I remember seeing the scenery on, as you point out, Seventh Avenue, and walking past the entrance on Broadway when I became a theatre goer in the late 1950s and a Long Island commuter in the 1960s. The only time I was in the old Met was for a children’s matinee of Carmen with Irra Petina as part of a 7th grade trip. Before I retired I did, however, attend many performances at Lincoln Center.
I found a reference that the building dates back to 1924 when it was the garage for the original theatre which was across the street. The link for the detail is not operational. A garage for a theatre?
On August 18, 1914 the Town of Ashland deeded a property which had been an alleyway for development. This was the site of the Ashland Theatre. The theatre was expanded in 1943 reopening as the New Ashland Theatre. The building was sold in 1968, perhaps when it closed.
In 2005 the Steele family purchased the building and after renovations reopened it as a perform art center the following year. No clue what happened prior to the purchase by the Steels.
Before Century went out of business they modernized several theatres. The Baldwin was one and had a spiffy facade. Would be nice if someone could locate pictures of the theatre in the day.
And what a closing it was. They had already dismantled the concession stand and the movie advertised on the building sign was one which had been previously exhibited, not the one being shown.
Uploaded a photo of the interior with the screen still intact and signs related to the former farmers market visible on either side. No indication when this photo was taken.
Did reopen after Covid. During Covid there had been discussion about the theatre becoming a CVS. Heard nothing lately. When CVS was going to acquire the Lindenhurst Theatre site it took a couple of years. Will history repeat itself?
What are the chances of this opening post Covid when they couldn’t open before. I’ll drive by in a couple of weeks to see if anything has changed in the past 6 months. Same broken windows? Same dumpster?
Uploaded a current photo. Although the entrance was narrow it was certainly dramatic.
Nice photos ridethetrain. I wonder what the seating capacity was when it was a single screen theatre.
Ken, that is really an impressive use of the space.
I remember seeing the scenery on, as you point out, Seventh Avenue, and walking past the entrance on Broadway when I became a theatre goer in the late 1950s and a Long Island commuter in the 1960s. The only time I was in the old Met was for a children’s matinee of Carmen with Irra Petina as part of a 7th grade trip. Before I retired I did, however, attend many performances at Lincoln Center.
I found a reference that the building dates back to 1924 when it was the garage for the original theatre which was across the street. The link for the detail is not operational. A garage for a theatre?
RPX stands for Regal Premium Experience which translates to pricey.
Remember the old Metropolitan Opera House where the scenery was actually stored outside the building on 39th Street?
According to the newspaper article about the fire, in the photos section, the loss was estimated at $100,000.
Also have uploaded a 1948 photo of the Dale by Sean Ault. At that time, according to the marquee, the building was for rent.
JackieP since it was family owned do you have more information and pictures to share?
On August 18, 1914 the Town of Ashland deeded a property which had been an alleyway for development. This was the site of the Ashland Theatre. The theatre was expanded in 1943 reopening as the New Ashland Theatre. The building was sold in 1968, perhaps when it closed.
In 2005 the Steele family purchased the building and after renovations reopened it as a perform art center the following year. No clue what happened prior to the purchase by the Steels.
The address is 98 Court Square.
Uploaded past and present images.
In its day it was operated by the Ingram family of Ashland together with the Ingram Theatre in that town.
Before Century went out of business they modernized several theatres. The Baldwin was one and had a spiffy facade. Would be nice if someone could locate pictures of the theatre in the day.
And what a closing it was. They had already dismantled the concession stand and the movie advertised on the building sign was one which had been previously exhibited, not the one being shown.
Uploaded a photo of the interior with the screen still intact and signs related to the former farmers market visible on either side. No indication when this photo was taken.
Uploaded a 1967 ad.
Now the home of the Benson Brewery.
Did reopen after Covid. During Covid there had been discussion about the theatre becoming a CVS. Heard nothing lately. When CVS was going to acquire the Lindenhurst Theatre site it took a couple of years. Will history repeat itself?
Phone is not in service. Not a good sign.
What are the chances of this opening post Covid when they couldn’t open before. I’ll drive by in a couple of weeks to see if anything has changed in the past 6 months. Same broken windows? Same dumpster?
Has not yet reopened. Phone message indicates they will at some time.
No telephone response. Not a good sign.
Phone is not in service. Not a good sign.
Phone is not working. Not a good sign.
Survived Covid.
Phone is not in service. Not a good sign.