This a.m. on HGTV’s DYI program a group of volunteers were working on a dressing room at the Tampa. Unfortunately, I only caught the last 5 minutes, but what I saw was interesting. Perhaps if you go to the HGTV site and click on DYI it will tell and show more.
hollywood90038: Those are great photos especially the rooftop marquee ones! It’s amazing that rooftop Orpheum sign is still there! ken mc: Yes, the auditions were for the reality show, So You Think You Can Dance.
I can’t be of much help to you, unfortunately and have no personal memories of these NYC theatres as I didn’t grow up in that part of the Empire State. The theatre that really interests me is the Monroe as I’d love to see/find a photo to show my friend whose late father had the memories and shared them with his son and wife often.
Lost Memory: I would like to see the June 1950 theatre exterior photo enlarged as it showed the curved marquee and curved building with an art deco look. BTW, I wasn’t aware that this PA town had 2 theatres, today.
I sure hope someone posts exterior and interior photos of the former Monroe. CT member, Lost Memory usually comes through for me so hopefully LM will come through for me on this one, too!
Bway: I wondered about that so will forward your comment to my friend and see what he tells me. Unfortunately, my friend’s father passed away so he can only go by his own memories of talking to his father over the years.
Jerry: Thanks for the follow-up information on this person and his efforts though it’s sad that this theatre and the beautiful marquee were demolished.
The projector room was in the upper balcony area where we were cleaning. There wasn’t any light in that room so I didn’t get to see much except the outline of a flood light machine, not a vintage projector. I suppose after we left someone was able to clean that area.
After reading about the chandelier prior to arriving at the Latonia it was a special moment when I entered the former auditorium and….looked up! It would have really been special if it had been lighted when I saw it for the very first time. And since the auditorium was divided by that cement floor the end of the chandelier was closer than it would have been high above the main floor and seats in those ‘glory days’.
When I was there I think Rox and/or Linda mentioned their desire to restore and light the chandelier since most of it is still intact! And no, I don’t do residential cleaning…only theaters! LOL! Indiana: Where was the chandelier switch?
A good friend of mine whose father managed this theatre in the 40’s met Lucille Ball when she performed on stage and he always talked about that experience throughout his life time. I only wish I had known this as it would have been fun chatting with him about this special experience!
Indiana: Miracles do happen so with current owner dedication and TLC this theatre will be used for community gatherings after witnessing, firsthand, a group clean-up effort. After seeing the Latonia, in person, I am amazed that all or most of the EXIT signs still remain and that the unique chandelier still hangs from the ceiling after so many years. Rox and Linda, keep us posted on when you are able to light the chandelier in all of its former glory! Also, when you have taken down that partition wall in the balcony area along with relocating the gift shop in the former lobby area. Congratulations upon your purchase and gallant efforts..the soul of the Latonia thanks you as do we.
Mark in NC: When in Asheville again, I shall visit College and look for the “you can make out the outline of the balcony on the one remaining wall that touches the building that was next door”.
View link
Here are the other June broadcast dates and times.
The Tampa Theatre episode will air on other June dates and times so check the DYI broadcast list.
View link
This site tells more about the DIY To The Rescue episode though there doesn’t seem to be any photos.
This a.m. on HGTV’s DYI program a group of volunteers were working on a dressing room at the Tampa. Unfortunately, I only caught the last 5 minutes, but what I saw was interesting. Perhaps if you go to the HGTV site and click on DYI it will tell and show more.
hollywood90038: Those are great photos especially the rooftop marquee ones! It’s amazing that rooftop Orpheum sign is still there! ken mc: Yes, the auditions were for the reality show, So You Think You Can Dance.
PKoch: Yes, I have no doubt that other folks on this site can and will come up with more information and hopefully PHOTOS!
I can’t be of much help to you, unfortunately and have no personal memories of these NYC theatres as I didn’t grow up in that part of the Empire State. The theatre that really interests me is the Monroe as I’d love to see/find a photo to show my friend whose late father had the memories and shared them with his son and wife often.
Lost Memory: I would like to see the June 1950 theatre exterior photo enlarged as it showed the curved marquee and curved building with an art deco look. BTW, I wasn’t aware that this PA town had 2 theatres, today.
Lost Memory: Your April 2, 2006 posts show contrasting photos of this theatre over the years and the subsequent changes.
I sure hope someone posts exterior and interior photos of the former Monroe. CT member, Lost Memory usually comes through for me so hopefully LM will come through for me on this one, too!
The status of Lucy’s appearance is unknown, but according to my friend’s late father Lucy was on the Monroe stage.
Bway: And be sure to check out www.lucy-desi.com for all the latest Lucy Festival news.
Bway: I wondered about that so will forward your comment to my friend and see what he tells me. Unfortunately, my friend’s father passed away so he can only go by his own memories of talking to his father over the years.
Bway: I have emailed my friend whose father worked at the Monroe and will post his additional comments soon.
How could anyone demolish a Rapp & Rapp built theatre?
Jerry: Thanks for the follow-up information on this person and his efforts though it’s sad that this theatre and the beautiful marquee were demolished.
Jerry: I’d try eBay even though you might not be interesting in selling it. Was this organist, Virg Howard connected with the Paramount in Toledo?
The projector room was in the upper balcony area where we were cleaning. There wasn’t any light in that room so I didn’t get to see much except the outline of a flood light machine, not a vintage projector. I suppose after we left someone was able to clean that area.
After reading about the chandelier prior to arriving at the Latonia it was a special moment when I entered the former auditorium and….looked up! It would have really been special if it had been lighted when I saw it for the very first time. And since the auditorium was divided by that cement floor the end of the chandelier was closer than it would have been high above the main floor and seats in those ‘glory days’.
When I was there I think Rox and/or Linda mentioned their desire to restore and light the chandelier since most of it is still intact! And no, I don’t do residential cleaning…only theaters! LOL! Indiana: Where was the chandelier switch?
Would love to see a vintage photo of this theatre’s exterior and interior!
A good friend of mine whose father managed this theatre in the 40’s met Lucille Ball when she performed on stage and he always talked about that experience throughout his life time. I only wish I had known this as it would have been fun chatting with him about this special experience!
Lost Memory: Thanks so much for finding and posting the above article with photo which shows that chandelier and the current owners.
Indiana: Miracles do happen so with current owner dedication and TLC this theatre will be used for community gatherings after witnessing, firsthand, a group clean-up effort. After seeing the Latonia, in person, I am amazed that all or most of the EXIT signs still remain and that the unique chandelier still hangs from the ceiling after so many years. Rox and Linda, keep us posted on when you are able to light the chandelier in all of its former glory! Also, when you have taken down that partition wall in the balcony area along with relocating the gift shop in the former lobby area. Congratulations upon your purchase and gallant efforts..the soul of the Latonia thanks you as do we.
Mark in NC: When in Asheville again, I shall visit College and look for the “you can make out the outline of the balcony on the one remaining wall that touches the building that was next door”.