I recently visited this theatre in Albany and was told that their Wurlitzer organ that was installed on 1/1/31 is gone yet the lift area remains. Even though it is listed as atmospheric it isn’t atmospheric in the true sense of the word. Eberson did incorporate overhead ceiling alcoves depicting the sky and clouds.
“The 1,400-pipe Wurlitzer organ offered its own exotic flavor, treating patrons to such sounds as a glockenspiel, marimba, bird whistles, hoof beats and surf sounds.” I feel a sense of loss whenever I visit a grand theatre such as the Landmark and realize that their Mighty Wurlitzer is gone as it was such an important piece of history for these theatres and would complete the theatre’s special ambience. And I hope that Diane Lamb whose husband’s grandfather was Thomas Lamb contributes again to this site and other Lamb related theatres in the near future.
I have now seen the Landmark Theatre, in person and found it to be a true gem in downtown Syracuse, but was sorry to learn that the pipe organ is no longer in residence.
Great photos. I recently met a man whose daughter lives in Knoxville so I told him to be sure and check out the Tennessee when in that southern city! I was particularly pleased to see the restored ticket kios as that element was and is an important part to any historical theatre.
During my tours of theatres this summer I have noticed that many marquees are in need of repair or have changed in style over the years. The Palace Theatre in Albany NY returned their 70’s style marquee to the 30’s era, but added a moving neon board of lights which, imo, distracts and unfortunately the theatre does not still have their original organ nor ticket kios.
The Eberson ‘fist’ was above the right organ chamber in the Palace Theatre. I’m trying to locate a possible ‘fist’ in the Tampa Theatre interior photos that are on the Cinema Tour website, but haven’t spotted it as yet.
Does anyone know if this Eberson atmospheric has the Eberson ‘fist’ somewhere? I visited the atmospheric Palace Theatre in Canton Ohio this summer and was shown the fist in that theatre. Sorry that I can’t post my digital photo of this Eberson ‘touch’!
The marquee was certainly changed when you compare the 2 photos you have posted on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3. The Sept. 26 photo is what it looks like now, but I prefer the Oct. 3 marquee!
Will: I’ve been studying and admiring theatres with the Eberson connection as the atmospherics are my favorite theatre interiors. Thanks for the thorough explanation. When I find and read about an Eberson atmospheric theatre that has been demolished I am saddened because these theatres will never be reproduced only restored IF they are saved by a particular town or city!
I just reviewed the photos again and when I enlarged them I could see the mildew on the theatre seats which was so sad! The art deco design throughout the theatre is most unique and should have warranted being saved by city officials. They won’t realize what they had until it’s gone forever then it will be…too late!
“It sounds to me like if the back wall hadn’t been compromised, the preservation might have succeeded- is that right?” I agree with this Brian Wolf post of Nov. 2004. What is the answer to this question that is being asked again in 2005?
DeniedX: Unfortunately, this is the way of many small towns….the downtown areas are dying due to the advent of malls, etc. You have your memories and cherish them always, as do I, since my hometown theatre is gone, too. A nice park is on the site, but it will never replace the theatre and the memories I hold in my mind and heart.
Interesting! As I see it, neglect brought about “too much structural deterioration throughout”. This theatre in this community should have been completely saved and restored for future generations in loving memory to a great theatre architect, John Eberson!
DeniedX: Thanks for the photos. If this theatre wasn’t a wonderful example of art deco at its finest I don’t know what it would have been. It is a shame that this theatre was left to deteriorate as the photos show. Every detail of this theatre screamed ART DECO!
Interesting to read about this atmospheric theatre being built by architects/brothers, Robert and Carl Boller. I wonder how their atmospheric design compares to Eberson’s atmospheric ‘touch’. Also, is anyone aware of the famous Eberson fist that he included in his theatres? I recently toured the Palace Theatre in Canton Ohio and our tour guid, Rob Sees, showed me that theatre’s famous fist high above the auditorium! I wish I could include a photo with this post as it was a sight to behold.
I recently visited this theatre in Albany and was told that their Wurlitzer organ that was installed on 1/1/31 is gone yet the lift area remains. Even though it is listed as atmospheric it isn’t atmospheric in the true sense of the word. Eberson did incorporate overhead ceiling alcoves depicting the sky and clouds.
Would love to see a photo(s) of this former theatre in Hartford.
“The 1,400-pipe Wurlitzer organ offered its own exotic flavor, treating patrons to such sounds as a glockenspiel, marimba, bird whistles, hoof beats and surf sounds.” I feel a sense of loss whenever I visit a grand theatre such as the Landmark and realize that their Mighty Wurlitzer is gone as it was such an important piece of history for these theatres and would complete the theatre’s special ambience. And I hope that Diane Lamb whose husband’s grandfather was Thomas Lamb contributes again to this site and other Lamb related theatres in the near future.
I have now seen the Landmark Theatre, in person and found it to be a true gem in downtown Syracuse, but was sorry to learn that the pipe organ is no longer in residence.
Great photos. I recently met a man whose daughter lives in Knoxville so I told him to be sure and check out the Tennessee when in that southern city! I was particularly pleased to see the restored ticket kios as that element was and is an important part to any historical theatre.
During my tours of theatres this summer I have noticed that many marquees are in need of repair or have changed in style over the years. The Palace Theatre in Albany NY returned their 70’s style marquee to the 30’s era, but added a moving neon board of lights which, imo, distracts and unfortunately the theatre does not still have their original organ nor ticket kios.
The Eberson ‘fist’ was above the right organ chamber in the Palace Theatre. I’m trying to locate a possible ‘fist’ in the Tampa Theatre interior photos that are on the Cinema Tour website, but haven’t spotted it as yet.
Does anyone know if this Eberson atmospheric has the Eberson ‘fist’ somewhere? I visited the atmospheric Palace Theatre in Canton Ohio this summer and was shown the fist in that theatre. Sorry that I can’t post my digital photo of this Eberson ‘touch’!
The marquee was certainly changed when you compare the 2 photos you have posted on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3. The Sept. 26 photo is what it looks like now, but I prefer the Oct. 3 marquee!
lostmemory: Fantastic photos!
Gustavelifting: I’ll find out on Thursday a.m. while in Albany for a planned tour of the Palace!
Will: I’ve been studying and admiring theatres with the Eberson connection as the atmospherics are my favorite theatre interiors. Thanks for the thorough explanation. When I find and read about an Eberson atmospheric theatre that has been demolished I am saddened because these theatres will never be reproduced only restored IF they are saved by a particular town or city!
Chuck: Great photo of a great looking theatre! We all should have one this nice in our hometowns!
What is an Eberson “hardtop”?
lostmemory: Wow, what a neat site! I’ll be touring this theatre soon so will now have lots of background information prior to my visit.
Where is Yeadon PA….near Philly?
I just reviewed the photos again and when I enlarged them I could see the mildew on the theatre seats which was so sad! The art deco design throughout the theatre is most unique and should have warranted being saved by city officials. They won’t realize what they had until it’s gone forever then it will be…too late!
“It sounds to me like if the back wall hadn’t been compromised, the preservation might have succeeded- is that right?” I agree with this Brian Wolf post of Nov. 2004. What is the answer to this question that is being asked again in 2005?
DeniedX: Unfortunately, this is the way of many small towns….the downtown areas are dying due to the advent of malls, etc. You have your memories and cherish them always, as do I, since my hometown theatre is gone, too. A nice park is on the site, but it will never replace the theatre and the memories I hold in my mind and heart.
Interesting! As I see it, neglect brought about “too much structural deterioration throughout”. This theatre in this community should have been completely saved and restored for future generations in loving memory to a great theatre architect, John Eberson!
Also screams ART MODERNE! It really seems strange to me that a decision would be made to save the facade yet destroy the rest!?!
DeniedX: Thanks for the photos. If this theatre wasn’t a wonderful example of art deco at its finest I don’t know what it would have been. It is a shame that this theatre was left to deteriorate as the photos show. Every detail of this theatre screamed ART DECO!
Photos anyone?
Interesting to read about this atmospheric theatre being built by architects/brothers, Robert and Carl Boller. I wonder how their atmospheric design compares to Eberson’s atmospheric ‘touch’. Also, is anyone aware of the famous Eberson fist that he included in his theatres? I recently toured the Palace Theatre in Canton Ohio and our tour guid, Rob Sees, showed me that theatre’s famous fist high above the auditorium! I wish I could include a photo with this post as it was a sight to behold.
Any photos anyone?