The volunteers should be thanked in writing, in my opinion, for a variety of different reasons. Mostly they deserve a little recognition. It’s not like it would cost a lot of money to make it happen. I’m not sure I understand the resistance to the idea, unless those in charge of programming just don’t understand that people feel good when they are thanked.
I think the screen tower still stood in the 80’s. I remember driving through Cairo around ‘84-'85 on the way to St. Louis. We passed a ruined drive in with seriously overgrown and crumbling screen tower. This is the only Cairo drive-in listed and so must be it. I’m even pretty sure the 51 name was on it.
You guys at the Jersey really know how to get things done. I can’t believe what you and everyone else who has worked there over the years have pulled off. It is most impressive.
Surprised there have not been more comments on this one. Always got the impression that it was a fairly substantial movie house, which one would think would produce many happy neighborhood memories.
I remeber seeing this place closed on a visit to Jersey City around 1991. Judging by TC'comment above it must have been right after it was locked up for the last time.
It’s possible that the staircase is still there. The Oriental in Chicago had an electronics store called “Oriental Electonics” built in a shell within the lobby from roughly 1981 until it was restored and reopened. That was at least fifteen years and probably more. During that time the box office was encased in alumninum siding and the lobby decoration and staircases sat quietly behind false walls and ceiling. When the time came to restore, they removed the retail renovations and cleaned everything up. I don’t think that anyone really cared about the theatre. I just think businesses tend to only spend money when they are forced to. It seems like the expense involved with demolishing the staircase at the Madison might be viewed as excessive just to get a little extra floor space. I haven’t been to this place and could be totally wrong. But those are my thoughts.
JRS40 is correct. What I was trying to say is that they have not turned the projection booth into a luxury suite, or some such thing. When they want to they can bring projection machines in and set them up.
This sucks.
Looks like an old theatre to me:
http://www.overturecenter.com/venuect.htm
Hit the tables Ross! After you double up you can use your winnings to reactivate the add photo feature.
The volunteers should be thanked in writing, in my opinion, for a variety of different reasons. Mostly they deserve a little recognition. It’s not like it would cost a lot of money to make it happen. I’m not sure I understand the resistance to the idea, unless those in charge of programming just don’t understand that people feel good when they are thanked.
I think the screen tower still stood in the 80’s. I remember driving through Cairo around ‘84-'85 on the way to St. Louis. We passed a ruined drive in with seriously overgrown and crumbling screen tower. This is the only Cairo drive-in listed and so must be it. I’m even pretty sure the 51 name was on it.
Doesn’t look like it is in the worst shape in the world inside or out. Problem is, what would you do with it if it were fixed up?
The Gem interior was in really bad shape before they restored it, correct?
You guys at the Jersey really know how to get things done. I can’t believe what you and everyone else who has worked there over the years have pulled off. It is most impressive.
I dunno. I gave them a donation last time and it doesn’t seem to have done much good. Looking at this situation with a raised eye brow.
Yeah, I had to stare at it for a minute. But I spotted the speaker boxes. Aside from that the theatre looked to be quite original.
Ah. I think I figured it out. Still interested in your response, however.
I don’t doubt your claim William. But how can you tell?
Surprised there have not been more comments on this one. Always got the impression that it was a fairly substantial movie house, which one would think would produce many happy neighborhood memories.
90% certain this was not built.
Interesting
Seems like a weird situation all around.
Anyone know what “the Forum” next to the Century was? Looks like an interesting building.
I remeber seeing this place closed on a visit to Jersey City around 1991. Judging by TC'comment above it must have been right after it was locked up for the last time.
Look through the Flickr links I put up last year. There are some pictures of the sidewalk in one of those galleries. Can’t remember which one.
Have they built anything on the site yet?
Speaking of photos posted on Cinematour:
http://www.cinematour.com/tour.php?db=us&id=17158
It’s possible that the staircase is still there. The Oriental in Chicago had an electronics store called “Oriental Electonics” built in a shell within the lobby from roughly 1981 until it was restored and reopened. That was at least fifteen years and probably more. During that time the box office was encased in alumninum siding and the lobby decoration and staircases sat quietly behind false walls and ceiling. When the time came to restore, they removed the retail renovations and cleaned everything up. I don’t think that anyone really cared about the theatre. I just think businesses tend to only spend money when they are forced to. It seems like the expense involved with demolishing the staircase at the Madison might be viewed as excessive just to get a little extra floor space. I haven’t been to this place and could be totally wrong. But those are my thoughts.
I seem to recall there being a really nice Marquee Magazine article on the Union Square back in the 80’s.
JRS40 is correct. What I was trying to say is that they have not turned the projection booth into a luxury suite, or some such thing. When they want to they can bring projection machines in and set them up.
The Chicago Theatre was Plitt at the end. Although last I heard they do not own projection machines, the provisions for film do still exist.
Also, the Esquire is still in one piece for the time-being. Was it M&R that conducted the multiplex renovation?