared in the Daily news twice, proud that he already pilfered some artifacts. Thanks NativeForestHiller for the proscenium photos, they are just the way I remember them when I attended as a teen in the 70’s. I wish there was a photo of the chandelier, if its still there. I bet the vultures already are eyeing it!
While were on the subject of quotes:
“We will be judged not by the buildings we create, but by those we destroy”
A piece of Ridgewood’s history being removed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmY9yoG1Cug
Paging Donald Trump!
Indeed but there’s one distinct difference….The Michigan was a palace style venue that has been desecrated, while the Richmond Hill is a perfect example of a functioning neighborhood style movie house…I hope they protect it in some way..and when they do, it should remain untouched as a throwback to the way movies were meant to be viewed.
Indeed but there’s one distinct difference….The Michigan was a palace style venue that has been desecrated, while the Richmond Hill is a perfect example of a functioning neighborhood style movie house…I hope they protect it in some way..and when they do, it should remain untouched as a throwback to the way movies were meant to be viewed.
Extending the train route that runs along Myrtle ave would definitely bring much vibrancy to the shopping district, and perhaps less parking problems. If this plan was already completed, the Ridgewood would no doubt still be an active cinema.
One more thing about the proposed parking garage, I remember reading the RKO Madison page that after its demise, the same proposal was destined for the Madison also?
Indeed Peter, New York being a city that evolved by way of the train and trolley, its planners never realized that the automobile would dominate as the prime source of transportation.As with classic movie houses, their existence would only flourish for a short time until the the dawn of the television age. That being said,most older NYC infrastructure cannot support such vehicle activity. That being said, the best solution is to build municipal parking garages where feasible, without compromising historic structures. The city should look into revenue generating methods of vehicle parking facilities, instead of so many residential buildings.
Thank you fellow CT friends for the interesting postings and sad photos of the former Michigan.
I saw a theater somewhere in the US that was converted to a garage, many of the ornate features were retained, but they got very shabby from lack of maintenance. Our beloved Ridgewood does not deserve this kind of conversion.
I can see why, many early TV show seems to reflect the Vaudeville acts of old. “Your Show of Shows”, “The Toast of the Town” etc.
Thank you Mr. Salters.