PKoch,
The day I visited the outside of the former RKO Madison, I did not go on the EL, but I stood adjacent to the main entrance, the view was rather obstructed
but I did notice a faded sign painted on the wall, one of this once proud theater’s few remnants. I saw a picture in above postings.
Thanks for your comments friends, about the El and its tower, perhaps this building was an early remnant of when this line terminated at Myrtle and Wyckoff. I did notice a building to Madison’s right, over to the corner, it had an ornate facade, it appeared to be 1920’s vintage, anybody know its early function?
Hello friends, well as I previously posted, I intend on visiting the former Madison, and as luck has it, well it was not a sell out, but I attempted to go on a Sunday and low and behold I was done in by a sign of the times…No Parking!! I circled five times and had enough..but..I parked in the hydrant placed to the right and got out and stood beside that grand palace..briefly of course and gazed..that white facade looked distinct, only to have a drab sign placed over the front. I did notice the fire exit door on Madison’s balcony level was bricked up, I hope to see the other side on my next attempt,and i must say that the fire escape has been removed, a clue to me that the balcony may be altered. I felt the same way as I did in my Oasis post, the anticipation seeing that big building, and knowing you were going to a place you know you would enjoy yourself. I feel like Madison theater’s last fan!!
The booth in the Glenwood was on the second floor, which was the former balcony level, PKoch you mention that the Ridgewood and former Madison (which I still plan on visiting) had booths on the balcony level, which may confirm that the aforementioned one is indeed a remnant of theater days.
Upon viewing the poll page ,about classic theaters features, one reply mentioned that she misses phone booths, because of cell phone chatter during movies. I thought it would be interesting to fellow members that the Glenwood Bowl had a phone booth on the second floor. It was situated way to the side where it was somewhat quiet. It was constructed of wood, had folding doors, no sign,a seat, an exhaust fan and a switchable light. I do not recall phone booths in any theater I have visited, but if anyone has recollections I would love to hear them.
I am guessing that the booth I described may have been a theater remnant.
Its obvious the marquee is the remnant that stands out most, but regarding the floor, which is constructed of etched quarry tile, is sloped as you enter, if it was a newer floor, the slope would have been straightened, (like The Belvedere).Quarry tile floors were used in many 20’s era buildings, mostly for its good looks and durability.
Perhaps the renovation had the floor steamed ad/or painted.
Regarding the moldings, I was referring to the area in the food aisles along the walls where it meets the ceiling,they do look original. As for the ceiling beams aforementioned, I do not recall seeing any. I may have to take another look myself!
Tonino,
Thanks for your reply concerning The Glenwood theater’s main entrance located on Myrtle Ave.
The bowling alley was so well renovated,it was very hard to determine
that it was once a theater, hope you enjoyed the photos.
Pkoch, Thanks for your reply concerning the various areas of Ridgewood and their “liabilities”.
Concerning the fountain in Madison’s lobby, I never got a follow up call concerning this matter, I did however read in prior postings that The RKO Keith’s on Northern Blvd. did indeed have a fountain.The page even included a photo of the ornate and unusual fountain located in the lobby. The fountain was removed in later years towards Keith’s demise, and is rumored to be in a Greenwich Village eatery. What can we say about Mr. Huang? A shady developer, who apparently is disrespectful of others, the environment, and above all ,historic structures. He is relieved of ownership of Keith’s but should do jail time for his heinous crimes. Hang em' high!
Tonino,
Thanks for your reply, to clarify the location of Glenwood’s two entrances, you are correct, there was an entrance under the marquee to enter the lounge, but the main entrance was on Decatur St.,allowing direct access to the front desk and second floor stairway.
The photo labeled #3 was taken on the Decatur street side, where the main entrance once stood, just to the front of the car, appears a man
who is either dismayed by what he sees (demolition) or just did not want to be in the picture.
I attended Radio City on a school outing in the 70’s and was quite stunned to see such an ornate interior. The most striking feature was that curve around the top of the stage, it really stands out. I also got there early, so I got to hear that incredible and massive organ, which I recall sat recessed into the left wall, with the organist facing his back to the audience, so you could see all the rows of keys, a truly unique and spectacular sight!. The other unique aspect of this great venue ,is that the acoustics are that of no other theater I have ever attended, perhaps the clam shell appearance of the Art Deco ceiling has to do with that.
Thank you Lost Memory, http://s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb60/panzer65/ .(See top post)
I have 4 demolition photos of the Glenwood Theater and Bowl, dated June of 1984. The actual closing I believe took place in 1982, but it sat dormant until the U.S. Postal Service acquired it.Note the old white and blue street markers on the traffic light. In the photo with the people walking by, that is Myrtle Ave.,and the Marquee and lounge entrance was just in front of where there walking. Another photo has me standing directly across from the main entrance on Decatur St..The building is already half demolished, and its roof has an A type roof, confirming the fact that Glenwood was once a theater.
Can someone help, I have some great photos to share, on photobucket,but I pasted them and they are not clickable, or in blue as you can see in the last posting.
Here are the sad demolition photos of the former Glenwood bowl and theater.http://s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb60/panzer65/?action=view
¤t=GlenwoodDemolition1June84.jpg
PKoch, Brooklyn Jim,Lost Memory,
Thank you for your replies concerning the possibility of a fountain being in The Madison’s lobby. I am following up on my friends statement about its possible existence, he was there in the 70’s, perhaps he may have confused this feature with another theater. I loved the pictures of Madison’s interior,in a lot of ways, it appears to be an attempt, to outdo the Ridgewood, which was stated in prior posts. Their configuration seem identical, but Madison’s balcony area appears much larger than Ridgewoods. Also Madison’s got the edge on the ornate features,and seating capacity.Sadly, since this beauty has been altered,many small features that I enjoy looking at are gone,the photos only touch the elegant design this theater once had.
LOst Memory, i will say hello indeed, to Mae and Eddie.
Thanks for your reply PKoch,my answer to why I never saw films at the Madison, from what I can recall, since I was a pre teen at the time my mother resricted my roaming in the neighborhood. She was concerned that something would happen to me if I passed Cypress Ave, (which borders Ridgewood Theater, been there 100 of times) She kind of scared me into not going that far into Ridgewood, thus missing out on a theater that I really should have been to. My mother was being overprotective, I guess I should feel fortunate for that. I have proceeded to read every posting and have a “roadmap plan” to follow. “Bway” has inspired me to visit it today, and view whats left of what I should have seen back in the 70’s. If it did not burn in ‘78 more remnants would be intact. According to Bwy’s description, Its throughly sheetrocked, perhaps covering the fire damage.
As a child and teenager growing up in Glendale, next to the Oasis, I have been to Ridgewood Theatre so many times. I was fortunate enough to attend a venue which is becoming very extinct in today’s society, the single screen theater. My recollections are vast, my earliest recollection is seeing “The Sound of Music” with my mother and brother in the 70’s.The one thing that stands out though is the aesthetics of this theater.I will never forget that huge chandelier placed just past the balcony,with the ornate plaster surrounding it. It was the size of a small truck, and remember being scared to sit under it. Ridgewood also had many classic features, stained glass exit lights,a stage with huge curtains,fancy marquee, a basic concession stand,and the feel and atmosphere of an old movie house.
Thanks for your reply Bway,
I do remember that scene under the “El”, and have not veiwed Ghost for some time now, maybe because I’m saddened my its memory. I am happy that you enjoyed my story, it was from the heart.
Your welcome Bway and i will share them with fellow Cinema Treasures friends. I appreciate the help, I was going to wait until the site is upgraded to upload, but will do it the way you suggested. There may be some delay, as I need to sort through my photos, and go through the upload process. When I do post them, perhaps we will all be able to identify its features more accurately. I do recall I stood on Decatur St. looking at the main entrance, and half the building was demolished already.Its a sad sight and thought, but sharing and analyzing them will be a happy experience.
Thanks for the nice photos Bway, that old sign has stood the test of time and really confirms conspicuously, that this was an elite Vaudeville only venue. In regards to the photo at the bottom right, where the brick meets the white wall, between the two statues theres
a circular opening. Could this have been a window or an early form of ventilation? Taken in ‘99, during its years of neglect, is it possible that this opening contributed to the downfall of the interior, allowing water, birds,vermin etc. to get in?
PKoch, Thanks for your reply regarding the Lowe’s Jersey City. As far as ornate theaters go, it appears the years they were constructed, 1929-1930 ,were the “Golden Age” of theater construction. Your description of this theater is quite interesting. I attended high school near the Valencia, and marveled at its ornate facade, so many carvings and curves, a rare treasure indeed.The Kings in Flatbush, is apparently abandoned.Are their plans for its future? Are the Inside and outside features intact? Indeed, a theaters so called after life
is conversion to a church, with exception to my other favorite, the RKO Bushwick. The Paradise which is the last in the Loew’s genre,has been preserved, I hope to visit it soon!
Thanks Bway for your reply, I spent so many hours at my favorite, The Oasis,and glad to see fellow Cinema Treasures posts that enjoyed it also, but just cant remember like I used to!
I’m so intrigued by this theater, not only for its ornate features, but the fact that a previous posting had mentioned, that it resembles
a truly beautiful building known as The Flatiron building on E23 St. in Manhattan, one can only wonder how the asymmetrical design made the interior look. Also the main entrance on opening day had a huge sign instead of a marquee above the door, its remnants remain today
as a large square. The first marquee was a small and unusual looking one, anyone know why it was removed? The second marquee was more traditional ,but eloquent to sat the least, with the elite RKO markings on the side.
PKoch,
The day I visited the outside of the former RKO Madison, I did not go on the EL, but I stood adjacent to the main entrance, the view was rather obstructed
but I did notice a faded sign painted on the wall, one of this once proud theater’s few remnants. I saw a picture in above postings.
Thanks for your comments friends, about the El and its tower, perhaps this building was an early remnant of when this line terminated at Myrtle and Wyckoff. I did notice a building to Madison’s right, over to the corner, it had an ornate facade, it appeared to be 1920’s vintage, anybody know its early function?
Hello friends, well as I previously posted, I intend on visiting the former Madison, and as luck has it, well it was not a sell out, but I attempted to go on a Sunday and low and behold I was done in by a sign of the times…No Parking!! I circled five times and had enough..but..I parked in the hydrant placed to the right and got out and stood beside that grand palace..briefly of course and gazed..that white facade looked distinct, only to have a drab sign placed over the front. I did notice the fire exit door on Madison’s balcony level was bricked up, I hope to see the other side on my next attempt,and i must say that the fire escape has been removed, a clue to me that the balcony may be altered. I felt the same way as I did in my Oasis post, the anticipation seeing that big building, and knowing you were going to a place you know you would enjoy yourself. I feel like Madison theater’s last fan!!
The booth in the Glenwood was on the second floor, which was the former balcony level, PKoch you mention that the Ridgewood and former Madison (which I still plan on visiting) had booths on the balcony level, which may confirm that the aforementioned one is indeed a remnant of theater days.
Upon viewing the poll page ,about classic theaters features, one reply mentioned that she misses phone booths, because of cell phone chatter during movies. I thought it would be interesting to fellow members that the Glenwood Bowl had a phone booth on the second floor. It was situated way to the side where it was somewhat quiet. It was constructed of wood, had folding doors, no sign,a seat, an exhaust fan and a switchable light. I do not recall phone booths in any theater I have visited, but if anyone has recollections I would love to hear them.
I am guessing that the booth I described may have been a theater remnant.
View link
Check out this link for an exterior photo of the Carlton.
Its obvious the marquee is the remnant that stands out most, but regarding the floor, which is constructed of etched quarry tile, is sloped as you enter, if it was a newer floor, the slope would have been straightened, (like The Belvedere).Quarry tile floors were used in many 20’s era buildings, mostly for its good looks and durability.
Perhaps the renovation had the floor steamed ad/or painted.
Regarding the moldings, I was referring to the area in the food aisles along the walls where it meets the ceiling,they do look original. As for the ceiling beams aforementioned, I do not recall seeing any. I may have to take another look myself!
Tonino,
Thanks for your reply concerning The Glenwood theater’s main entrance located on Myrtle Ave.
The bowling alley was so well renovated,it was very hard to determine
that it was once a theater, hope you enjoyed the photos.
Pkoch, Thanks for your reply concerning the various areas of Ridgewood and their “liabilities”.
Concerning the fountain in Madison’s lobby, I never got a follow up call concerning this matter, I did however read in prior postings that The RKO Keith’s on Northern Blvd. did indeed have a fountain.The page even included a photo of the ornate and unusual fountain located in the lobby. The fountain was removed in later years towards Keith’s demise, and is rumored to be in a Greenwich Village eatery. What can we say about Mr. Huang? A shady developer, who apparently is disrespectful of others, the environment, and above all ,historic structures. He is relieved of ownership of Keith’s but should do jail time for his heinous crimes. Hang em' high!
Correct Bway,
The marquee was retained for the bowling alley, and did have a sort of odd bowling sign on it, nevertheless it was functional.
Tonino,
Thanks for your reply, to clarify the location of Glenwood’s two entrances, you are correct, there was an entrance under the marquee to enter the lounge, but the main entrance was on Decatur St.,allowing direct access to the front desk and second floor stairway.
The photo labeled #3 was taken on the Decatur street side, where the main entrance once stood, just to the front of the car, appears a man
who is either dismayed by what he sees (demolition) or just did not want to be in the picture.
I attended Radio City on a school outing in the 70’s and was quite stunned to see such an ornate interior. The most striking feature was that curve around the top of the stage, it really stands out. I also got there early, so I got to hear that incredible and massive organ, which I recall sat recessed into the left wall, with the organist facing his back to the audience, so you could see all the rows of keys, a truly unique and spectacular sight!. The other unique aspect of this great venue ,is that the acoustics are that of no other theater I have ever attended, perhaps the clam shell appearance of the Art Deco ceiling has to do with that.
Thank you Lost Memory,
http://s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb60/panzer65/ .(See top post)
I have 4 demolition photos of the Glenwood Theater and Bowl, dated June of 1984. The actual closing I believe took place in 1982, but it sat dormant until the U.S. Postal Service acquired it.Note the old white and blue street markers on the traffic light. In the photo with the people walking by, that is Myrtle Ave.,and the Marquee and lounge entrance was just in front of where there walking. Another photo has me standing directly across from the main entrance on Decatur St..The building is already half demolished, and its roof has an A type roof, confirming the fact that Glenwood was once a theater.
Can someone help, I have some great photos to share, on photobucket,but I pasted them and they are not clickable, or in blue as you can see in the last posting.
Here are the sad demolition photos of the former Glenwood bowl and theater.http://s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb60/panzer65/?action=view
¤t=GlenwoodDemolition1June84.jpg
PKoch, Brooklyn Jim,Lost Memory,
Thank you for your replies concerning the possibility of a fountain being in The Madison’s lobby. I am following up on my friends statement about its possible existence, he was there in the 70’s, perhaps he may have confused this feature with another theater. I loved the pictures of Madison’s interior,in a lot of ways, it appears to be an attempt, to outdo the Ridgewood, which was stated in prior posts. Their configuration seem identical, but Madison’s balcony area appears much larger than Ridgewoods. Also Madison’s got the edge on the ornate features,and seating capacity.Sadly, since this beauty has been altered,many small features that I enjoy looking at are gone,the photos only touch the elegant design this theater once had.
LOst Memory, i will say hello indeed, to Mae and Eddie.
Thanks for your reply PKoch,my answer to why I never saw films at the Madison, from what I can recall, since I was a pre teen at the time my mother resricted my roaming in the neighborhood. She was concerned that something would happen to me if I passed Cypress Ave, (which borders Ridgewood Theater, been there 100 of times) She kind of scared me into not going that far into Ridgewood, thus missing out on a theater that I really should have been to. My mother was being overprotective, I guess I should feel fortunate for that. I have proceeded to read every posting and have a “roadmap plan” to follow. “Bway” has inspired me to visit it today, and view whats left of what I should have seen back in the 70’s. If it did not burn in ‘78 more remnants would be intact. According to Bwy’s description, Its throughly sheetrocked, perhaps covering the fire damage.
As a child and teenager growing up in Glendale, next to the Oasis, I have been to Ridgewood Theatre so many times. I was fortunate enough to attend a venue which is becoming very extinct in today’s society, the single screen theater. My recollections are vast, my earliest recollection is seeing “The Sound of Music” with my mother and brother in the 70’s.The one thing that stands out though is the aesthetics of this theater.I will never forget that huge chandelier placed just past the balcony,with the ornate plaster surrounding it. It was the size of a small truck, and remember being scared to sit under it. Ridgewood also had many classic features, stained glass exit lights,a stage with huge curtains,fancy marquee, a basic concession stand,and the feel and atmosphere of an old movie house.
Lost Memory
Thats a unique and rare ad for the Keith’s chain of theaters, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your reply Bway,
I do remember that scene under the “El”, and have not veiwed Ghost for some time now, maybe because I’m saddened my its memory. I am happy that you enjoyed my story, it was from the heart.
Your welcome Bway and i will share them with fellow Cinema Treasures friends. I appreciate the help, I was going to wait until the site is upgraded to upload, but will do it the way you suggested. There may be some delay, as I need to sort through my photos, and go through the upload process. When I do post them, perhaps we will all be able to identify its features more accurately. I do recall I stood on Decatur St. looking at the main entrance, and half the building was demolished already.Its a sad sight and thought, but sharing and analyzing them will be a happy experience.
Thanks for the nice photos Bway, that old sign has stood the test of time and really confirms conspicuously, that this was an elite Vaudeville only venue. In regards to the photo at the bottom right, where the brick meets the white wall, between the two statues theres
a circular opening. Could this have been a window or an early form of ventilation? Taken in ‘99, during its years of neglect, is it possible that this opening contributed to the downfall of the interior, allowing water, birds,vermin etc. to get in?
PKoch, Thanks for your reply regarding the Lowe’s Jersey City. As far as ornate theaters go, it appears the years they were constructed, 1929-1930 ,were the “Golden Age” of theater construction. Your description of this theater is quite interesting. I attended high school near the Valencia, and marveled at its ornate facade, so many carvings and curves, a rare treasure indeed.The Kings in Flatbush, is apparently abandoned.Are their plans for its future? Are the Inside and outside features intact? Indeed, a theaters so called after life
is conversion to a church, with exception to my other favorite, the RKO Bushwick. The Paradise which is the last in the Loew’s genre,has been preserved, I hope to visit it soon!
Thanks Bway for your reply, I spent so many hours at my favorite, The Oasis,and glad to see fellow Cinema Treasures posts that enjoyed it also, but just cant remember like I used to!
I’m so intrigued by this theater, not only for its ornate features, but the fact that a previous posting had mentioned, that it resembles
a truly beautiful building known as The Flatiron building on E23 St. in Manhattan, one can only wonder how the asymmetrical design made the interior look. Also the main entrance on opening day had a huge sign instead of a marquee above the door, its remnants remain today
as a large square. The first marquee was a small and unusual looking one, anyone know why it was removed? The second marquee was more traditional ,but eloquent to sat the least, with the elite RKO markings on the side.