To gfm8959. The Amity was in the on the right hand side of the strip mall. I believe it was at the end of the building. If my mind serves me correctly, the shopping center was levelled and all was built anew. The left hand side with the Pathmark had a Grand Union, which was about the last tenent in the center. The Apple Bank, if that’s still there, was an add on to the center and was all that remained during the many years when Breslin never got his act together and built the new center. That was a big issue. It dragged on for years.
I’m not getting any mail from you at all. The only reason I’m responding to this is I got the notice from CT that someone had responded, etc.. And I’m getting a lot of other Email so I’m in a receiving mode. If you didn’t get the dreaded Daemon, where did it go. A thought, if you are willing to give me your EMail I’ll send a note to you and you can reply with photos and beat the system.
There is a way to put things on this site but I’m not a techie. If you have the capability to EMail then you have sufficient tools to add a photo to this site, that much I know. If you’d like to send me a personal copy I’m
What I’d like to see is a photo of the original marquee, that big boxy affair with hundreds of yellow incandescent running lights and the red and orange in the front.
Of course a ‘78 photo would be nice because the new marquee would not have been trashed by that truck.
They’ve got something new – “Church at the Movies”. They even have a van to transport people. I went past last Sunday and they really had a crowd. I wonder if films do as well.
Thanks Warren. Now, I’ll go back to the Library page – I see they haven’t corrected the address yet – to see what components you picked up to achieve the link and then I’ll try one of my own.
Very interesting film. But, what I don’t understand is why is the theatre still intact and yet it’s listed as a restaurant. From the photo posted by Lost Memory it appears that the auditorium is to the left of the restaurant. Were there multiple auditoriums and the one now houses the restaurant? The posting says single screen. Bryan, could you clarify this please.
So Dan, why do you presume this is the last National Amusements megaplex? Their financial condition, the economy, all the other factors which will eventual reduce the number of theatres? It would seem that Clearview is the only healthy company out there. They have a reputation for improving any property they acquire – maybe that’s the key. Tney acquire – I don’t think they do much or any building.
I was a teenager when the closed theatre was converted to retail space – I believe it was Lerner’s. I tried to see what remained of the old theatre through the construction. If my recollection is correct the entire facade of the building was removed. Also, in later years I remember standing on Steinway Street and looking back at the building reinforcing my theory that there was a whole new facade. But that was 50 years ago.
Were you ever there when both organs were in operation. Of all the many times I was there I was surprised, on one occasion, when a second organ was revealed. My favorite things were always the elevators. I remember one show when, after it finished playing, the orchestra did not sink into the pit, as usual, but was transported to the back of the stage and raised again to preside over the action. It eventually disappeared only to reappear at the usual location. Very impressive for a young child – or even an adult.
On Long Island I used to rely on mailings from the theatre chains themselves. Century had three groupings of theatre directories which came every other week – Northern Queens, Brooklyn, and Queens, Nassau and Suffolk. Prudential also had a Long Island Guide. I saved examples of these for more than 20 years only throwing them out when I moved a few years ago. Who knew I’d hook up with this site where such items are treasured. I still have some clipped Century ads, however, which for some reason, made the cut.
After seeing photos like this I almost think I’d prefer the building demolished. I always feel for abandoned buildings but they seem to stand more of a chance for revalization than one of the thousands of shuttered theatres. The Patchogue Plaza is the most glaring Long Island example.
This was one of many theatres that were incoroporated into strip shopping centers built in the 1960s. It seems larger than some since it has now been split into two retail spaces, a 99 cent store and Chinese take out. I would guess capacity between 300 and 400.
Since the shopping center is set well back from the road, one familiar with theatre construction can readily identify the space as being at the lefthand most corner. Then, when you are at the space there is the obvious “stepped” left exterior wall which was the norm in those days. The ceilings of both retail spaces are at the lobby height altho, from the exterior, it is apparent that the auditorium was fairly tall.
As an independent it was probably part of the AIT (Associated Independent Theatres) group.
Got more info on the hard top, altho not the opening date or the seating capacity and posted it. Interestingly, from the front of the former hardtop you can see the remains of the Drive-In which was only two blocks away. And another bit of trivia, both these theatres were at the western most part of Rocky Point ways away from Broadway which was the original town “way back then” before the sprawl onto 25A.
According to data from the Freeport Historical Society the theatre began operations in 1912 and was run by Charles and Jennie Reitmeyer. Over the years the theatre was renovated several times. While it didn’t start out as white it was painted in later years. As a wooden structure adjacent to the railroad tracks the building was known to shake when a train past.
In later years it was operated by Dr. Frank Calderone along with the Mineola and Westbury Theatres.
It’s final use before demolition, due to a grade crossing elimination project in 1959-60, was as a music school.
Incidentally, the name Grove Street was retired when the thorofare was renamed after local luminary and band leader Guy Lombardo.
Great pictures. Never had occasion to be inside. Never thought it would be so sleek.
To gfm8959. The Amity was in the on the right hand side of the strip mall. I believe it was at the end of the building. If my mind serves me correctly, the shopping center was levelled and all was built anew. The left hand side with the Pathmark had a Grand Union, which was about the last tenent in the center. The Apple Bank, if that’s still there, was an add on to the center and was all that remained during the many years when Breslin never got his act together and built the new center. That was a big issue. It dragged on for years.
The community has been trying to get rid of it for years but the owner keeps it as some sort of tax hedge.
I’m not getting any mail from you at all. The only reason I’m responding to this is I got the notice from CT that someone had responded, etc.. And I’m getting a lot of other Email so I’m in a receiving mode. If you didn’t get the dreaded Daemon, where did it go. A thought, if you are willing to give me your EMail I’ll send a note to you and you can reply with photos and beat the system.
Am I not correct in my presumption that the Sayville Theatre was virtually identical to the Brookhaven?
nothing
didn’t get it
There is a way to put things on this site but I’m not a techie. If you have the capability to EMail then you have sufficient tools to add a photo to this site, that much I know. If you’d like to send me a personal copy I’m
kitnoir could you also share the photo with the rest of us. The Bellerose was my home theatre for more than 25 years before I moved east.
What I’d like to see is a photo of the original marquee, that big boxy affair with hundreds of yellow incandescent running lights and the red and orange in the front.
Of course a ‘78 photo would be nice because the new marquee would not have been trashed by that truck.
They’ve got something new – “Church at the Movies”. They even have a van to transport people. I went past last Sunday and they really had a crowd. I wonder if films do as well.
Thanks Warren. Now, I’ll go back to the Library page – I see they haven’t corrected the address yet – to see what components you picked up to achieve the link and then I’ll try one of my own.
Aw, come on. That’s almost as bad as having a birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas eve which we do in my church.
Very interesting film. But, what I don’t understand is why is the theatre still intact and yet it’s listed as a restaurant. From the photo posted by Lost Memory it appears that the auditorium is to the left of the restaurant. Were there multiple auditoriums and the one now houses the restaurant? The posting says single screen. Bryan, could you clarify this please.
So Dan, why do you presume this is the last National Amusements megaplex? Their financial condition, the economy, all the other factors which will eventual reduce the number of theatres? It would seem that Clearview is the only healthy company out there. They have a reputation for improving any property they acquire – maybe that’s the key. Tney acquire – I don’t think they do much or any building.
I was a teenager when the closed theatre was converted to retail space – I believe it was Lerner’s. I tried to see what remained of the old theatre through the construction. If my recollection is correct the entire facade of the building was removed. Also, in later years I remember standing on Steinway Street and looking back at the building reinforcing my theory that there was a whole new facade. But that was 50 years ago.
Were you ever there when both organs were in operation. Of all the many times I was there I was surprised, on one occasion, when a second organ was revealed. My favorite things were always the elevators. I remember one show when, after it finished playing, the orchestra did not sink into the pit, as usual, but was transported to the back of the stage and raised again to preside over the action. It eventually disappeared only to reappear at the usual location. Very impressive for a young child – or even an adult.
On Long Island I used to rely on mailings from the theatre chains themselves. Century had three groupings of theatre directories which came every other week – Northern Queens, Brooklyn, and Queens, Nassau and Suffolk. Prudential also had a Long Island Guide. I saved examples of these for more than 20 years only throwing them out when I moved a few years ago. Who knew I’d hook up with this site where such items are treasured. I still have some clipped Century ads, however, which for some reason, made the cut.
After seeing photos like this I almost think I’d prefer the building demolished. I always feel for abandoned buildings but they seem to stand more of a chance for revalization than one of the thousands of shuttered theatres. The Patchogue Plaza is the most glaring Long Island example.
And did you? And what did they say?
Love the admission 10-25 cents. I’ve seen some 15cents and more alot earlier, pre depression. Definitely a bargain.
The address is 72 Indian Head Road.
This was one of many theatres that were incoroporated into strip shopping centers built in the 1960s. It seems larger than some since it has now been split into two retail spaces, a 99 cent store and Chinese take out. I would guess capacity between 300 and 400.
Since the shopping center is set well back from the road, one familiar with theatre construction can readily identify the space as being at the lefthand most corner. Then, when you are at the space there is the obvious “stepped” left exterior wall which was the norm in those days. The ceilings of both retail spaces are at the lobby height altho, from the exterior, it is apparent that the auditorium was fairly tall.
As an independent it was probably part of the AIT (Associated Independent Theatres) group.
Recent photo is all well and good. What was the outcome of the meeting. Has the fate of the theatre been sealed?
Got more info on the hard top, altho not the opening date or the seating capacity and posted it. Interestingly, from the front of the former hardtop you can see the remains of the Drive-In which was only two blocks away. And another bit of trivia, both these theatres were at the western most part of Rocky Point ways away from Broadway which was the original town “way back then” before the sprawl onto 25A.
According to data from the Freeport Historical Society the theatre began operations in 1912 and was run by Charles and Jennie Reitmeyer. Over the years the theatre was renovated several times. While it didn’t start out as white it was painted in later years. As a wooden structure adjacent to the railroad tracks the building was known to shake when a train past.
In later years it was operated by Dr. Frank Calderone along with the Mineola and Westbury Theatres.
It’s final use before demolition, due to a grade crossing elimination project in 1959-60, was as a music school.
Incidentally, the name Grove Street was retired when the thorofare was renamed after local luminary and band leader Guy Lombardo.