Were you ever there when both organs were in operation. Of all the many times I was there I was surprised, on one occasion, when a second organ was revealed. My favorite things were always the elevators. I remember one show when, after it finished playing, the orchestra did not sink into the pit, as usual, but was transported to the back of the stage and raised again to preside over the action. It eventually disappeared only to reappear at the usual location. Very impressive for a young child – or even an adult.
On Long Island I used to rely on mailings from the theatre chains themselves. Century had three groupings of theatre directories which came every other week – Northern Queens, Brooklyn, and Queens, Nassau and Suffolk. Prudential also had a Long Island Guide. I saved examples of these for more than 20 years only throwing them out when I moved a few years ago. Who knew I’d hook up with this site where such items are treasured. I still have some clipped Century ads, however, which for some reason, made the cut.
After seeing photos like this I almost think I’d prefer the building demolished. I always feel for abandoned buildings but they seem to stand more of a chance for revalization than one of the thousands of shuttered theatres. The Patchogue Plaza is the most glaring Long Island example.
This was one of many theatres that were incoroporated into strip shopping centers built in the 1960s. It seems larger than some since it has now been split into two retail spaces, a 99 cent store and Chinese take out. I would guess capacity between 300 and 400.
Since the shopping center is set well back from the road, one familiar with theatre construction can readily identify the space as being at the lefthand most corner. Then, when you are at the space there is the obvious “stepped” left exterior wall which was the norm in those days. The ceilings of both retail spaces are at the lobby height altho, from the exterior, it is apparent that the auditorium was fairly tall.
As an independent it was probably part of the AIT (Associated Independent Theatres) group.
Got more info on the hard top, altho not the opening date or the seating capacity and posted it. Interestingly, from the front of the former hardtop you can see the remains of the Drive-In which was only two blocks away. And another bit of trivia, both these theatres were at the western most part of Rocky Point ways away from Broadway which was the original town “way back then” before the sprawl onto 25A.
According to data from the Freeport Historical Society the theatre began operations in 1912 and was run by Charles and Jennie Reitmeyer. Over the years the theatre was renovated several times. While it didn’t start out as white it was painted in later years. As a wooden structure adjacent to the railroad tracks the building was known to shake when a train past.
In later years it was operated by Dr. Frank Calderone along with the Mineola and Westbury Theatres.
It’s final use before demolition, due to a grade crossing elimination project in 1959-60, was as a music school.
Incidentally, the name Grove Street was retired when the thorofare was renamed after local luminary and band leader Guy Lombardo.
I don’t know whether the marquee and the vertical are supposed to be brown, but they sure look that way. The interior is also dreary despite some good architectural points. What a difference a creative paint job would do. The place is really depressing, no matter how lively or colorful any stage presentation might be.
The first time I was in this theatre I was impressed by what an uninviting space it was from the drab color to the most …awful sconces on the walls. Years later after it was twinned I was amazed to see they had found even more of the …awful sconces since now they were, in effect, on four walls not just two.
I happened upon this theatre by chance on a weekend pass from Ft. Drum. I was surprised by the size of the theatre for what was basically a resort town (Thousand Islands, St. Lawrence Seaway). It wasn’t even on a main street. There was a sign on Church Street with an arrow pointing to the Bay Theatre.
Good news, the new Henry Miller behind the landmark facade which was kept in tact while the new office complex was being erected is due to open with a revival of Grease. Don’t know anything about the number of seats the new auditorium will have. Or, for that matter any architectural elements from the original will be in place. When more is known we can get into the open/closed/demolished debate.
When the Mineola went “legit” they closed the entrance on Mineola Boulevard and opened one on the adjacent street – still the same lobby, different access. As I recall the new marquee had a more “Broadway” appearance. A review of photoes associated with previous comments show the original marquee and the auditorium at various times but not the new entrance. It would be nice if somebody had access to that and included a link.
While looking up something on microfilm in the Port Jefferson Record in 1958 I noticed an article saying the old Port Jefferson Theatre would reopen with a new policy as the Art. And so it did.
I just received an alert that there will be a candlelight, or flashlight, vigil at the theatre tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4th at 7:30 PM. Try and make it to save the theatre. At the very least sign the petition and do it now. The next planning board meeting is this Thursday, August 6th. The fate of the theatre may be ruled on at that time.
Okay, that’s the why. How about the where. So many of the New York dailies are gone – World, Telegram, Sun, Herald, Tribune, Brooklyn Eagle, LI Press/Star Journal, Mirror, etc.
The current sports shop owner is proud of the theatre heritage. Of course he uses the marquee display area for his company name, but, on a rare trip past the site at night, I observed that he has maintained the lighting of the “M” at the tip of the wedged shape marquee.
I was planning on concentrating on that which I know, which is mostly Long Island plus some experience upstate New York, Toronto and Philadelphia. The only reason I even got involved with the Happy Hour, Electric and Favorite theatres is I was looking at what’s new and found the names unusual. My question still stands, what was the population of Gainesville in 1907 that it warrented so many theatres.
Were you ever there when both organs were in operation. Of all the many times I was there I was surprised, on one occasion, when a second organ was revealed. My favorite things were always the elevators. I remember one show when, after it finished playing, the orchestra did not sink into the pit, as usual, but was transported to the back of the stage and raised again to preside over the action. It eventually disappeared only to reappear at the usual location. Very impressive for a young child – or even an adult.
On Long Island I used to rely on mailings from the theatre chains themselves. Century had three groupings of theatre directories which came every other week – Northern Queens, Brooklyn, and Queens, Nassau and Suffolk. Prudential also had a Long Island Guide. I saved examples of these for more than 20 years only throwing them out when I moved a few years ago. Who knew I’d hook up with this site where such items are treasured. I still have some clipped Century ads, however, which for some reason, made the cut.
After seeing photos like this I almost think I’d prefer the building demolished. I always feel for abandoned buildings but they seem to stand more of a chance for revalization than one of the thousands of shuttered theatres. The Patchogue Plaza is the most glaring Long Island example.
And did you? And what did they say?
Love the admission 10-25 cents. I’ve seen some 15cents and more alot earlier, pre depression. Definitely a bargain.
The address is 72 Indian Head Road.
This was one of many theatres that were incoroporated into strip shopping centers built in the 1960s. It seems larger than some since it has now been split into two retail spaces, a 99 cent store and Chinese take out. I would guess capacity between 300 and 400.
Since the shopping center is set well back from the road, one familiar with theatre construction can readily identify the space as being at the lefthand most corner. Then, when you are at the space there is the obvious “stepped” left exterior wall which was the norm in those days. The ceilings of both retail spaces are at the lobby height altho, from the exterior, it is apparent that the auditorium was fairly tall.
As an independent it was probably part of the AIT (Associated Independent Theatres) group.
Recent photo is all well and good. What was the outcome of the meeting. Has the fate of the theatre been sealed?
Got more info on the hard top, altho not the opening date or the seating capacity and posted it. Interestingly, from the front of the former hardtop you can see the remains of the Drive-In which was only two blocks away. And another bit of trivia, both these theatres were at the western most part of Rocky Point ways away from Broadway which was the original town “way back then” before the sprawl onto 25A.
According to data from the Freeport Historical Society the theatre began operations in 1912 and was run by Charles and Jennie Reitmeyer. Over the years the theatre was renovated several times. While it didn’t start out as white it was painted in later years. As a wooden structure adjacent to the railroad tracks the building was known to shake when a train past.
In later years it was operated by Dr. Frank Calderone along with the Mineola and Westbury Theatres.
It’s final use before demolition, due to a grade crossing elimination project in 1959-60, was as a music school.
Incidentally, the name Grove Street was retired when the thorofare was renamed after local luminary and band leader Guy Lombardo.
I don’t know whether the marquee and the vertical are supposed to be brown, but they sure look that way. The interior is also dreary despite some good architectural points. What a difference a creative paint job would do. The place is really depressing, no matter how lively or colorful any stage presentation might be.
The first time I was in this theatre I was impressed by what an uninviting space it was from the drab color to the most …awful sconces on the walls. Years later after it was twinned I was amazed to see they had found even more of the …awful sconces since now they were, in effect, on four walls not just two.
I happened upon this theatre by chance on a weekend pass from Ft. Drum. I was surprised by the size of the theatre for what was basically a resort town (Thousand Islands, St. Lawrence Seaway). It wasn’t even on a main street. There was a sign on Church Street with an arrow pointing to the Bay Theatre.
My goof the opening show will be Bye Bye Birdie. Per Warren’s earlier posting.
Good news, the new Henry Miller behind the landmark facade which was kept in tact while the new office complex was being erected is due to open with a revival of Grease. Don’t know anything about the number of seats the new auditorium will have. Or, for that matter any architectural elements from the original will be in place. When more is known we can get into the open/closed/demolished debate.
When the Mineola went “legit” they closed the entrance on Mineola Boulevard and opened one on the adjacent street – still the same lobby, different access. As I recall the new marquee had a more “Broadway” appearance. A review of photoes associated with previous comments show the original marquee and the auditorium at various times but not the new entrance. It would be nice if somebody had access to that and included a link.
Didn’t make the vigil due to a crisis at home. Anybody out there make it. Tonight is the planning board meeting. This could be the moment of truth.
While looking up something on microfilm in the Port Jefferson Record in 1958 I noticed an article saying the old Port Jefferson Theatre would reopen with a new policy as the Art. And so it did.
In addition to this comment I contacted the folks at CT hoping they will make this tomorrow’s lead “story”.
I just received an alert that there will be a candlelight, or flashlight, vigil at the theatre tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4th at 7:30 PM. Try and make it to save the theatre. At the very least sign the petition and do it now. The next planning board meeting is this Thursday, August 6th. The fate of the theatre may be ruled on at that time.
Okay, that’s the why. How about the where. So many of the New York dailies are gone – World, Telegram, Sun, Herald, Tribune, Brooklyn Eagle, LI Press/Star Journal, Mirror, etc.
Where on earth did you find a 1925 ad and why were you looking for it in the first place.
Anyway you can get any of these on the site. I only had a hint of what the interior was from what I saw behind the storage area.
The current sports shop owner is proud of the theatre heritage. Of course he uses the marquee display area for his company name, but, on a rare trip past the site at night, I observed that he has maintained the lighting of the “M” at the tip of the wedged shape marquee.
Thanks for the info. You’ve really done your homework on this one.
I was planning on concentrating on that which I know, which is mostly Long Island plus some experience upstate New York, Toronto and Philadelphia. The only reason I even got involved with the Happy Hour, Electric and Favorite theatres is I was looking at what’s new and found the names unusual. My question still stands, what was the population of Gainesville in 1907 that it warrented so many theatres.