When I started a woman names Mrs. Beal? was the manager. After that a man named James Ward took over with a George Gustafson as the assistant. They were followed by Duane Marino. That was the end of my days at RKO.
Did you work there also?
I worked at the RKO twin all through Jr high and high school years. I met my future wife there, she was the candy girl and I was the usher. We’ve been married for over 27 years and really miss the old theatre. I started there the day the Godfather opened and remember the folks standing in the rain for hours waiting to get in. As well as the bribes of $100 to get 2 tickets (no, I didn’t take it). I wish it was still open, with updated seating so I could bring my kids.
My grandfather was the projectionist at the Keiths for over 65 years. He was there at the opening and for the next 6 decades. I spent alot of my childhood being able to roam all over the theatre. Many of the original vaudeville artifacts were still in place. I remember the trap doors in the stage, the Green room (which was in fact green), and the labyrnth of other rooms throughout the theatre. In the basement was an “air washer” that cleaned the air before it entered the theatre. I had the priviledge to meet many of my boyhood idols, Mohammad Ali, Adam West (Batman), Howard Cosells, and others that would make the rounds to promote their movies or events. It’s a shame that the theatre is in the shape it is now. If anyone knows of photos of the exterior or interior I would love to purchase a copy.
Sorry, should have been 55 years not 65. My grandfather retired before the theatre closed so I have no idea when it finally shut down.
Write me at my email address.
How did you know them, were you an employee also?
When I started a woman names Mrs. Beal? was the manager. After that a man named James Ward took over with a George Gustafson as the assistant. They were followed by Duane Marino. That was the end of my days at RKO.
Did you work there also?
I worked at the RKO twin all through Jr high and high school years. I met my future wife there, she was the candy girl and I was the usher. We’ve been married for over 27 years and really miss the old theatre. I started there the day the Godfather opened and remember the folks standing in the rain for hours waiting to get in. As well as the bribes of $100 to get 2 tickets (no, I didn’t take it). I wish it was still open, with updated seating so I could bring my kids.
My grandfather was the projectionist at the Keiths for over 65 years. He was there at the opening and for the next 6 decades. I spent alot of my childhood being able to roam all over the theatre. Many of the original vaudeville artifacts were still in place. I remember the trap doors in the stage, the Green room (which was in fact green), and the labyrnth of other rooms throughout the theatre. In the basement was an “air washer” that cleaned the air before it entered the theatre. I had the priviledge to meet many of my boyhood idols, Mohammad Ali, Adam West (Batman), Howard Cosells, and others that would make the rounds to promote their movies or events. It’s a shame that the theatre is in the shape it is now. If anyone knows of photos of the exterior or interior I would love to purchase a copy.