Comments from joeh53

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joeh53
joeh53 commented about Ambassador Theatre on Aug 26, 2006 at 4:16 am

I used to go to the Ambassador every Sunday in the early 1960’s. A double feature was 35 cents. On special events, like when I saw the “Three Stooges” in person and “Chubby Checker” it would be 50 cents.

It was a great theatre with a smoking balcony. To an 8 year old it looked enormous. The concession stand was to the left as you entered the theatre. Right next door to it was a delicatessen…it sold great knishes. Across the street, on Saratoga Ave., was another restaurant. On the opposite side of the theatre, on Livonia Avenue was a toy store. Betsy Head park was just one block down Livonia and Saratoga. A few blocks away was the big shopping area of Pitkin Avenue.

You definitely could not hear the IRT # 2 train. The last stop on this train in Brooklyn was New Lots Ave. (intersecting with Ashford Street).

Although the neighborhood was quickly changing for the worse, I was able to walk to the Ambassador from 245 Amboy Street (between Dumont and Blake Avenue) all by myself and my younger brother with no fear or concern. With just $2.00, my brother and I were able to purchase tickets, buy popcorn, soda and candies.

I have great memories of the Ambassador. I believe by the very early 70’s it was closed. It’s a shame that it was torn down. Although by the late 60’s it looked horrible on the outside.

I do have a photo of the corner across the street where the restaurant was, ca. 1961.