Uploaded photo taken after closure from American Classic Images. Marquee is quite beat up at this time. When Jericho Turnpike was widened the front of the marquee was hit several times. The neon around the signage was covered with aluminum and the “A Century Theatre” was removed.
Big problem is there is no community push. The thing with Queens, it is the most diversely populated borough with the majority of the people of more recent origin than when the Keith’s was functioning.
Not all the proposed projects make it to completion: the Paramount in Stapleton, Staten Island was killed by bureaucracy; the Times Square on 42nd Street reno also died. I agree that it’s encouraging when you hear about some of these projects but I think the Keith’s is just too far gone with no real push.
Orlando, I find it interesting that you mentioned a transfer to the Morton Village. On that site CT contributor longislandmovies said he managed the theater for one night and it was the worst in the Century chain in every aspect.
What I find interesting about the Strand, and the neighboring Unqua, is that they were created out of other business structures, while the Opera House, which was located just down the street was never used as a movie venue. It, subsequently was converted into a factory.
What I find interesting about this is that there was an Opera House in Farmingdale before either the Unqua or the Strand were created. Customarily the Opera House became the first venue for movies in a town. The Opera House subsequently became a factory.
I read someplace that the Unqua, too, like the nearby Strand, also started life as something else, a primitive shed-like structure, and was later remodeled. The Wardell Brothers of Amityville, I believe, were responsible for the reincarnation.
Orlando, I take exception to your deprecating remarks about the patrons. As a resident of Farmingdale I often attended performances there as did members of my church, most of whom had college degrees.
Ad from the day uploaded.
Uploaded photo taken after closure from American Classic Images. Marquee is quite beat up at this time. When Jericho Turnpike was widened the front of the marquee was hit several times. The neon around the signage was covered with aluminum and the “A Century Theatre” was removed.
Uploaded photo of a later marquee in the 1950s. Note the vertical is gone. Was there until shortly before.
Uploaded day and nighttime photos of the period when a triplex. Didn’t realize the boxy marquee was over the shell of the original humpback/turtle.
1940 ad from Newsday and brief 1939 article announcing the reopening of the former Roosevelt Theater as the modern Nassau uploaded.
Big problem is there is no community push. The thing with Queens, it is the most diversely populated borough with the majority of the people of more recent origin than when the Keith’s was functioning.
Some places created auditoriums on the stage area or in dressing rooms. Both present here.
There is still talk about preserving it. Just what is left to preserve after all this time? Anybody been in there lately?
Not all the proposed projects make it to completion: the Paramount in Stapleton, Staten Island was killed by bureaucracy; the Times Square on 42nd Street reno also died. I agree that it’s encouraging when you hear about some of these projects but I think the Keith’s is just too far gone with no real push.
Orlando, I find it interesting that you mentioned a transfer to the Morton Village. On that site CT contributor longislandmovies said he managed the theater for one night and it was the worst in the Century chain in every aspect.
What I find interesting about the Strand, and the neighboring Unqua, is that they were created out of other business structures, while the Opera House, which was located just down the street was never used as a movie venue. It, subsequently was converted into a factory.
What I find interesting about this is that there was an Opera House in Farmingdale before either the Unqua or the Strand were created. Customarily the Opera House became the first venue for movies in a town. The Opera House subsequently became a factory.
I read someplace that the Unqua, too, like the nearby Strand, also started life as something else, a primitive shed-like structure, and was later remodeled. The Wardell Brothers of Amityville, I believe, were responsible for the reincarnation.
Decision put off until May 11th.
Orlando, I take exception to your deprecating remarks about the patrons. As a resident of Farmingdale I often attended performances there as did members of my church, most of whom had college degrees.
Another view of the marquee as a multiplex uploaded.
Photo of the Pearl in the day uploaded.
Photo of early marquee uploaded.
Early photo uploaded.
Photo of the marquee in the day.
Early photo uploaded.
For amazing color photos of the Valencia go to ScoutingNY.com
Demolished yet? Status is still closed. Uploaded a photo during it’s post theater life.
JAB it would be nice if you would share your photo.
Additional photo uploaded.