National Theatre

Joe Vogel on April 25, 2014 at 5:02 am

Unless the project fell through, or something happened to the original building, this theater must have opened by 1914. Here is an item from the August 9, 1913, issue of Motography:

“Contracts are to be given out for a one-story brick moving-picture theater to be erected at 182 and 184 Belmont avenue, Newark, for Joseph Stern. Hyman Rosensohn is the architect of the project, which will cover a plot 42x100 feet. The roofing will be reinforced concrete and steel. There will be a seating capacity of about 650. About $12,000 will be expended on the building.”

It’s possible that the house opened under another name and only became the National Theatre in the 1920s.

nonsportsnut on October 6, 2009 at 5:22 pm

I’m a Three Stooges Fan Club member, trying to confirm a personal appearance by the “3” Stooges (Moe Larry and Shemp), on a bill with Wee Bonnie Baker, the Barretts and Don Hooton, after an appearance by the A.B. Marcus Revue. The movie “Queen of Burlesque” was also shown. I have a display ad, but no dates (or town shown). Believe it was the Summer of 1946, and may have been Shemp’s first appearance after Curly’s strokes. The National was advertised as air cooled and showed a phone number of JA-7863.
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks Frank Reighter

Roger Katz on December 25, 2008 at 1:43 pm

Correct address was 182 Belmont Avenue. Belmont Avenue is now Irvine Turner Blvd.

teecee on July 7, 2005 at 11:20 am

Still listed as open in the 1951 FDY.