I would love to throw my efforts behind your cause. But, I am currently President of my high school alumni association, Captain of our league basketball team, and bass player for a local rock group…all of this on top of a demanding job. Offering you my help would be an empty gesture, as I would probably never follow through on anything in a timely manner.
That being said, you mentioned writing a letter. I can certainly accomplish that at some point in the coming month. Who would I send it to?
You made reference to people at a distance. I think anybody who is willing to help can help. I am in Chicago. But, if I had the time to contribute, you would be well aware of my efforts. Being halfway across the country is no excuse for not lending a hand!
Last, I think it is critical to incorporate. How can you gather funds if you are not official? What are you going to tell people? “Yes…the money is being held in a savings account with my name on it.” I don’t think that incorporating is a terribly painful process. Jim seems familiar. Perhaps he would volunteer to fill out the initial paperwork.
Life’s too short to spend talking about things without intelligent action! Let’s get moving!
It appears that I gave you an undeserved tongue lashing, Bruce.
I did not read all of Jim Rankin’s message about creating a 501c3. But, that seems like an good step to take. Why not do this? I have never created a business entity myself. But, the impression I get is that it is a matter of filing some forms…maybe paying a small fee or two to the government.
Pretty amazing, isn’t it? I’ll bet most people who walk by those stores don’t realize that there is a great theater above them. I don’t hold out too much hope. But, if the Oriental (in Chicago) can come back to life after years as a retail store, so can the Varsity.
Guys, I am going to get on your case. Stop making comments on this web site, and start doing something! Put a name on your organization, set a meeting time and don’t quit. If you are consistent in your effort, you will achieve progress. Are you afraid of failure? Failure is the best teacher. Don’t believe you can do it? Anyone can accomplish their goals if they keep trying. I firmly believe that buildings like this can once again become centers of the community. There is no doubt that you can create a viable organization and generate enthusiasm! Bruce…you seem to be the ringleader here. Set up a regular meeting at a regular location, and go. Even if you are the only one attending, it is a start. I play league basketball on Tuesdays. Once in a while we are short-handed at the beginning of an early game, because of work schedules. We don’t forfeit the game when we have to play five on four…we go out there and play our guts out. You are short-handed right now. Go and play your guts out!
Ray…this plan seems to satisfy all interested parties. What axe is left to grind at this point?
Paul…as I understand it the building has been stripped of all systems…wiring, ventiliation, etc. If this is the case, it would be difficult to stage community rock concerts and the like.
Bruce is right. If I were in NYC and had free time, I would step up. People can accomplish amazing things if they band together, settle on a goal, and keep trying.
Why don’t you take the first step: set a time and place for an initial planning meeting?
My uncle conducted the transaction I speak of…his name is CW Rapp. He is son of Mason Rapp, who closed Rapp & Rapp in the 60’s.
The transaction took place in 1988. All blueprints (actually linen tracings) that were left at the time the office closed, and a collection of photographs, were donated to the Chicago Historical Society.
Brother Andrew Corsini, from THS, was allowed to make copies of the photographs before transfer. This is the only thing that resembles a Rapp & Rapp archive at THS in Elmhurst.
The only plans for a Brooklyn theater included in the donation were those of the Paramount. The fate of plans for the Kings is difficult to judge. A lot of materials were thrown out around 1930, when the office was slow. Basically, they saved only what they thought might generate more work. There was a flood at one point. Each time they moved, a thing or two was thrown away. Maybe plans for the Kings really are floating around New York somewhere…
Got to get in your face, Jim. Rapp & Rapp lasted well into the 60’s. By this time the firm did all kinds of work…bank buildings, for instance. The odd theater job did still turn up…like that place in Detroit…what was it…originally very exotic…the Fisher.
You can’t save them all…at least to function as 2,000 plus seat theaters. But, this was a great one. I was happy to hear that the plan to turn it into multiple cinemas fell apart. Hopefully a plan will materialize to bring it back to life. If a bunch of volunteers & community activists can save the place over in Jersey City, anything can happen!
Mason Rapp, who closed the firm, would be amazed to see so many of their theaters still around in 2005. He felt that movie palaces had become obsolete, and died just as preservation efforts in America were picking up steam.
Also of note…I don’t know what Rapp & Rapp materials exist in Elmhurst, IL. But, the entire collection of original blueprints was donated to the Chicago Historical Society in the 80’s. Ironically, Mason preserved the blueprints because he thought they would be worth money to the people tearing the old buildings down. He was a smart man, but he sure didn’t see to the other side of that one!
Wow…the LA theater is in great shape, judging by the photos on the official web site. Glad to know that one of the three met with a decent fate. I have always thought that the City of Chicago made a mistake in tearing their UA theater down. It was in decent shape, had a great interior, and was of managable size.
I am reasonably certain that I saw ads for the Avon well into the 80’s. This is vague recollection…but I think the ads went away around ‘83-'84.
From the look of the building, it wasn’t a very lavish cinema.
Isn’t the Uptown deco? Wouldn’t a fixture from a 20’s movie palace look kind of strange in these surroundings?
Who would have thought theater enthusiasts would ever mourn the passing of buildings built in this era? I agree with you guys. It was a great place.
Bruce,
I would love to throw my efforts behind your cause. But, I am currently President of my high school alumni association, Captain of our league basketball team, and bass player for a local rock group…all of this on top of a demanding job. Offering you my help would be an empty gesture, as I would probably never follow through on anything in a timely manner.
That being said, you mentioned writing a letter. I can certainly accomplish that at some point in the coming month. Who would I send it to?
You made reference to people at a distance. I think anybody who is willing to help can help. I am in Chicago. But, if I had the time to contribute, you would be well aware of my efforts. Being halfway across the country is no excuse for not lending a hand!
Last, I think it is critical to incorporate. How can you gather funds if you are not official? What are you going to tell people? “Yes…the money is being held in a savings account with my name on it.” I don’t think that incorporating is a terribly painful process. Jim seems familiar. Perhaps he would volunteer to fill out the initial paperwork.
Life’s too short to spend talking about things without intelligent action! Let’s get moving!
Best regards,
Eric Ellis
It appears that I gave you an undeserved tongue lashing, Bruce.
I did not read all of Jim Rankin’s message about creating a 501c3. But, that seems like an good step to take. Why not do this? I have never created a business entity myself. But, the impression I get is that it is a matter of filing some forms…maybe paying a small fee or two to the government.
Pretty amazing, isn’t it? I’ll bet most people who walk by those stores don’t realize that there is a great theater above them. I don’t hold out too much hope. But, if the Oriental (in Chicago) can come back to life after years as a retail store, so can the Varsity.
Guys, I am going to get on your case. Stop making comments on this web site, and start doing something! Put a name on your organization, set a meeting time and don’t quit. If you are consistent in your effort, you will achieve progress. Are you afraid of failure? Failure is the best teacher. Don’t believe you can do it? Anyone can accomplish their goals if they keep trying. I firmly believe that buildings like this can once again become centers of the community. There is no doubt that you can create a viable organization and generate enthusiasm! Bruce…you seem to be the ringleader here. Set up a regular meeting at a regular location, and go. Even if you are the only one attending, it is a start. I play league basketball on Tuesdays. Once in a while we are short-handed at the beginning of an early game, because of work schedules. We don’t forfeit the game when we have to play five on four…we go out there and play our guts out. You are short-handed right now. Go and play your guts out!
I see there is still an axe to grind.
Bryan…is the bad condition due to unfortunate building renovations, deferred repairs, both?
Ray…this plan seems to satisfy all interested parties. What axe is left to grind at this point?
Paul…as I understand it the building has been stripped of all systems…wiring, ventiliation, etc. If this is the case, it would be difficult to stage community rock concerts and the like.
What is this condo plan mentioned in the news article? I am not clear on what parts of the Dupage Theater will continue to exist.
Bruce is right. If I were in NYC and had free time, I would step up. People can accomplish amazing things if they band together, settle on a goal, and keep trying.
Why don’t you take the first step: set a time and place for an initial planning meeting?
You are on the money Bruce. Taking action is always the tough part…especially when you are unfamiliar with what is required.
My uncle conducted the transaction I speak of…his name is CW Rapp. He is son of Mason Rapp, who closed Rapp & Rapp in the 60’s.
The transaction took place in 1988. All blueprints (actually linen tracings) that were left at the time the office closed, and a collection of photographs, were donated to the Chicago Historical Society.
Brother Andrew Corsini, from THS, was allowed to make copies of the photographs before transfer. This is the only thing that resembles a Rapp & Rapp archive at THS in Elmhurst.
The only plans for a Brooklyn theater included in the donation were those of the Paramount. The fate of plans for the Kings is difficult to judge. A lot of materials were thrown out around 1930, when the office was slow. Basically, they saved only what they thought might generate more work. There was a flood at one point. Each time they moved, a thing or two was thrown away. Maybe plans for the Kings really are floating around New York somewhere…
I know the guy who conducted the transaction…the word was the entire colletion…no exceptions…went to the Chicago Historical Society.
But, what the hell…I can ask him.
Some would tell you that he saved it…can’t tell you for sure…just what I understand.
I have also heard that he suffered nerve damage while clearing ice from the gutters of Chicago’s Uptown in the early 90’s.
When did it come down? Judging by that large American car in the clipping, I am guessing 70’s?
Why is it quite likely to be demolished? What’s the news? Seems like it could be a viable building.
The 1928 lobby was torn out in 1980…wasn’t it?
Vertical sign does make a big difference…so do the replaced exterior details.
I understand that a man named Kurt Mangel(SP?) is responsible for saving this place.
Got to get in your face, Jim. Rapp & Rapp lasted well into the 60’s. By this time the firm did all kinds of work…bank buildings, for instance. The odd theater job did still turn up…like that place in Detroit…what was it…originally very exotic…the Fisher.
You can’t save them all…at least to function as 2,000 plus seat theaters. But, this was a great one. I was happy to hear that the plan to turn it into multiple cinemas fell apart. Hopefully a plan will materialize to bring it back to life. If a bunch of volunteers & community activists can save the place over in Jersey City, anything can happen!
Mason Rapp, who closed the firm, would be amazed to see so many of their theaters still around in 2005. He felt that movie palaces had become obsolete, and died just as preservation efforts in America were picking up steam.
Also of note…I don’t know what Rapp & Rapp materials exist in Elmhurst, IL. But, the entire collection of original blueprints was donated to the Chicago Historical Society in the 80’s. Ironically, Mason preserved the blueprints because he thought they would be worth money to the people tearing the old buildings down. He was a smart man, but he sure didn’t see to the other side of that one!
Not the same Rapp & Rapp, my friend…I assure you.
That is pretty sweet.
Wow…the LA theater is in great shape, judging by the photos on the official web site. Glad to know that one of the three met with a decent fate. I have always thought that the City of Chicago made a mistake in tearing their UA theater down. It was in decent shape, had a great interior, and was of managable size.
Wow…that’s a nice photo. Even as a triplex, the lobby & upstairs theater were great. Don’t know what is left after the community center deal.