woytek: I think I may have gotten my theatres mixed up when I asked about a planned June grand opening. A June opening was to be at the Strand in Zelienople which has been moved to July according to a recent email I received from a Ron Carter.
I also sent Mike McCarthy an email about this Drive-In and with the hope that the citizens of Roane County will and continue to support their Drive-In. There aren’t many left these days! So if you wish to write him perhaps he’ll forward all of our thoughts and concerns to the Mid-Town owners so they know there are folks out there who do care. Mike’s email address is
I just read the story and viewed the TV video by Mike McCarthy about this Drive-In that could be closed, again. I hope the citizens of Roane County TN can and will support this fading American icon for when they are gone they are gone forever!
Lost: Thanks so very very much for the Vitrolite site. Sure wish a hometown restaurant had kept that facade, but to this day the tile is gone and so is the restaurant! In the meantime, new owners have not been found and so the location is an eyesore for the residents of the old hometown where the Grand Theatre WAS located, too!
Joe: If you would, please email me the Boxoffice Magazine photo of this theatre. I truly appreciate being led to the Grand Theatre/Westfield NY Boxoffice 1941 article thanks to you!
Roy Benjamin also built the Marion in Ocala Florida which I hope to see next winter! The Marion has some connnection to John Travolta as he lives near Ocala in Anthony FL. He auctioned off a motorcycle from one of his movies to help with the theatre renovation. Thanks John!
I just learned of this theatre through a Florida friend, Irv Lipscomb. After clicking on Roy A. Benjamin’s name it is interesting to learn that 2 other theatres designed by him in Jacksonville are still listed as OPEN…the San Marco and the Florida Theatres!
Absolutely! The contributions and dedication that Lost Memory devotes to Cinema Treasures is a treasure and one that we all should appreciate. It isn’t about numbers, but devotion to a wonderful cinema site that I am truly pleased I found despite the occasional out of line posted comment. Let’s all read and remember the comment policy stated for all CT members and stop the personal attacks NOW or we risk the chance of losing this fabulous and informative site which has and continues for the most part to be productive!
Lost: This theatre built by Irving and Mary Cohen is connected to the Allendale Theatre in Buffalo which is still standing. Since you added this theatre can you confirm this theatre has been demolished? thought I was told by a CT member who lives near Hornell that it is still standing!
A white Wurlitzer! You have the best humor and again, I thank the lights in a flashing marquee that you are a CT member…should be an honorary member, imo.
woytek: I think I may have gotten my theatres mixed up when I asked about a planned June grand opening. A June opening was to be at the Strand in Zelienople which has been moved to July according to a recent email I received from a Ron Carter.
woytek: Do you know the status of the planned June grand opening for this theatre?
Lost: Yes, that is a much better photo without the trash cans. Thanks.
Lost: Thanks….again!
I also sent Mike McCarthy an email about this Drive-In and with the hope that the citizens of Roane County will and continue to support their Drive-In. There aren’t many left these days! So if you wish to write him perhaps he’ll forward all of our thoughts and concerns to the Mid-Town owners so they know there are folks out there who do care. Mike’s email address is
I just read the story and viewed the TV video by Mike McCarthy about this Drive-In that could be closed, again. I hope the citizens of Roane County TN can and will support this fading American icon for when they are gone they are gone forever!
Lost: Thanks so very very much for the Vitrolite site. Sure wish a hometown restaurant had kept that facade, but to this day the tile is gone and so is the restaurant! In the meantime, new owners have not been found and so the location is an eyesore for the residents of the old hometown where the Grand Theatre WAS located, too!
Joe: If you would, please email me the Boxoffice Magazine photo of this theatre. I truly appreciate being led to the Grand Theatre/Westfield NY Boxoffice 1941 article thanks to you!
Would love to see exterior and interior photos of when it was the Florida Theatre.
Any photos, anyone?
Yes sir!
Lost: Thanks…again.
jeffreyt: Interesting post..let us know what you find out and can photograph.
Roy Benjamin also built the Marion in Ocala Florida which I hope to see next winter! The Marion has some connnection to John Travolta as he lives near Ocala in Anthony FL. He auctioned off a motorcycle from one of his movies to help with the theatre renovation. Thanks John!
I just learned of this theatre through a Florida friend, Irv Lipscomb. After clicking on Roy A. Benjamin’s name it is interesting to learn that 2 other theatres designed by him in Jacksonville are still listed as OPEN…the San Marco and the Florida Theatres!
Chuck: I totally agree!
Absolutely! The contributions and dedication that Lost Memory devotes to Cinema Treasures is a treasure and one that we all should appreciate. It isn’t about numbers, but devotion to a wonderful cinema site that I am truly pleased I found despite the occasional out of line posted comment. Let’s all read and remember the comment policy stated for all CT members and stop the personal attacks NOW or we risk the chance of losing this fabulous and informative site which has and continues for the most part to be productive!
“demolished in the name of urban renewal”
Not a good thing to read as we all or most of us dislike the words, urban renewal.
A friend of mine used to see movies at this theatre as a young boy and also remembers the Avondale Theatre in Tonawanda which isn’t listed on CT.
Lost: This theatre built by Irving and Mary Cohen is connected to the Allendale Theatre in Buffalo which is still standing. Since you added this theatre can you confirm this theatre has been demolished? thought I was told by a CT member who lives near Hornell that it is still standing!
And are there any Beman organ sites out there with a directory as to past and present locations?
A white Wurlitzer! You have the best humor and again, I thank the lights in a flashing marquee that you are a CT member…should be an honorary member, imo.
Lost: I just called the phone number and left a message as I hope to receive a tour of this theatre that has been saved!
Did this theatre have an organ and after restoration is it still there and intact or being restored? If so, I’m sure it was a Wurlitzer.
LOUB: Thanks for posting the hamburgpalace site as I have now emailed Jay Ruof.