Although I do not know very much history in regards to the early years of the Parkway, in its last years it was primarily a place to see classic films. It also had the shortest lobby of any theatre in Chicago…less then 6 feet deep! It has since been converted into retail space, shoe store I am pretty sure.
The Dupage was triplexed in the late 80’s. I worked on this triplexing with the owner(who bought the theatre at tax auction) at the time. He tried to make a go of it as a single screen first but it was pretty futile. Triplexing it mad it a bit more cost effective to run but it still just could not quite make it. Fortunately he was quite gentle when he triplexed it and it could easily be restored. Except for some holes in the ceiling and some missing plasterwork that could easily be duplicated the Dupage is still in great shape. The entire front end is also completely intact as is the stage. The apartments were always a disaster but the little corner restaurant, Art and Almas Blue Plate always had great food. Now owned by the city of Lombard hopefully they will find a way to bring this place back to life again
The Woods is definitely gone. I remember it being demolished when I worked in downtown Chicago back in the early 80’s. Last time I was in Chicago you could still see the outline of the balcony on the wall of the building next door. I guess they left that wall intact as taking it down would have probably endangered that building.
I believe the Tiffen was demolished about 10 years ago. I knew the projectionist there. HIs name was Bill Nevins and he also built the Essanay Changeovers.
The Hinsdale is a very special place. Not only is it a very beautiful theatre but it contains what is easily the finest pipe organ anywhere in the Midwest area. It is a 3/28 Kimball. And there are more ranks that have yet to become operational at this point in time. The organ can be seen here… http://www.catoe.org/hinsdale.html
I was recording engineer for a CD that was done of this organ a year or so before the theatre closed. I’m sure glad that we spent time doing this as this organ might not be open to public performances anymore. Don Springer and I opted for a “you are there” type of sound for the CD. The citizens of Hinsdale are fools if they don’t preserve this theatre!!
Although I do not know very much history in regards to the early years of the Parkway, in its last years it was primarily a place to see classic films. It also had the shortest lobby of any theatre in Chicago…less then 6 feet deep! It has since been converted into retail space, shoe store I am pretty sure.
The Dupage was triplexed in the late 80’s. I worked on this triplexing with the owner(who bought the theatre at tax auction) at the time. He tried to make a go of it as a single screen first but it was pretty futile. Triplexing it mad it a bit more cost effective to run but it still just could not quite make it. Fortunately he was quite gentle when he triplexed it and it could easily be restored. Except for some holes in the ceiling and some missing plasterwork that could easily be duplicated the Dupage is still in great shape. The entire front end is also completely intact as is the stage. The apartments were always a disaster but the little corner restaurant, Art and Almas Blue Plate always had great food. Now owned by the city of Lombard hopefully they will find a way to bring this place back to life again
The Woods is definitely gone. I remember it being demolished when I worked in downtown Chicago back in the early 80’s. Last time I was in Chicago you could still see the outline of the balcony on the wall of the building next door. I guess they left that wall intact as taking it down would have probably endangered that building.
I believe the Tiffen was demolished about 10 years ago. I knew the projectionist there. HIs name was Bill Nevins and he also built the Essanay Changeovers.
The Hinsdale is a very special place. Not only is it a very beautiful theatre but it contains what is easily the finest pipe organ anywhere in the Midwest area. It is a 3/28 Kimball. And there are more ranks that have yet to become operational at this point in time. The organ can be seen here… http://www.catoe.org/hinsdale.html
I was recording engineer for a CD that was done of this organ a year or so before the theatre closed. I’m sure glad that we spent time doing this as this organ might not be open to public performances anymore. Don Springer and I opted for a “you are there” type of sound for the CD. The citizens of Hinsdale are fools if they don’t preserve this theatre!!