It is rumored here in Sacramento that a few of the light fixtures from the Alhambra theatre are currently hanging in the “Limelight” bar directly across the street from the original sight of the theatre. I have seen them, and some do indeed do look like they could be. Old timers I have talked to over the years say the light fixtures were bought at the auction. I also have photos of the demolition of the theatre. Very sad to see. I also know that the City of Sacramento put it to a vote of the citizens and they voted NOT to buy the Alhambra. It was not, as is usually accepted, Safeway that bought the theatre soley to build a super market. Sacramento had its chance to save the Alhambra, and let it slip away. Safeway THEN decided to build their store on the sight. No one should blame Safeway. They should blame the citizens of Sacramento for allowing the Alhambra to crumble to the wrecking ball.
It is sad to see the old girl in such disrepair. I worked at the Tower, and managed it under Landmark Theatre corp. for some time. It was like pulling teeth to get things restored or even repaired. I actually did things on my own, with money out of pocket at times as did many of us over the years. At one time, I had art students from Calif. university at S.F. willing to come and restore the art deco murals that hide behind the curtains in the main theatre for FREE (I would pay for paint and supplies), but the company (landmark) would not allow it. I fear Sacramento will lose another treasure. The Tower would be best if restored to ONE screen as intended, and maybe allow live shows on occasion, like its sister venue, the Colonial, or nearby Crest theare.
Some of the film premier parties we had at the Tower wil go down in local history. With the ever delightful assistance of Matias Bombal, emcee extraordenare, genious of show, and the fabulous, talented, and lovely Pamela Williams, we did some really neat stuff. Period carbon arch search lights often bathed the spire, and staff would dress to the nines in period attire, aboard classic automobiles on loan from the Towe Ford museum, rumbling about the parking lot. Big bands would strut there musical stuff in the lobby, and “King Kong” even climbed the Tower one night, Fay Ray in hand as search lights, amused patrons, and the news media looked on. I will always remember fondly, and miss my days at the Tower Theatre.
Actually, the Tower was split from one screen to three in 1972. Just thought I would share that.
It is rumored here in Sacramento that a few of the light fixtures from the Alhambra theatre are currently hanging in the “Limelight” bar directly across the street from the original sight of the theatre. I have seen them, and some do indeed do look like they could be. Old timers I have talked to over the years say the light fixtures were bought at the auction. I also have photos of the demolition of the theatre. Very sad to see. I also know that the City of Sacramento put it to a vote of the citizens and they voted NOT to buy the Alhambra. It was not, as is usually accepted, Safeway that bought the theatre soley to build a super market. Sacramento had its chance to save the Alhambra, and let it slip away. Safeway THEN decided to build their store on the sight. No one should blame Safeway. They should blame the citizens of Sacramento for allowing the Alhambra to crumble to the wrecking ball.
Jo Babbitt
It is sad to see the old girl in such disrepair. I worked at the Tower, and managed it under Landmark Theatre corp. for some time. It was like pulling teeth to get things restored or even repaired. I actually did things on my own, with money out of pocket at times as did many of us over the years. At one time, I had art students from Calif. university at S.F. willing to come and restore the art deco murals that hide behind the curtains in the main theatre for FREE (I would pay for paint and supplies), but the company (landmark) would not allow it. I fear Sacramento will lose another treasure. The Tower would be best if restored to ONE screen as intended, and maybe allow live shows on occasion, like its sister venue, the Colonial, or nearby Crest theare.
Some of the film premier parties we had at the Tower wil go down in local history. With the ever delightful assistance of Matias Bombal, emcee extraordenare, genious of show, and the fabulous, talented, and lovely Pamela Williams, we did some really neat stuff. Period carbon arch search lights often bathed the spire, and staff would dress to the nines in period attire, aboard classic automobiles on loan from the Towe Ford museum, rumbling about the parking lot. Big bands would strut there musical stuff in the lobby, and “King Kong” even climbed the Tower one night, Fay Ray in hand as search lights, amused patrons, and the news media looked on. I will always remember fondly, and miss my days at the Tower Theatre.
Jo Babbitt
Sacramento, ca.