I was only five years old at the time, but I recall throwing some coins into the cement as they were pouring the foundation of this beautiful theatre. Building the Angela was the height of my Dad’s 50+ years in the theatre business which began in Philadelphia with the job of walking up and down the aisles with water for any thirsty patrons. When the Angela was completed, he was operating about 15 theatres all of which were named ‘Ritz’ except the three he built himself: Andrea, Catawissa, PA (named for his Dad), Laura, Montoursvilla, PA (named for his wife), Angela, Coaldale, PA (named for his Mom and daughter).
Coaldale folks should feel a bit lucky since the Angela was to be built in Stone Harbor, NJ; however, the fire that destroyed the Ritz in Coaldale changed his plan. (By the way, the Ritz was on Second Street, not on the current site of the Angela.)
A lot of my youth was spent in the Angela, selling candy, taking tickets, sweeping floors and sidewalks, running the projectors, and managing. There are some wonderful memories in this fine theatre for me and the town as well. I wish Mike Danchak all the luck in the world in his revival of this fine showplace. Ron Magazzu
I was only five years old at the time, but I recall throwing some coins into the cement as they were pouring the foundation of this beautiful theatre. Building the Angela was the height of my Dad’s 50+ years in the theatre business which began in Philadelphia with the job of walking up and down the aisles with water for any thirsty patrons. When the Angela was completed, he was operating about 15 theatres all of which were named ‘Ritz’ except the three he built himself: Andrea, Catawissa, PA (named for his Dad), Laura, Montoursvilla, PA (named for his wife), Angela, Coaldale, PA (named for his Mom and daughter).
Coaldale folks should feel a bit lucky since the Angela was to be built in Stone Harbor, NJ; however, the fire that destroyed the Ritz in Coaldale changed his plan. (By the way, the Ritz was on Second Street, not on the current site of the Angela.)
A lot of my youth was spent in the Angela, selling candy, taking tickets, sweeping floors and sidewalks, running the projectors, and managing. There are some wonderful memories in this fine theatre for me and the town as well. I wish Mike Danchak all the luck in the world in his revival of this fine showplace. Ron Magazzu