Thanks Warren! Now it makes sense. I’m couldn’t beleive that someone like Eberson would design a theater like the Cross Bay. It would’ve been a big blotch on his resume.
I respect “saps” opinion that he mourns every closed theater, but I personally think only theaters of significant architectural or historical background deserve to be saved. “Significant” means many things to many people, but I doubt anyone would include The Cross Bay, the Casino and Lefferts (both in nearby Richmond Hill) in this category. These fall into the category of Ho Hum theaters. I now live in Chelsea in Manhattan and about 15 years ago, Cineplex Odeon opened the Chelsea Cinemas multiplex which, at that time was the largest in Manhattan. Now part of the Clearview chain, it falls into the Ho Hum category as well and, in my opinion, should be torn down and replaced with a modern theater complex similar to Loew’s Lincoln Square, 42nd St and 34th St. showplaces. These theaters are comforatable, have stadium seating, great sound and in the case of Lincoln Square, a unique achitectural element that recalls many of Loew’s movie palaces of the past.
Most of my friends only go to Chelsea Cinemas when it is too cold, or rainy to go to the other, much better theaters. We’d much rather walk up to 34th from 23rd at all other times.
I just read the article referenced by Lost Memory regarding the Cross Bay which referenced the “architectural majesty” of this theater. I must must have been at a different Cross Bay! I am also mystified that the theater John Eberson designed this theater (in addition to the Lefferts in nearby Richmond Hill. This is the same architect who designed the glorious Valancia in Jamaica. My memories of the Cross Bay and Leffetd were as drab utilitarian theaters with nothing that really stands out and I saw many movies there. As oppossed to the Valencia where I remember everything because it was just so beautiful.
My biggest memory of the Cross Bay wasn’t the theater, but what I saw there. One Saturday in the 70’s, I went with friends to spend the entire day watching “Go Ape”!!! They were showing all 5 Planet of the Apes movies in sequence. That was a fun day.
I miss the Valencia, but I won’t miss the Cross Bay.
It’s been such a pleasure to read about the Valencia. I grew up in South Ozone Park and our local theaters, the Casino, Lefferts and the Cross Bay were crummy, but convenient. The Valencia was fabulous, but was in a dicey neighborhood and so we didn’t go very often. I wish I had gone more often because it truly was an amazing experience to see a film there. My Junior High School (202) graduation ceremony was at the Valencia in 1973. The last movie I remember seeing there was “The Omega Man” with Charlton Heston (I liked him back then, now he’s moron!).
I remember when I first heard that a church was taking over the space. I was very angry, but I now realize that this is probably the only reason that the theater is still standing and isn’t a Duane Reade! I have to agree with most of the people who have commented above. Even though the church has painted the theatre in garish hideous colors, at least it is all still there and, maybe, can someday be restored.
I’m new to this web site and have enjoyed it immensely! I wish I had the appreciation for old theaters then than I have now. The Casino was only a few blocks from my home when i was growing up in South Ozone Park (right next to Richmond Hill). My memories of the Casino as architecture are miinimal, which is to say that it (along with the Lefferts nearby) were drab, uninteresting. I don’t recall any distinguishing features. While I saw many movies there, I only really remember one and that was “The Godfather”. I’ll never forget it for 2 reasons: One, I saw it opening night of wide release (a Friday) and the line was around the corner and way down the block. It was the only time I EVER saw the Casino sold out and filled to capacity! The second reason is that the admission was $5.00 which was outrageous at the time, especially for a dumpy theater like this one. By far, my favorite theater was Loew’s Valencia in Jamaica! It is the most beautiful movie palace (along with Radio City) that I actually saw movies in. I really miss seeing movies in these palaces. I’m looking forward to going to Loews Jersey soon!
Thanks Warren! Now it makes sense. I’m couldn’t beleive that someone like Eberson would design a theater like the Cross Bay. It would’ve been a big blotch on his resume.
I respect “saps” opinion that he mourns every closed theater, but I personally think only theaters of significant architectural or historical background deserve to be saved. “Significant” means many things to many people, but I doubt anyone would include The Cross Bay, the Casino and Lefferts (both in nearby Richmond Hill) in this category. These fall into the category of Ho Hum theaters. I now live in Chelsea in Manhattan and about 15 years ago, Cineplex Odeon opened the Chelsea Cinemas multiplex which, at that time was the largest in Manhattan. Now part of the Clearview chain, it falls into the Ho Hum category as well and, in my opinion, should be torn down and replaced with a modern theater complex similar to Loew’s Lincoln Square, 42nd St and 34th St. showplaces. These theaters are comforatable, have stadium seating, great sound and in the case of Lincoln Square, a unique achitectural element that recalls many of Loew’s movie palaces of the past.
Most of my friends only go to Chelsea Cinemas when it is too cold, or rainy to go to the other, much better theaters. We’d much rather walk up to 34th from 23rd at all other times.
I just read the article referenced by Lost Memory regarding the Cross Bay which referenced the “architectural majesty” of this theater. I must must have been at a different Cross Bay! I am also mystified that the theater John Eberson designed this theater (in addition to the Lefferts in nearby Richmond Hill. This is the same architect who designed the glorious Valancia in Jamaica. My memories of the Cross Bay and Leffetd were as drab utilitarian theaters with nothing that really stands out and I saw many movies there. As oppossed to the Valencia where I remember everything because it was just so beautiful.
My biggest memory of the Cross Bay wasn’t the theater, but what I saw there. One Saturday in the 70’s, I went with friends to spend the entire day watching “Go Ape”!!! They were showing all 5 Planet of the Apes movies in sequence. That was a fun day.
I miss the Valencia, but I won’t miss the Cross Bay.
It’s been such a pleasure to read about the Valencia. I grew up in South Ozone Park and our local theaters, the Casino, Lefferts and the Cross Bay were crummy, but convenient. The Valencia was fabulous, but was in a dicey neighborhood and so we didn’t go very often. I wish I had gone more often because it truly was an amazing experience to see a film there. My Junior High School (202) graduation ceremony was at the Valencia in 1973. The last movie I remember seeing there was “The Omega Man” with Charlton Heston (I liked him back then, now he’s moron!).
I remember when I first heard that a church was taking over the space. I was very angry, but I now realize that this is probably the only reason that the theater is still standing and isn’t a Duane Reade! I have to agree with most of the people who have commented above. Even though the church has painted the theatre in garish hideous colors, at least it is all still there and, maybe, can someday be restored.
I’m new to this web site and have enjoyed it immensely! I wish I had the appreciation for old theaters then than I have now. The Casino was only a few blocks from my home when i was growing up in South Ozone Park (right next to Richmond Hill). My memories of the Casino as architecture are miinimal, which is to say that it (along with the Lefferts nearby) were drab, uninteresting. I don’t recall any distinguishing features. While I saw many movies there, I only really remember one and that was “The Godfather”. I’ll never forget it for 2 reasons: One, I saw it opening night of wide release (a Friday) and the line was around the corner and way down the block. It was the only time I EVER saw the Casino sold out and filled to capacity! The second reason is that the admission was $5.00 which was outrageous at the time, especially for a dumpy theater like this one. By far, my favorite theater was Loew’s Valencia in Jamaica! It is the most beautiful movie palace (along with Radio City) that I actually saw movies in. I really miss seeing movies in these palaces. I’m looking forward to going to Loews Jersey soon!