WLIW, Channel 21, Long Island PBS, broadcast a repeat of their RCMH special ( for pledges, of course). Interestingly, I received a mail order catalogue which had the program available for $19.98, less than it would have been by pledging.
I was never inside this theatre but found the signage unique. Am I not correct in remembering this and the Deer Park as having the only yellow signs of all the Long Island theatres?
Looking at those choices, 1948 must have been the only year when my parents didn’t take me to RCMH or any of the other biggies over the holidays. I would assume, however, that we did get in to see the tree and the holiday windows. Now only Lord and Taylor has animated windows.
Well, at least during the summer there was a sign saying the marquee was being repaired. But the last time I went by the sign was down. Perhaps in prep for the new marquee?
There is a followup to the October article in the November issue of the Peconic Bay Shopper. The cover shows the screen. In addition to a few more rememberances they have printed a copy of the Prudential Eastern LI Theatre Guide for one week in 1958. That, itself, is a treasure.
According to an article in the Smithtown Star for January 20, 1960- “St. James as it used to be” by Robert Markle, the theatre was transferred from this site to a ground floor location around the corner (Second Street)because of safety concerns about a large number of people on the second floor. No date was given.
In the article in the November 7, 1985 Smithtown News it was indicated that, despite occupancy by two previous owners, the office and projection room (sans equipment) were intact. The original bathrooms were found when walls were opened up. The portions of the stage which remained were incorporated in the final redesign of the space.
Are there no photos of this building, even in its derelict condition? For a house of this size and importance I would think there would, at least, be postcard images.
I originally got this information from a book called Images of America – St. James by Geoffrey Fleming. There is picture of the building which housed the original theatre on the second floor. Not a very good picture. Can’t really see any signage for the theatre. In the same book on the facing page is a 1927 aerial photo of St. James in which the image of the third and last St. James Theatre appears. I also created the site for that theatre. Both buildings still remain in use. I’m trying to get more information on both.
As the Carey Playhouse I saw Gershwin’s “Tap Toes” featuring Georgia Engel and Rusty Thatcher. It’s always sad when a space named for someone is rededicated to someone else losing the heritage of the space and, sometimes, as in the case of Broadway Theatres, all references to names of the past. And just who is the Rose named for? We know the Harvey of the BAM Harvey.
The Peconic Bay Shopper for October, a local monthly publication available free, for October 2010 has an article about the Skyway as part of it’s preserving North Fork (Long Island) history. For those not in the area you can view this issue by going to:
academyprintingservices.com/peconic_bay_shopper and excercise the prompt to pull up the October issue. The article contains general information about the development of drive-ins and the specifics of the creation of this, the second on Long Island, after the Sunrise in Valley Stream, by local individuals, the later sale to Prudential and some rememberances. There are a number of pictures of the construction, but they really just show open land, no real construction or the final product. CT doesn’t give the ability to report the number of auto spaces in the formal heading but the article indicates weekend shows would draw 400 to 600 cars. That, figuring the location, is phenominal!
Tinseltoes. If the movie only lasted three weeks, was the stage show held over for the next picture? Alot of production for just three weeks. And what was the next picture and how soon did it come in? Was the Music Hall dark?
In a continued effort to upgrade the theatre the old marquee has been removed. I’m curious to see what will cover the gaping hole in the front of the building. I would presume they would then address the box office, refreshment stand area.
I spoke with the receptionist at Natalie Weinstein Design Associates, the current occupent of the building, she said there is a framed article on the wall which describes the renovation of building which they did and certain “finds”. I’m awaiting a copy of this. To date the only photo I’ve seen is the aerial one I mentioned when I created this site. There is no detail. When I went by the site I was surprised how small the building actually is.
I expect to pursue the expansion of my posting thru the historical society and the library. Hopefully there will be pictures of it “in the day”.
Incidentally, in a conversation with Mr. Fleming, the author of the book, he said he actually has two of the cards advertising what was playing at the theatre. I didn’t explore that any further.
In his book “Images of America – St. James”, Geoffrey K. Fleming includes an aerial view of downtown in 1927, including the theatre. Much of the land is vacant or wooded, an unusual venue for a Calderone theatre. This was probably the smallest of the Calderone playhouses.
Did. They were no help when asked about a theatre. The key is going to be to examine anything about the Casino Hotel/Resort with the hope that there may be a slight reference. It’s a shame that Lost Memory is no longer a part of CT to find out what triggered the posting. Perhaps it was only something in the Directory of American Theatres or the like.
What a wonderful site and history of the theatre and Elvis, too. I was in the Hudson for a performance of Toys in the Attic and it was just a gray lady at that time. I wonder if they let you peak into the theatre now when nothing is going on. It looks spectacular.
Don’t know what the original auditorium decor was like but this is certainly impressive and tasteful.
Or, perhaps, the “facilities”
And what is even more interesting is that although the shopping complex is still called Eaton Centre, Eaton’s is no more. Now it’s Sears.
WLIW, Channel 21, Long Island PBS, broadcast a repeat of their RCMH special ( for pledges, of course). Interestingly, I received a mail order catalogue which had the program available for $19.98, less than it would have been by pledging.
I was never inside this theatre but found the signage unique. Am I not correct in remembering this and the Deer Park as having the only yellow signs of all the Long Island theatres?
Looking at those choices, 1948 must have been the only year when my parents didn’t take me to RCMH or any of the other biggies over the holidays. I would assume, however, that we did get in to see the tree and the holiday windows. Now only Lord and Taylor has animated windows.
Well, at least during the summer there was a sign saying the marquee was being repaired. But the last time I went by the sign was down. Perhaps in prep for the new marquee?
There is a followup to the October article in the November issue of the Peconic Bay Shopper. The cover shows the screen. In addition to a few more rememberances they have printed a copy of the Prudential Eastern LI Theatre Guide for one week in 1958. That, itself, is a treasure.
According to an article in the Smithtown Star for January 20, 1960- “St. James as it used to be” by Robert Markle, the theatre was transferred from this site to a ground floor location around the corner (Second Street)because of safety concerns about a large number of people on the second floor. No date was given.
Well, technically HE didn’t make his screen debut. Where are you getting your information for these, almost daily updates of RCMH attractions?
In the article in the November 7, 1985 Smithtown News it was indicated that, despite occupancy by two previous owners, the office and projection room (sans equipment) were intact. The original bathrooms were found when walls were opened up. The portions of the stage which remained were incorporated in the final redesign of the space.
Are there no photos of this building, even in its derelict condition? For a house of this size and importance I would think there would, at least, be postcard images.
I originally got this information from a book called Images of America – St. James by Geoffrey Fleming. There is picture of the building which housed the original theatre on the second floor. Not a very good picture. Can’t really see any signage for the theatre. In the same book on the facing page is a 1927 aerial photo of St. James in which the image of the third and last St. James Theatre appears. I also created the site for that theatre. Both buildings still remain in use. I’m trying to get more information on both.
As the Carey Playhouse I saw Gershwin’s “Tap Toes” featuring Georgia Engel and Rusty Thatcher. It’s always sad when a space named for someone is rededicated to someone else losing the heritage of the space and, sometimes, as in the case of Broadway Theatres, all references to names of the past. And just who is the Rose named for? We know the Harvey of the BAM Harvey.
Who said “Jean”?
Loved “Operation Petticoat” especially the encounters in the narrow corridors with a buxom blonde actress. Joan O'Brien?
The Peconic Bay Shopper for October, a local monthly publication available free, for October 2010 has an article about the Skyway as part of it’s preserving North Fork (Long Island) history. For those not in the area you can view this issue by going to:
academyprintingservices.com/peconic_bay_shopper and excercise the prompt to pull up the October issue. The article contains general information about the development of drive-ins and the specifics of the creation of this, the second on Long Island, after the Sunrise in Valley Stream, by local individuals, the later sale to Prudential and some rememberances. There are a number of pictures of the construction, but they really just show open land, no real construction or the final product. CT doesn’t give the ability to report the number of auto spaces in the formal heading but the article indicates weekend shows would draw 400 to 600 cars. That, figuring the location, is phenominal!
Tinseltoes. If the movie only lasted three weeks, was the stage show held over for the next picture? Alot of production for just three weeks. And what was the next picture and how soon did it come in? Was the Music Hall dark?
In a continued effort to upgrade the theatre the old marquee has been removed. I’m curious to see what will cover the gaping hole in the front of the building. I would presume they would then address the box office, refreshment stand area.
I spoke with the receptionist at Natalie Weinstein Design Associates, the current occupent of the building, she said there is a framed article on the wall which describes the renovation of building which they did and certain “finds”. I’m awaiting a copy of this. To date the only photo I’ve seen is the aerial one I mentioned when I created this site. There is no detail. When I went by the site I was surprised how small the building actually is.
I expect to pursue the expansion of my posting thru the historical society and the library. Hopefully there will be pictures of it “in the day”.
Incidentally, in a conversation with Mr. Fleming, the author of the book, he said he actually has two of the cards advertising what was playing at the theatre. I didn’t explore that any further.
Bands playing in the lobby? When was that? I was there a few time- Support Your Local Sheriff and Blazing Saddles. No band.
In his book “Images of America – St. James”, Geoffrey K. Fleming includes an aerial view of downtown in 1927, including the theatre. Much of the land is vacant or wooded, an unusual venue for a Calderone theatre. This was probably the smallest of the Calderone playhouses.
Did. They were no help when asked about a theatre. The key is going to be to examine anything about the Casino Hotel/Resort with the hope that there may be a slight reference. It’s a shame that Lost Memory is no longer a part of CT to find out what triggered the posting. Perhaps it was only something in the Directory of American Theatres or the like.
Then please excercise it. This has been going on since June.
What a wonderful site and history of the theatre and Elvis, too. I was in the Hudson for a performance of Toys in the Attic and it was just a gray lady at that time. I wonder if they let you peak into the theatre now when nothing is going on. It looks spectacular.