Regarding my post way above, regarding the terra-cotta statues on the rear wall of the Lowe’s American, here’s a link to some very good pictures of them:
If you go around the back of the American, there is a big blank wall and on it are several ‘terra-cotta’ statues mounted on it of entertainers (a dancer, a juggler (?), and a few others…if they are still there).
Also, this theater had TWO marquees: the one in the front and, in addition, one in the rear near the above-mentioned wall and statues, which originally highlighted the ‘main attraction’ without actor’s names. As time went on, I think they stopped advertising the ‘main attraction,’ and just put up some generic statement on it, like “Take Your Family To the Movies!” or something like that.
There was also a tunnel adjacent to the theater, going from the back to the front. This was not part of the theater, per se, but it was apparently built to allow access to the tenents of the Parkchester Housing Development who lived in the rear of the theater access to the front without going around the block. Another covenience, like the second marquee, for both the Lowe’s Corporation and the “theater-going public” of Parkchester!
I have access to a picture of the exterior of The Pelham, taken most probably in the mid-1950s. However, the main subject of the picture is a fire truck passing by in front, but the marquee is easily seen with the movies, “Seven Cities of Gold” and “Devil’s Harbor” showing, which according to the IMDb, was released in 1955.
I will scan it up and send it when the submission issues are updated on this site…
Regarding my post way above, regarding the terra-cotta statues on the rear wall of the Lowe’s American, here’s a link to some very good pictures of them:
View link
The Marquee has “Closed for Renovations” on it.
I hope it’s true, but I’ve seen those words before on building vacant for years in the Bronx.
I am hearing reports…yet unconfirmed…that the American Theater is going to CLOSE on or about MARCH 30, 2008.
attempting to verify this.
Something of interest regarding the exterior…
If you go around the back of the American, there is a big blank wall and on it are several ‘terra-cotta’ statues mounted on it of entertainers (a dancer, a juggler (?), and a few others…if they are still there).
Also, this theater had TWO marquees: the one in the front and, in addition, one in the rear near the above-mentioned wall and statues, which originally highlighted the ‘main attraction’ without actor’s names. As time went on, I think they stopped advertising the ‘main attraction,’ and just put up some generic statement on it, like “Take Your Family To the Movies!” or something like that.
There was also a tunnel adjacent to the theater, going from the back to the front. This was not part of the theater, per se, but it was apparently built to allow access to the tenents of the Parkchester Housing Development who lived in the rear of the theater access to the front without going around the block. Another covenience, like the second marquee, for both the Lowe’s Corporation and the “theater-going public” of Parkchester!
I have access to a picture of the exterior of The Pelham, taken most probably in the mid-1950s. However, the main subject of the picture is a fire truck passing by in front, but the marquee is easily seen with the movies, “Seven Cities of Gold” and “Devil’s Harbor” showing, which according to the IMDb, was released in 1955.
I will scan it up and send it when the submission issues are updated on this site…
Jim