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.
Early photo of Steinway Street uploaded. You can see the vertical from the theater. Also a later shot showing theater without the vertical and the marquee that was in place to the end.
Uploaded Ed Doyle’s vintage street level photo. These links are getting very tenuous. Also uploaded two American Classic images: street view by night and the marquee on the 165th Street entrance after the theater closed.
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.
Uploaded current Jamaica Avenue photo showing Merrick as retail space.
Color photo from the balcony uploaded.
Early photo of Steinway Street uploaded. You can see the vertical from the theater. Also a later shot showing theater without the vertical and the marquee that was in place to the end.
Uploaded Ed Doyle’s vintage street level photo. These links are getting very tenuous. Also uploaded two American Classic images: street view by night and the marquee on the 165th Street entrance after the theater closed.