DeWitt Theatre
537 Broadway,
Bayonne,
NJ
07002
537 Broadway,
Bayonne,
NJ
07002
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The DeWitt Theater was built for Joseph Hockstein, owner of the older theater at 511 Broadway later known as the Strand. Here is the notice from the September 16, 1922 issue of Moving Picture World: “BAYONNE, N. J.— Jacob Hockstein, 511 Broadway, has plans by Carl I. Goldberg, 467 Broadway, for three-story brick theatre, store and office building, 118 by 175 feet, to be erected at southwest corner Broadway and 25th street.” Architect Goldberg had drawn the plans for remodeling the Strand (then called the Broadway) for Hockstein in 1917.
The DeWitt named after property owner DeWitt Van Buskirk. I do recall the theater showing family oriented movies, however, before it’s closing, they ran horror flicks complete with barf bag for the patron. Too bad that the theater was demolished, but money talks.
Grand opening ad posted.
Picture of the December 20, 1923 grand opening of the Bayonne DeWitt Theatre in photos. Opening day consisted of films and an impressive musical performance on the new Wurlitzer opus 710 organ there.
The McDonald’s opened in the fall of 1973 when I was in the eighth grade. We had lunch breaks from school then for about an hour and remember going there on opening day from #3 School. Looking back, what a travesty that was to replace such a beautiful theater with garbage like McDonald’s. Whoever says it was 1975 is dead wrong,it closed when I was 12, remember very well.
The DeWitt showed it’s final movie “The Concert For Bangladesh” with another earlier Rock Movie called “Popcorn” in the late summer of 1972. It would then host three days of concerts, among the acts The Chambers Bros. right after this last film. After that, its doors closed for good. Demolition began in early 1973.
When i was around 9 years old my mom took me to the DeWitt theater i saw the three stooges Moe Shemp and Joe with officer Joe Bolton it was around 1961
I saw many a movie at The DeWitt Theatre. I was a teenager when it was demolished in the mid 70’s. It was sad seeing the theatre torn down and be replaced by a Mcdonald’s. The Petridis hot dog truck was on 25th street, just around the corner from the theatre. Fortunately it wasn’t put out of business when Mcdonald’s came. Petridis Hot Dogs opened shop right on 25th street. Later on it moved a few doors down, where it still stands today.
Here is American Classic Images' pic of the DeWitt. The 1968 date would seem to be a little early given that * The French Connection * is shown as a coming attraction on the front of the marquee.
Hi Lost Memory,
Hi,
I’m a member of the Three Stooges Fan Club in Pennsylvania. The Fan Club also has a museum: www.stoogeum.com
The Fan Club is presently trying to compile a list of all Three Stooges personal appearances. We’re sure there were personal appearances in the North Jersey area. The era may range from 1930’s to 1980’s. Please let us know how a search like this could be done. The 1960’s to 1980’s appearances may have been in connection with Officer Joe Bolton. If you’re able to document any appearances, please email e at:
Thanks,
Frank Reighter
Based on above comments this listing should be changed to demolished.
This appeared to be a huge theater. Anyone know the style? Was it lavishly appointed or utilitarian?
1942 ad courtesy of Bill Huelbig:
View link
Listed in the 1944 FDY as part of Warner Bros. Listed as part of Stanley Warner Corp. in the 1961 Film Daily Yearbook.
“The DeWitt, on Broadway and 25th Street, where a McDonald’s now stands, went out of business in 1975, said Joseph E. Ryan, Bayonne’s public information director.”
New York Times. (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Mar 27, 2005. pg. 14NJ.5
Wurlitzer organ opus 710 installed on 9/30/1923.