If any theater that was built during the Vaudeville era that survives today, can be described accurately, than this theater must be called a “Diamond in the Rough” to its full extent. Everything about the interior is exactly the way it was from when the last film played, with the exception of the chandelier missing and the seats removed, it was a sight to behold.Even the light beige paint, which is a bit worn and flaking, resembles a trip back in classic movie house history.As you walk in the lobby, there’s a long corridor that retains the poster for ads for upcoming films.The floor is a beautiful marble like type, with exquisite designs.As you proceed to the foyer, there are columns that resemble gold which support the double staircase leading to the balcony,which I was not allowed to enter.As you proceed to the outer lobby, the concession stands are there, but modernized. The ceiling has beautiful etched plaster that adds to the charm, which also is replicated throughout the theater.The orchestra area is amazing.It is still sloped, but I was very interested in the side boxes which overlook the still curtained proscenium and stage area. The ceiling was very high and had the familiar dome, with no chandelier,but above the boxes there were light fixtures on chains that were non functional.The original exit lights were there too, made of brass or copper.I urge all CT members to visit this unique building, as soon as you walk in its a real treat you will enjoy!
once upon a time
I have many memories of the Glenwood, as well as Peter,as a bowling alley.I bowled ther in a league from 1976 till its closing. I have some ultra rare photos of the Glenwood, sadly, they were taken the day after its demolition, circa 1984. http://s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb60/panzer65/
Luis V
Thank you for your reply regarding the conversion of the Keith’s to another use.
I think you said it all in a previous post,better to have the exterior saved, or portions of the interior gutted and/or altered, than to destroy the building completely.
Much emphasis today is the need for more schools, that being said, perhaps the Keith’s could be turned into a school, or even like they did to the Brooklyn Paramount,conversion into an athletic facility, or basketball arena. Many existing schools that were built with outdoor gym space, has been utilized as building extensions.
If impending fate does happen, perhaps the new owner will do renovations, but respect the theater’s architectural integrity, thereby having a historic building we can visit and enjoy for generations.
Much like theaters of the past, the sign “Closed for Renovations"or "Space for Lease” could appear at any time, just like the one that appeared on Ridgewood’s marquee.
Peter,
Thanks for the tip about the two palaces in operation.
I would like to share a theater which I have seen photos of in Chicago, that reminds me of a dark, gothic mansion, which so far i have found most unique. /theaters/362/
Peter,
Ithink the pastime of seeing films at movie house is soon to be extinct in the form that I know and remember it by. The single screen house in all the glory of its palace type atmosphere form which I was accustomed to is rapidly fading. I think its just a bit of anger on my part, looking back, of course, you are quite correct that the multi plex’s are thriving. My anger I feel is a just cause, perhaps because my CT research has seen many of these beautiful theaters perish through the making of the dollar, another words, death,demolition, loss, sell, make money. My recent foray was the death of the Hollywood in Rhoade Island,and also my deep sorrow for the loss of the Commodore, and then seeing the Ridgewood close, and finally the RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill in its first stage of decline. Also I was so close yest so far in attending the Madison in its glory days, but never stepped a foot in it, adding to my obsession.I feel that the venue of bingo is about to become a victim of the past just like bowling alleys and Jahn’s, that being said, the other diamond in the rough, the Maspeth, may become a victim in this recent attack on historic buildings.
Re: Greedy owners.
I do regret calling the owners greedy, how ever, real estate activities in New York City are one that are not honest to say the least. My apologies to the owners of the RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill and any one else who read my thread.I was very angered by the activities that were going on, and may have over reacted.
In retrospect, theaters are a difficult proposition, they are costly to maintain, and take up a lot of space. There are many pieces to the equation here. Many owners are unscrupulous because of this fact, on the other hand, they know there are a small amount of preservationists that want to save these historic buildings.So like many events of the past they either do some damage to accelerate deterioration, or they secretly perform “renovations”, to push the structure to the brink of immeasurable damage, therefore getting the odds in their favor. Wake up friends!This is perhaps the death knell for the RKO Richmond Hill and Ridgewood, these greedy owners will do anything to eliminate the money losers to get the money winners.The only salvation that can occur is not really preservation.The purpose of these great buildings was to entertain through the soon extinct pastime of the cinema and the long obsolete Vaudeville. My stance is yes, save the building, but since times are changing rapidly,we must have to look at what makes the money, modern uses.Not retail, but performing arts, school, or churches, especially the latter.The Valencia & RKO Bushwick stand tall, proud and well cared for today as examples of modern uses of theater buildings.
Once again the torrent of disrespect for historic structures is being aimed at another classic movie house,amongst other venues. How long is this new wave of attacks going to last until its put in check?
Is the Landmarks Preservation Commision and Theater Historical Society a$leep?
Hello friends,
Being from New York City, I have spent much time on Cinema Treasures
researching the rich theater history we have here.You may find it unusual that this post pertains to a television episode from the series MAS*H.Many of you perhaps know the fictional character from the series Maxwell Q. Klinger, a Toledo resident who is trying to get out of the army by dressing in women’s clothes. Well in last night’s episode ,Max is acting like he’s back home in Toledo, although he’s still in war time Korea. At the breakfast table, he’s talking to the guys and mentions “Hey did you see them demolish the Rivoli Theater yesterday”. Right away I decided I would check, and lo and behold, there is a Rivoli in Toledo! Being it was the Korean War (1950-1953) the time line was out of place, demolition date of 1969. Since you had the time to read my story,as a fellow member, I invite all the good folks of Toledo to visit the New York City CT pages, especially the RKO Madison and Ridgewood, which are located in my hometown. The Ridgewood has just been closed after 91 years of consecutive operation. We have an online petition currently in operation to save this beloved 1916 beauty, would you please take a few minutes of your time to review and possibly sign? Thank you and best wishes. View link
Peter,
Maybe the store manager’s name is Balock (portrayed by Clint Howard)in Star trek, who incidentally was in many TV shows and movies.
Movie matrons in video stores? Its possible!
MrBill
If you do gain access to Liberty Stores' upper echelons before me please do take pictures, and Bill Murray and Harold Ramis.
Who you gonna call? GHOSTBUSTERS!
The Ghost of the White Clad Matron,Fast Eddie, The Twilight Zone and the calls of Mannequins asking for Marsha..Marsha..?, interesting indeed. There may be hazards up in Liberty Stores upper echelons, but
it makes the possible journey that more interesting.Perhaps those restrooms may still be Madison’s original equipment. Very worthy of a Cinema Treasures historic tour.
Peter and once upon a time, you give me the motivation, now I must"Go where no Cinema Treasures member has gone before". I must say the last few postings have been quite funny, I appreciate the humor. Especially the one about the nurses and porno movies.
I could be scared enough to run down that marble staircase,to a waiting lobby matron , but hey, did James T. Kirk ever get scared?
Thank you Peter,
I’m having trouble with that link, I need a password, can you help?
If the staircase was on the Wyckoff side, then chances are it may very well be eliminated, judging by my last visit. The dimensions of that area do not allow a structure of that size to be hidden behind a wall.
I hope I’m not beating a dead horse here, but my curiosity about the configuration of today’s Liberty store furniture area,formerly the mezzanine promenade and balcony, has once been awakened.
Peter , you mentioned that the only restrooms in the Madison were in the balcony and not at street level, could they perhaps be functional today as the only restrooms in the store? If so that may explain why that door up there is sometimes ajar as Bway had mentioned. If this is the case, this may be an opportunity to have a look at any possible remnants of the theater (dome, chandelier, seats).I’m still wondering if I should ask the manager for access there.
once upon a time, in many postings on this page, we have wondered where exactly that marble staircase was located.Many of us feel it was either removed or hidden behind a wall. Any recollections of its exact location? I was also confused about the configuration of the mezzanine and balcony, your description of it during Madison’s heyday was a perfect description, wish I had attended while it was active!
once upon a time
Thank you for sharing your memories of the Madison theater, its interesting to hear recollections of past theater goers, and it also
is interesting to know first hand that in opulent venues such as this, that going to the movies was not just going there and sitting to watch a movie, but to take in the atmosphere and charm of a classic movie house.
Peter,
No I was not, but a fellow co worker attended and guess who appeared? None other than Tony Bennett! Singing New York ,New York.
At least Shea Stadium will end its life with dignity.
Ahh The Beatles, one of the greatest musical groups of all time.
Peter , perhaps you read my story on the Commodore page. It really was heartbreaking to see how that theater was disgracefully treated.
If theres any Beatles song that fits the fate of any cherished place it has to be “In My Life”.
I know in my heart when any historic building is razed this song always comes to mind. Especially when Shea Stadium meets its fate.
Peter and Bway
I myself feel the same way too , about posting comments, while this historic gem lingers at the brink of obscurity.
In a way, I have feelings of concern, for if there are people living inside the theater,one can only wonder what will happen next. Will deterioration rapidly consume this wonderful place?
I do hope after reading postings about how the Madison died an untimely death, that my thoughts of “Deja Vu All Over Again” (Yogi Berra) does not occur here.
When you really look at the big picture,time is really not on Ridgewood’s side,the owner may perhaps be unscrupulous,and looking to accelerate the deterioration to lead to events that will forever seal its fate. If you read the postings for the Commodore, I feel that unless control is established over this property, the same fate that consumed Madison and Commodore may be in the future.
once upon a time
Your welcome concerning our interesting exchanges, thats what makes this site a treasure,sharing memories and thoughts about the past at neighborhood movie houses.
Looking forward to your recollections at the Madison, there’s some uncharted territory there thats yet to be discovered,behind the mezzanine promenade door.
Peter, maybe thats where the mannequins are chanting..Marsha,Marsha..next stop ..The Twilight Zone!
If any theater that was built during the Vaudeville era that survives today, can be described accurately, than this theater must be called a “Diamond in the Rough” to its full extent. Everything about the interior is exactly the way it was from when the last film played, with the exception of the chandelier missing and the seats removed, it was a sight to behold.Even the light beige paint, which is a bit worn and flaking, resembles a trip back in classic movie house history.As you walk in the lobby, there’s a long corridor that retains the poster for ads for upcoming films.The floor is a beautiful marble like type, with exquisite designs.As you proceed to the foyer, there are columns that resemble gold which support the double staircase leading to the balcony,which I was not allowed to enter.As you proceed to the outer lobby, the concession stands are there, but modernized. The ceiling has beautiful etched plaster that adds to the charm, which also is replicated throughout the theater.The orchestra area is amazing.It is still sloped, but I was very interested in the side boxes which overlook the still curtained proscenium and stage area. The ceiling was very high and had the familiar dome, with no chandelier,but above the boxes there were light fixtures on chains that were non functional.The original exit lights were there too, made of brass or copper.I urge all CT members to visit this unique building, as soon as you walk in its a real treat you will enjoy!
I visited this grand beauty this past Sunday, and brought home gifts to share with fellow Cinema Treasures members:
View link
once upon a time
I have many memories of the Glenwood, as well as Peter,as a bowling alley.I bowled ther in a league from 1976 till its closing. I have some ultra rare photos of the Glenwood, sadly, they were taken the day after its demolition, circa 1984.
http://s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb60/panzer65/
Luis V
Thank you for your reply regarding the conversion of the Keith’s to another use.
I think you said it all in a previous post,better to have the exterior saved, or portions of the interior gutted and/or altered, than to destroy the building completely.
Much emphasis today is the need for more schools, that being said, perhaps the Keith’s could be turned into a school, or even like they did to the Brooklyn Paramount,conversion into an athletic facility, or basketball arena. Many existing schools that were built with outdoor gym space, has been utilized as building extensions.
If impending fate does happen, perhaps the new owner will do renovations, but respect the theater’s architectural integrity, thereby having a historic building we can visit and enjoy for generations.
Much like theaters of the past, the sign “Closed for Renovations"or "Space for Lease” could appear at any time, just like the one that appeared on Ridgewood’s marquee.
Peter,
Thanks for the tip about the two palaces in operation.
I would like to share a theater which I have seen photos of in Chicago, that reminds me of a dark, gothic mansion, which so far i have found most unique.
/theaters/362/
Well form my standpoint Peter,
LOW-EASE!
Peter,
Ithink the pastime of seeing films at movie house is soon to be extinct in the form that I know and remember it by. The single screen house in all the glory of its palace type atmosphere form which I was accustomed to is rapidly fading. I think its just a bit of anger on my part, looking back, of course, you are quite correct that the multi plex’s are thriving. My anger I feel is a just cause, perhaps because my CT research has seen many of these beautiful theaters perish through the making of the dollar, another words, death,demolition, loss, sell, make money. My recent foray was the death of the Hollywood in Rhoade Island,and also my deep sorrow for the loss of the Commodore, and then seeing the Ridgewood close, and finally the RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill in its first stage of decline. Also I was so close yest so far in attending the Madison in its glory days, but never stepped a foot in it, adding to my obsession.I feel that the venue of bingo is about to become a victim of the past just like bowling alleys and Jahn’s, that being said, the other diamond in the rough, the Maspeth, may become a victim in this recent attack on historic buildings.
Re: Greedy owners.
I do regret calling the owners greedy, how ever, real estate activities in New York City are one that are not honest to say the least. My apologies to the owners of the RKO Keith’s Richmond Hill and any one else who read my thread.I was very angered by the activities that were going on, and may have over reacted.
In retrospect, theaters are a difficult proposition, they are costly to maintain, and take up a lot of space. There are many pieces to the equation here. Many owners are unscrupulous because of this fact, on the other hand, they know there are a small amount of preservationists that want to save these historic buildings.So like many events of the past they either do some damage to accelerate deterioration, or they secretly perform “renovations”, to push the structure to the brink of immeasurable damage, therefore getting the odds in their favor. Wake up friends!This is perhaps the death knell for the RKO Richmond Hill and Ridgewood, these greedy owners will do anything to eliminate the money losers to get the money winners.The only salvation that can occur is not really preservation.The purpose of these great buildings was to entertain through the soon extinct pastime of the cinema and the long obsolete Vaudeville. My stance is yes, save the building, but since times are changing rapidly,we must have to look at what makes the money, modern uses.Not retail, but performing arts, school, or churches, especially the latter.The Valencia & RKO Bushwick stand tall, proud and well cared for today as examples of modern uses of theater buildings.
Once again the torrent of disrespect for historic structures is being aimed at another classic movie house,amongst other venues. How long is this new wave of attacks going to last until its put in check?
Is the Landmarks Preservation Commision and Theater Historical Society a$leep?
Hello friends,
Being from New York City, I have spent much time on Cinema Treasures
researching the rich theater history we have here.You may find it unusual that this post pertains to a television episode from the series MAS*H.Many of you perhaps know the fictional character from the series Maxwell Q. Klinger, a Toledo resident who is trying to get out of the army by dressing in women’s clothes. Well in last night’s episode ,Max is acting like he’s back home in Toledo, although he’s still in war time Korea. At the breakfast table, he’s talking to the guys and mentions “Hey did you see them demolish the Rivoli Theater yesterday”. Right away I decided I would check, and lo and behold, there is a Rivoli in Toledo! Being it was the Korean War (1950-1953) the time line was out of place, demolition date of 1969. Since you had the time to read my story,as a fellow member, I invite all the good folks of Toledo to visit the New York City CT pages, especially the RKO Madison and Ridgewood, which are located in my hometown. The Ridgewood has just been closed after 91 years of consecutive operation. We have an online petition currently in operation to save this beloved 1916 beauty, would you please take a few minutes of your time to review and possibly sign? Thank you and best wishes.
View link
The Corbomite Manuver
Peter,
Maybe the store manager’s name is Balock (portrayed by Clint Howard)in Star trek, who incidentally was in many TV shows and movies.
Movie matrons in video stores? Its possible!
MrBill
If you do gain access to Liberty Stores' upper echelons before me please do take pictures, and Bill Murray and Harold Ramis.
Who you gonna call? GHOSTBUSTERS!
The Ghost of the White Clad Matron,Fast Eddie, The Twilight Zone and the calls of Mannequins asking for Marsha..Marsha..?, interesting indeed. There may be hazards up in Liberty Stores upper echelons, but
it makes the possible journey that more interesting.Perhaps those restrooms may still be Madison’s original equipment. Very worthy of a Cinema Treasures historic tour.
Peter and once upon a time, you give me the motivation, now I must"Go where no Cinema Treasures member has gone before". I must say the last few postings have been quite funny, I appreciate the humor. Especially the one about the nurses and porno movies.
I could be scared enough to run down that marble staircase,to a waiting lobby matron , but hey, did James T. Kirk ever get scared?
Thank you Peter,
I’m having trouble with that link, I need a password, can you help?
If the staircase was on the Wyckoff side, then chances are it may very well be eliminated, judging by my last visit. The dimensions of that area do not allow a structure of that size to be hidden behind a wall.
I hope I’m not beating a dead horse here, but my curiosity about the configuration of today’s Liberty store furniture area,formerly the mezzanine promenade and balcony, has once been awakened.
Peter , you mentioned that the only restrooms in the Madison were in the balcony and not at street level, could they perhaps be functional today as the only restrooms in the store? If so that may explain why that door up there is sometimes ajar as Bway had mentioned. If this is the case, this may be an opportunity to have a look at any possible remnants of the theater (dome, chandelier, seats).I’m still wondering if I should ask the manager for access there.
once upon a time, in many postings on this page, we have wondered where exactly that marble staircase was located.Many of us feel it was either removed or hidden behind a wall. Any recollections of its exact location? I was also confused about the configuration of the mezzanine and balcony, your description of it during Madison’s heyday was a perfect description, wish I had attended while it was active!
once upon a time
Thank you for sharing your memories of the Madison theater, its interesting to hear recollections of past theater goers, and it also
is interesting to know first hand that in opulent venues such as this, that going to the movies was not just going there and sitting to watch a movie, but to take in the atmosphere and charm of a classic movie house.
Do you think we can convince Mr. Joel, Mr .Bennett, & Mr. McCartney to sing at the Ridgewood?
Peter,
No I was not, but a fellow co worker attended and guess who appeared? None other than Tony Bennett! Singing New York ,New York.
At least Shea Stadium will end its life with dignity.
Ahh The Beatles, one of the greatest musical groups of all time.
Peter , perhaps you read my story on the Commodore page. It really was heartbreaking to see how that theater was disgracefully treated.
If theres any Beatles song that fits the fate of any cherished place it has to be “In My Life”.
I know in my heart when any historic building is razed this song always comes to mind. Especially when Shea Stadium meets its fate.
Peter and Bway
I myself feel the same way too , about posting comments, while this historic gem lingers at the brink of obscurity.
In a way, I have feelings of concern, for if there are people living inside the theater,one can only wonder what will happen next. Will deterioration rapidly consume this wonderful place?
I do hope after reading postings about how the Madison died an untimely death, that my thoughts of “Deja Vu All Over Again” (Yogi Berra) does not occur here.
When you really look at the big picture,time is really not on Ridgewood’s side,the owner may perhaps be unscrupulous,and looking to accelerate the deterioration to lead to events that will forever seal its fate. If you read the postings for the Commodore, I feel that unless control is established over this property, the same fate that consumed Madison and Commodore may be in the future.
once upon a time
Your welcome concerning our interesting exchanges, thats what makes this site a treasure,sharing memories and thoughts about the past at neighborhood movie houses.
Looking forward to your recollections at the Madison, there’s some uncharted territory there thats yet to be discovered,behind the mezzanine promenade door.
Peter, maybe thats where the mannequins are chanting..Marsha,Marsha..next stop ..The Twilight Zone!