Mr Tomai,
Thanks for your reply concerning the corner of Hillside and Myrtle aves.
It may have been before my time ,but I believe the pool hall was above or in the bowling alley building. When I attended high school ,this corner was where I transferred buses, I would always stop by Jahn’s on the last day of school.I have heard of the kitchen sink, but never tried it.
Glad to hear you and your family have memories of Salerno’s, a fine Italian restaurant.Unfortunately, The Triangle Hofbrau closed about ten years ago.
Nice story Mr. Tomai, Salerno’s is still there, and your quite right, it is a great block. At one time across the street, there was a bowling alley and a German restaurant called Triangle Hofbrau, which are unfortunately defunct today.
Eddie’s sweet shop and Jahn’s ice cream parlor are two treasures of the food industry. Never visited Eddie’s , I heard their egg creams rival any ice cream or restaurant venue in New York. How ironic that the buildings that support a bygone era of movie palaces,
supports the bygone era of ice cream parlors! In other words, Carvel and Baskin Robbins don’t even come close, its all about atmosphere!
Even Nathans of Coney Island sets the example,one of my favorite places,Coney Island, is nothing without a Nathan’s hot dog and fries.
Same holds true for ballparks, compare seeing a baseball game at Ebbets Field, to seeing one at Shea Stadium, no contest!
PKoch
I read the RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill page two days ago,very intriguing to say the least. I under stand its “A Diamond in the Rough”.Apparently you and I think on similar terms, after reading the
page and your suggestion, I think its time for another “Detailed Report”, and just to keep the nostalgia going, I may get a sundae at Jahn’s, a most unique and original ice cream parlor.
Have you ever visited the Keith’s RH? Have you visited Jahns? If so ,have you tried out that player piano? I was there about two years ago on a date, and witnessed that piano and was fascinated by it.
Thanks PKoch ,appreciate the hospitality!
Bway,thanks for your reply concerning the door in the Madison’s balcony, just to re-cap, I did purchase some items during my recent visit, and may buy more, cal you direct me to that door,so I can visit a second time?
Mr. Tomai, when you left in 1979 was during the era of multiplexing,and many theaters were converting to stay alive.sad to say its a different world here in NYC since you left, many of the grand palaces are gone. Check out my RKO Bushwick posts, and its pictures,hope you enjoy them!
Bway, Thanks you for your reply concerning my recent first visit to the former RKO Madison.
We both had the same walk through, and the same results, but you did inspire me to do it! My apologies for not recognizing you as the person who did the walk through on a previous post. When I did explore the balcony that door you mentioned was open, I peered in and it was simply an exit staircase down to the orchestra level, I would have hoped to see the original walls in the staircase, but it was all sheetrocked. Apparently the fire that occurred in the 70’s may have been severe enough to damage Madison so much, that the new owners decided to cover the damage instead of repairing it.
Upon visiting the Madison for the first time last week, I asked my mother if she ever attended it, and what was it like? She replied very briefly, “oh that was a beautiful place, its a shame what happened to it”.
As a movie goer who started going to the movie palaces during their decline, I have to say that there is a difference going to them as compared to the modern theaters. The old ones have a certain charm and splendor that sets them apart from any other venues. The distinguished architecture made you feel you were in a building that was exceptional.In other words, its the atmosphere that sets them apart. My mother once told me about Jamaica’s( N.Y.) Valencia, she said it had a ceiling full of stars that twinkled through the movie,giving the impression of being under a night sky. Prior to the days of air conditioning this atmospheric effect was most likely comforting on a hot summer night.
PKoch.
Indeed, it felt exactly like my heart took a direct hit, but its true that time heals all wounds, and with the tremendous strength that God has given me I can cope with it, and by sharing my memories with fellow members and friends, it makes me even stronger.
PKoch,
Thank you, I will always remember the movie Ghost,its so ironic that this scene ,along with my memory of my wife and the Commodore all come together, so you could imagine my reaction to seeing it being destroyed.
PKoch,
I do not know the number of the theater Commodore, but ,yes, it is the one at Broadway and Marcy, in Brooklyn ,if you go to the top of the page and perform a search of this now defunct (Ugh!) theater you will find it, and thanks for your interest.
PKoch your welcome, I have finally visited the Madison!
In regards to the staircase, I wonder why one would want to desecrate
such a structure? It seemed almost as if the stairs were removed and rebuilt.Madison had mirrors? Thats a most unusual feature, especially for the concession stand! As for the movies you viewed there , especially the Dracula feature, the classic theaters were the perfect venue to view horrors, especially with the house lights down, a sort of creepy essence was appearing, thats one quality newer houses can never replicate. It always seems the first and last things you do in life are most remembered , I’m sure “Taxi Driver” holds true to this.
Read my Commodore posting about the movie “Ghost”.
..Upon checking out, taking in all I could, I noticed a ceiling tile that was removed half way, perhaps because there are several roof leaks, many tiles are stained. Ah some old glory I said..afraid not,its so dark above the ceiling,I could not see anything. I’m sure there’s Madison’s past hanging above that ceiling. Finally stepping out through the main entrance I paused to think of all the people famous and not, that passed through. It really is sad, how this venue,was built to compete, and lost , through, television, changing cultures, the ‘77 blackout, and sadly arson. A bleak ending to a historic structure,its shell remains our last reminder to it’s glorious past.Hope you enjoyed my report!
..Looking perplexed she replied “Yes it’s very big”. With that reply I wished her good day and proceed to the orchestra level. I walked to the center under the balcony, and looked 360 degrees. I could see the foyer and then the seats ,then the stage, having been to other classic theaters, I was amazed at Madison’s density and square footage. I tried peering into open rooms to the sides for a shot asome old glory..nothing!Standing in the middle of the orchestra, I could only imagine where I was standing how many people took in the opulence this builing once possesed.The cashiers are below the right hand front opera box, i knew this by seeing that 1927 photo that was shown on this page. Next post please….
Hello friends, as I have posted previously, I have visited the former RKO Madison building. Warren was quite correct,as far as the interior goes, the only remnants left are the staircase to the balcony which is really a drab modernization of a former “grand” staircase,and the outline of the baclcony’s edge.The balcony and orchestra have been leveled. I went to the balcony and it was very large,there was pretty saleslady sitting at the top of the stairs,reminding me of an usher by where she was sitting!No remnants at all, no open ceiling tiles to peer into,nothing, very disappointing!So on my way down, I spoke to her again,telling her my “mission”.I said “Did you know this used to be a theater?Your sitting in the balcony”. Next post please..
Prior to its construction, proposals were to name this theater The Beacon, until they decided to name it after the adjoining street, and former U.S. president, James Madison.
PKoch,
As a young man, I was always fascinated by trolleys, so my father, (greatest man in my life), took me to the trolley museum in Connecticut to look and feel the experience of something I missed out on. Just like Madison, I want to walk in and feel what I missed!
As for that stretch of right of way through Ridgewood, again my father showed me those exposed tracks one sunny day, to help me appreciate the past, he did even one better, a friend of his was a contractor who did construction on streets. He had this man cut a section of trolley track and paint it silver, which i use as a book shelf end piece. My father was a great man, i’m sure yours was too!
Now that I see the picture, perhaps when I drove down Madison St. to see the back, I looked up to the left or behind the right side,on Myrtle ave., thats where that bricked up door is.
Hello friends,http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb60/panzer65/madisontheater.jpg heres of RKO Madison’s few remnants, a faded but vintage sign on the right side wall.
The Lutheran Extension also featured a trolley right of way below, whose remnants still exist today, check out this piece of nostalgia and enjoy!! View link
PKoch,
Thanks for your reply concerning Madison’s sign and the adjoining buildings.
Well when I looked up at the massive size of this building, I noticed three things, a bricked up doorway, stair supports removed, and fading paint,it was so hard to decipher what it said, but I do remember seeing a post with that painted sign still visible.
I beleive the section running from Wyckoff ave to Metropolitan Ave was known as the Lutheran Extension, referring to the cemetery it abutted.
Mr Tomai,
Thanks for your reply concerning the corner of Hillside and Myrtle aves.
It may have been before my time ,but I believe the pool hall was above or in the bowling alley building. When I attended high school ,this corner was where I transferred buses, I would always stop by Jahn’s on the last day of school.I have heard of the kitchen sink, but never tried it.
Glad to hear you and your family have memories of Salerno’s, a fine Italian restaurant.Unfortunately, The Triangle Hofbrau closed about ten years ago.
Nice story Mr. Tomai, Salerno’s is still there, and your quite right, it is a great block. At one time across the street, there was a bowling alley and a German restaurant called Triangle Hofbrau, which are unfortunately defunct today.
Eddie’s sweet shop and Jahn’s ice cream parlor are two treasures of the food industry. Never visited Eddie’s , I heard their egg creams rival any ice cream or restaurant venue in New York. How ironic that the buildings that support a bygone era of movie palaces,
supports the bygone era of ice cream parlors! In other words, Carvel and Baskin Robbins don’t even come close, its all about atmosphere!
Even Nathans of Coney Island sets the example,one of my favorite places,Coney Island, is nothing without a Nathan’s hot dog and fries.
Same holds true for ballparks, compare seeing a baseball game at Ebbets Field, to seeing one at Shea Stadium, no contest!
PKoch
I read the RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill page two days ago,very intriguing to say the least. I under stand its “A Diamond in the Rough”.Apparently you and I think on similar terms, after reading the
page and your suggestion, I think its time for another “Detailed Report”, and just to keep the nostalgia going, I may get a sundae at Jahn’s, a most unique and original ice cream parlor.
Have you ever visited the Keith’s RH? Have you visited Jahns? If so ,have you tried out that player piano? I was there about two years ago on a date, and witnessed that piano and was fascinated by it.
Thanks PKoch ,appreciate the hospitality!
Bway,thanks for your reply concerning the door in the Madison’s balcony, just to re-cap, I did purchase some items during my recent visit, and may buy more, cal you direct me to that door,so I can visit a second time?
Mr. Tomai, when you left in 1979 was during the era of multiplexing,and many theaters were converting to stay alive.sad to say its a different world here in NYC since you left, many of the grand palaces are gone. Check out my RKO Bushwick posts, and its pictures,hope you enjoy them!
Bway, Thanks you for your reply concerning my recent first visit to the former RKO Madison.
We both had the same walk through, and the same results, but you did inspire me to do it! My apologies for not recognizing you as the person who did the walk through on a previous post. When I did explore the balcony that door you mentioned was open, I peered in and it was simply an exit staircase down to the orchestra level, I would have hoped to see the original walls in the staircase, but it was all sheetrocked. Apparently the fire that occurred in the 70’s may have been severe enough to damage Madison so much, that the new owners decided to cover the damage instead of repairing it.
Upon visiting the Madison for the first time last week, I asked my mother if she ever attended it, and what was it like? She replied very briefly, “oh that was a beautiful place, its a shame what happened to it”.
As a movie goer who started going to the movie palaces during their decline, I have to say that there is a difference going to them as compared to the modern theaters. The old ones have a certain charm and splendor that sets them apart from any other venues. The distinguished architecture made you feel you were in a building that was exceptional.In other words, its the atmosphere that sets them apart. My mother once told me about Jamaica’s( N.Y.) Valencia, she said it had a ceiling full of stars that twinkled through the movie,giving the impression of being under a night sky. Prior to the days of air conditioning this atmospheric effect was most likely comforting on a hot summer night.
Nice story micheelandanniegirl, the classic theaters have some many memories for everyone that attended them.
PKoch.
Indeed, it felt exactly like my heart took a direct hit, but its true that time heals all wounds, and with the tremendous strength that God has given me I can cope with it, and by sharing my memories with fellow members and friends, it makes me even stronger.
PKoch,
Thank you, I will always remember the movie Ghost,its so ironic that this scene ,along with my memory of my wife and the Commodore all come together, so you could imagine my reaction to seeing it being destroyed.
PKoch,
I do not know the number of the theater Commodore, but ,yes, it is the one at Broadway and Marcy, in Brooklyn ,if you go to the top of the page and perform a search of this now defunct (Ugh!) theater you will find it, and thanks for your interest.
PKoch your welcome, I have finally visited the Madison!
In regards to the staircase, I wonder why one would want to desecrate
such a structure? It seemed almost as if the stairs were removed and rebuilt.Madison had mirrors? Thats a most unusual feature, especially for the concession stand! As for the movies you viewed there , especially the Dracula feature, the classic theaters were the perfect venue to view horrors, especially with the house lights down, a sort of creepy essence was appearing, thats one quality newer houses can never replicate. It always seems the first and last things you do in life are most remembered , I’m sure “Taxi Driver” holds true to this.
Read my Commodore posting about the movie “Ghost”.
..Upon checking out, taking in all I could, I noticed a ceiling tile that was removed half way, perhaps because there are several roof leaks, many tiles are stained. Ah some old glory I said..afraid not,its so dark above the ceiling,I could not see anything. I’m sure there’s Madison’s past hanging above that ceiling. Finally stepping out through the main entrance I paused to think of all the people famous and not, that passed through. It really is sad, how this venue,was built to compete, and lost , through, television, changing cultures, the ‘77 blackout, and sadly arson. A bleak ending to a historic structure,its shell remains our last reminder to it’s glorious past.Hope you enjoyed my report!
..Looking perplexed she replied “Yes it’s very big”. With that reply I wished her good day and proceed to the orchestra level. I walked to the center under the balcony, and looked 360 degrees. I could see the foyer and then the seats ,then the stage, having been to other classic theaters, I was amazed at Madison’s density and square footage. I tried peering into open rooms to the sides for a shot asome old glory..nothing!Standing in the middle of the orchestra, I could only imagine where I was standing how many people took in the opulence this builing once possesed.The cashiers are below the right hand front opera box, i knew this by seeing that 1927 photo that was shown on this page. Next post please….
Hello friends, as I have posted previously, I have visited the former RKO Madison building. Warren was quite correct,as far as the interior goes, the only remnants left are the staircase to the balcony which is really a drab modernization of a former “grand” staircase,and the outline of the baclcony’s edge.The balcony and orchestra have been leveled. I went to the balcony and it was very large,there was pretty saleslady sitting at the top of the stairs,reminding me of an usher by where she was sitting!No remnants at all, no open ceiling tiles to peer into,nothing, very disappointing!So on my way down, I spoke to her again,telling her my “mission”.I said “Did you know this used to be a theater?Your sitting in the balcony”. Next post please..
Prior to its construction, proposals were to name this theater The Beacon, until they decided to name it after the adjoining street, and former U.S. president, James Madison.
PKoch,
As a young man, I was always fascinated by trolleys, so my father, (greatest man in my life), took me to the trolley museum in Connecticut to look and feel the experience of something I missed out on. Just like Madison, I want to walk in and feel what I missed!
As for that stretch of right of way through Ridgewood, again my father showed me those exposed tracks one sunny day, to help me appreciate the past, he did even one better, a friend of his was a contractor who did construction on streets. He had this man cut a section of trolley track and paint it silver, which i use as a book shelf end piece. My father was a great man, i’m sure yours was too!
Your welcome PKoch
My report on Madison’s interior will be shortly!
View link
Now that I see the picture, perhaps when I drove down Madison St. to see the back, I looked up to the left or behind the right side,on Myrtle ave., thats where that bricked up door is.
View link
Hello friends,http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb60/panzer65/madisontheater.jpg heres of RKO Madison’s few remnants, a faded but vintage sign on the right side wall.
The Lutheran Extension also featured a trolley right of way below, whose remnants still exist today, check out this piece of nostalgia and enjoy!! View link
PKoch,
Thanks for your reply concerning Madison’s sign and the adjoining buildings.
Well when I looked up at the massive size of this building, I noticed three things, a bricked up doorway, stair supports removed, and fading paint,it was so hard to decipher what it said, but I do remember seeing a post with that painted sign still visible.
I beleive the section running from Wyckoff ave to Metropolitan Ave was known as the Lutheran Extension, referring to the cemetery it abutted.