I guess the Greenpoint Garden was so called to promote Greenpoint as the “Garden Spot of the World” – a term proudly touted by the local politicos that – during the time of this theater’s existence, and long after – would have required one’s tongue to be firmly placed in one’s cheek.
Bway, the Brooklyn Garden was situated on Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint, accross the street from the Meserole. It was strictly a silent era house that closed in the late 1920’s and became a catering hall. Since an elevated subway never existed on Manhattan Ave., this wasn’t the place depicted in the picture.
By the way, the Brooklyn Garden has a short Cinema Treasures page that is worth exploring.
Great picture, Bway. It seems as if the entire blockfront has now been replaced with something new. By the way, the health building is a newly constructed structure that replaced the Wagner, which was demolished.
One of the advantages of viewing the world through a pessimistic eye is that you are not heartbroken when a great cause turns into a pipe dream but plesantly surprised when something really positive develops, like the recent events regarding the Ridgewood. So, congratulations to Michael and all the others in giving us old cynics something to cheer about.
While the scheduling of the public hearing is a real achievement, it only marks one step in a lengthy process. In planning for the hearing, I believe that the participants on this page will have a lot to contribute – besides signing the petition. The Landmarks Commission pays a great deal of attention to the written record in documenting both the architectural signifance of the proposed building and its historic importance to its community. Here is where many of you can come in in submitting substantive written testimony that makes the case for designation. So it is time to sharpen up your pencils – or t least your computer keyboards.
I plan to write a piece that will meet the argument that the Ridgewood does not merit designation since it is “only” early and “minor” Lamb. The fact that it is an early creation should provide an opportunity to see how the great movie architect developed his style. It’s s little like listening to an early Mozart composition to trace the roots of his future works of consummate genius. (The Commission recently – and unfortunately unsuccessfully – attrmpted to designate an early Cass Gilbert building for largely these reasons.)
Beyond that, even if it is a minor example of Lamb’s work, it is one of the relatively few survivors of the great man’s work. Thus, while its impotrance would decrease if all of Lamb’s movie palaces were still with us, its value soars in their absence.
Finally, this is the time to urge the local political and civic leadership to support this project. To date, I have not detected any enthusiasm at their end. But, in this case, their support will be vital and their disinterest – to say nothing of their opposition – could well be fatal. Some well timed letters of support to these parties could make a real difference here.
This is a very interesting discussion. With regards to “good” movie conversions, you can add the Meserole in Greenpoint. While it now functions as a drug store – and before that a roller sksting rink -the main elements of the theater, including the screen and stage area and part of the theater’s “slant” are still very much in evidence. Also, the balcony is fully intact. All of these items are discussed at length on the Meserole’s page.
A very interesting bank transfer occurred many years ago on the Wiliamsburg Bridge Plaza, where the white circular bank situated just north of the enterence was converted into a Russian Orthodox Basilica". I’ve never been able to get inside, since it is almost always closed, but it must present a fascinating mix of classical marble and Russian icons!
Before returning to topic, I need to mention a wonderdul conversion that I saw in Quebec. Specifically, an old Anglican Church was most successfully converted into the local library. All of the liturgical objects – including the altar, stained glass windows and memorial plaques were retained, with the book cases and computer terminals replacing the pews. The building is also surrounded by the old burial grounds.
Getting back to the Bushwick, while it is unfortunate that the exterior has been lost, at least it is being put to a highly valuable use – and we still have the wonderful exterior. It could have been a lot worse.
Paid a quick visit earlier today. The theater remains totally empty – and rather well maintained – with no “for sale” signs evident. Everything seems normal – except that the marquee is blank and the entrance blocked off by the steel gate. The whole place has a very eerie quality about it.
I made a quick pass by earlier today. Nothing has changed, and the shell of the old theater remains as is. I guess we will have to wait for the warmer weather to see if anything develops here.
Good question Warren. I also cannot think of any movie theater to synagogue conversions. However, I would not at all be surprised if a moorish influenced theater was converted somewhere in the USA. This would be an almost made to order architectural opportunity. So this is probably the place to look.
Luis, while St. John’s is situated near Bushwick, it is actually located in northern Bedford Stuyvesant and has, to the best of my knowledge, always been considered to be a part of that neighborhood. Both communities did, however, suffer greatly in the 1970’s and the revival of this wonderous ediface would be a boon to all of North Brooklyn.
Thanks Bway for the links to this fine old church. I am actually – albeit barely – old enough to remember when St. John’s Prep HS was still located here. I remember traveling there from Most Holy Trinity, where I was a student, to participate in a debate match and cheer on our basketball team. (The high school would move to Queens by the mid-1970’s.)
I guess churches and synagogues constitute the least “off topic” off topic items on these pages. Both these religious institutions and the great movie palaces were profoundly public architectural creations that had a most significant impact upon their host communities. While the great churches of NYC were largely constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the most memorable movie palaces came into existence during the following four decades. It was as if the same grand architectural tradition embodied by the former was passed on, in a more secular guise, to the latter. And, of course, we have those wonderful instances were old movie houses like the Woodside and Bliss, to give only two examples, were transformed into churches after their cinematic careers had come to an end.
So I guess this discussion isn’t that off topic after all.
These are wonderful pictures – and not just the first shot of the Bushwick. There are actually two other vintage Bushwick pictures in this set as well as one of the Gates movie house. Beyond that, there are a number of great photos of local churches and schools. I particularly liked the vintage shot of St. John the Baptist on a very rural looking Lewis Ave.
Earlier today, I stumbled over the Meserole’s 1922 certificate of occupancy. It permits a 1,990 capacity. This confirms both what Warren and I previously noted that the real capacity of this theater was far higher than the far lower number – 1200 – provided in the title. Specifically, the lower number specifies the functioal capacity that existed in the theater’s waning days when the balcony was no longer used. This confirms another finding regarding the Greenpoint RKO, where the 100 or so difference in c of o versus announced capacity probably reflected the functional loss of the small second balcony, which was never used during that theater’s last decade of existence.
Warren, besides Jahn’s, which was actually only one of many ice cream parlours with that name, the Triangle Hofbrau had a significant regional reputation. One of its delicacies – Turtle Soup – was widely known throughout NYC. (Fortunately, the place went out of business before the PETA people caught wind of this!)
I agree with the other commentators that the cinematic development of this theater makes little economic sense. Most Richmond Hill residents visit the Kew Gardens and the Cinemart – or make the slightly longer trek to the Midway or Branden – to satisfy their motion picture needs. I know that’s what my wife did when she lived in the area.
God were there a blizzard of comments on this page today!
While I am reluctant to raise any hopes regarding a cinematic future at the Ridgewood, since the chances of achieving this are very slim, a point that Bway made does make sense and should be pursued. An active artist movement has emerged over the past few years in Bushwick. Among other things, several informal cinematic programs have been organized in small venues that usually serve different purposes. One or two of the Ridgewood’s small theaters could be used to provide a more permanent and cinematically appropriate site for these endeavors. They could also be used to host live performances by other Bushwick based groups. I have promoted the “Save the Ridgewood” petition in the terrific www.BushwickBk.com blog, and additional outreach to these groups may yield valuable benefits. This is certainly an area worth exploring.
The main focus here, however, should be the landmarking of the theater’s facade. This is both doable and, if successful, could be utilized to leverage other cinema oriented uses.
As of yesterday, when I walked by, the apparently never ending “lost our lease” sale remains going strong at Dr. Jay’s. When viewed from across the street, you can really see the skin of a once beautiful facade struggling to burst from its ugly body armor.
I think Warren is probably correct that the future history of this building will be commercial and that, save for the not very likely appearance of a replacement tenant, the site will probably lie vacant until the economy begins to turn north. The structure is really good and ample commercial space that is situated less than a block from the shopping district’s heart at Broadway. Thus, it would make little sense to replace the current building with another commercial facility, and the mid-block site is just too commercial for residential development. Also, if something other than another crummy outlet moves in, the possible replacement of the current facade – possibly with the original – could be a real possibility. But, we will have to see what unfolds.
Alex, I really appreciated your kind comments about my remembrances of the Triboro that I posted about a year ago. It is great to once again make your acquaintance.
Given the glut in Williamsburg’s condo market – where many unsold units are now being rented (or attempting to be rented) – and the site’s close proximity to the el line, residential development here does not appear to be realistic for the forseeable future. The construction of several retail stores is probably the best we can hope for, though the odds clearly favor the continued existence of a vacant lot.
Looking back, the destruction of the Commodore was an incredibly stupid action from both the cultural AND economic perspective.
While I did not attend their appearance, I do recall seeing it heavily advertised both in front of the theater and on the local TV channel – WPIX – that ran old Three Stooges shorts and helped revive interest in the group. That show was hosted by “Officer” Joe Bolton, and was must-see TV for all of us eleven year olds.
By 1962, the Greenpoint had become a pretty rundown place. Rumors of its demise were widespread. So, when it did shut down for good, no one was surprised – or, frankly, that upset. (We, of course, still had the Meserole.)
By the way, does anyone remember exactly when the Greenpoint closed? (I could not find an answer in this thread.) The fatal day obviously occurred after 1962 and before 1966 when, as per the Buildings Dept., the demolition permit was granted. But does anyone remember a more specific date – or recall the last pictures shown?
The last picture that I remember viewing at the Greenpoint was Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson, which was released in 1960. It was one of the first movies that I was allowed to see by myself. Since I thoroughly enjoyed the film, I forgot about the time decided to see it again. At about 10 PM, I received a nudge on my shoulder from my father, who has been summoned by my very worried mother to retrieve me. We did, however, stay to see the rest of the film – and I was eventually permitted to go to the movies by myself again. (I probably did visit the Greenpoint after that, but nothing special sticks out in my memory.)
Finally, in searching the Building Dept. records for this address, I noted that the 1926 certificate of occupancy listed a capacity of 1,774, which is different from the 1,673 number noted at the top of this page. Since the two balconies were almost never used during the Greenpoint’s final decade of existence, its functional capacity was considerably lower.
Luis, Michael Perlman’s NY1 interview makes it pretty clear that the Landmarks Commission is only considering exterior designation. Since Michael really knows his stuff and since the interior is clearly not in the same class as the palaces you just referenced, we are only talking about the facade.
In my view, the exterior’s clear architectural distinction plus the Ridgewood’s rich historical value provide a potent argument for landmarks designation – IF the proposal receives strong and enthusiastic support from Ridgewood’s political and civic leadership. Signing the petition will help, but a less than lukewarm support from the local powers that be will be the kiss of death.
Very interesting comment b'klyn. The explanation for the replacement of marquees seems very plausable. I did not realize how narrow the sidewalk is and will pay special to this on my next visit.
Luis, you should definitely check out this wonderful theatre. A week ago Friday my wife and I saw The Wrestler here and had a great time.
I enjoyed viewing the web site and am trying to link it. Hope it works. Even if it doesn’t, it’s definitely worth accessing.
Any more news about the landmarks designation issue? I haven’t seen anything lately; unless I missed something, the most recent edition of the Ridgewood Times said nary a word. I’m particilarly interested in learning how the local politcians, civic associations and Queens CB 5 have reacted to this. Without some heavy lifting here, gaining landmarks status will be an even more difficult task.
Luis and Michael, I have enjoyed reading your comments on on and off topic remarks. As one who has criticized those who have taken an overly purist approach – and I do NOT mean you, Luis – I have stressed the importance of describing the movie palaces within the context of their communities. Clearly, you could not appreciate the significance of the Richmond Hill RKO – or even intelligently discuss its potential future development – without discussing Jahns, the Triangle Hofbrau, Salerno’s or the old LIRR station. Similarly, the wonderful Colonial Theatre page would be woefully incomplete without the many references to the Our Lady of Lourdes congregation. And, of course, many of the comments submitted on this page have greatly broadened our knowledge of the importance that the Ridgewood has had upon this community.
With that said, however, I must also concede that a number of the more recent comments have strayed well beyond the bounds of pertinency and, if anything, have diverted attention from the old theatre. This is particularly troubling since the landmarking issue needs to receive prime attention at this time. When contributions that provide important information regarding this issue are quickly buried in a blizzard of clearly off topic remarks, the value of this page in keeping us informed of emerging events is undermined. This is precisely what happened to a recent Michael Perlman post that provided several important links regarding this issue.
So, without becomming overly purist on this wonderful page, this is probably the time for all of us to exercise a little self restraint.
Peter, thanks for telling me about the sign. I really don’t recall seeing it. What I DO remember is the lack of interest exibited by the civic and political powers that be over the closure. On that point, it will be interesting to see how the current bunch responds to the Rigewood Theatre’s landmarks campaign. Perhaps we will learn a bit in the next Ridgewood Times.
I guess the Greenpoint Garden was so called to promote Greenpoint as the “Garden Spot of the World” – a term proudly touted by the local politicos that – during the time of this theater’s existence, and long after – would have required one’s tongue to be firmly placed in one’s cheek.
Well I guess there were two Garden Theaters in Brooklyn. Here is the link to the one in Greenpoint.
/theaters/11234/
Bway, the Brooklyn Garden was situated on Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint, accross the street from the Meserole. It was strictly a silent era house that closed in the late 1920’s and became a catering hall. Since an elevated subway never existed on Manhattan Ave., this wasn’t the place depicted in the picture.
By the way, the Brooklyn Garden has a short Cinema Treasures page that is worth exploring.
Great picture, Bway. It seems as if the entire blockfront has now been replaced with something new. By the way, the health building is a newly constructed structure that replaced the Wagner, which was demolished.
One of the advantages of viewing the world through a pessimistic eye is that you are not heartbroken when a great cause turns into a pipe dream but plesantly surprised when something really positive develops, like the recent events regarding the Ridgewood. So, congratulations to Michael and all the others in giving us old cynics something to cheer about.
While the scheduling of the public hearing is a real achievement, it only marks one step in a lengthy process. In planning for the hearing, I believe that the participants on this page will have a lot to contribute – besides signing the petition. The Landmarks Commission pays a great deal of attention to the written record in documenting both the architectural signifance of the proposed building and its historic importance to its community. Here is where many of you can come in in submitting substantive written testimony that makes the case for designation. So it is time to sharpen up your pencils – or t least your computer keyboards.
I plan to write a piece that will meet the argument that the Ridgewood does not merit designation since it is “only” early and “minor” Lamb. The fact that it is an early creation should provide an opportunity to see how the great movie architect developed his style. It’s s little like listening to an early Mozart composition to trace the roots of his future works of consummate genius. (The Commission recently – and unfortunately unsuccessfully – attrmpted to designate an early Cass Gilbert building for largely these reasons.)
Beyond that, even if it is a minor example of Lamb’s work, it is one of the relatively few survivors of the great man’s work. Thus, while its impotrance would decrease if all of Lamb’s movie palaces were still with us, its value soars in their absence.
Finally, this is the time to urge the local political and civic leadership to support this project. To date, I have not detected any enthusiasm at their end. But, in this case, their support will be vital and their disinterest – to say nothing of their opposition – could well be fatal. Some well timed letters of support to these parties could make a real difference here.
This is a very interesting discussion. With regards to “good” movie conversions, you can add the Meserole in Greenpoint. While it now functions as a drug store – and before that a roller sksting rink -the main elements of the theater, including the screen and stage area and part of the theater’s “slant” are still very much in evidence. Also, the balcony is fully intact. All of these items are discussed at length on the Meserole’s page.
A very interesting bank transfer occurred many years ago on the Wiliamsburg Bridge Plaza, where the white circular bank situated just north of the enterence was converted into a Russian Orthodox Basilica". I’ve never been able to get inside, since it is almost always closed, but it must present a fascinating mix of classical marble and Russian icons!
Before returning to topic, I need to mention a wonderdul conversion that I saw in Quebec. Specifically, an old Anglican Church was most successfully converted into the local library. All of the liturgical objects – including the altar, stained glass windows and memorial plaques were retained, with the book cases and computer terminals replacing the pews. The building is also surrounded by the old burial grounds.
Getting back to the Bushwick, while it is unfortunate that the exterior has been lost, at least it is being put to a highly valuable use – and we still have the wonderful exterior. It could have been a lot worse.
Paid a quick visit earlier today. The theater remains totally empty – and rather well maintained – with no “for sale” signs evident. Everything seems normal – except that the marquee is blank and the entrance blocked off by the steel gate. The whole place has a very eerie quality about it.
I made a quick pass by earlier today. Nothing has changed, and the shell of the old theater remains as is. I guess we will have to wait for the warmer weather to see if anything develops here.
Good question Warren. I also cannot think of any movie theater to synagogue conversions. However, I would not at all be surprised if a moorish influenced theater was converted somewhere in the USA. This would be an almost made to order architectural opportunity. So this is probably the place to look.
Luis, while St. John’s is situated near Bushwick, it is actually located in northern Bedford Stuyvesant and has, to the best of my knowledge, always been considered to be a part of that neighborhood. Both communities did, however, suffer greatly in the 1970’s and the revival of this wonderous ediface would be a boon to all of North Brooklyn.
Thanks Bway for the links to this fine old church. I am actually – albeit barely – old enough to remember when St. John’s Prep HS was still located here. I remember traveling there from Most Holy Trinity, where I was a student, to participate in a debate match and cheer on our basketball team. (The high school would move to Queens by the mid-1970’s.)
I guess churches and synagogues constitute the least “off topic” off topic items on these pages. Both these religious institutions and the great movie palaces were profoundly public architectural creations that had a most significant impact upon their host communities. While the great churches of NYC were largely constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the most memorable movie palaces came into existence during the following four decades. It was as if the same grand architectural tradition embodied by the former was passed on, in a more secular guise, to the latter. And, of course, we have those wonderful instances were old movie houses like the Woodside and Bliss, to give only two examples, were transformed into churches after their cinematic careers had come to an end.
So I guess this discussion isn’t that off topic after all.
These are wonderful pictures – and not just the first shot of the Bushwick. There are actually two other vintage Bushwick pictures in this set as well as one of the Gates movie house. Beyond that, there are a number of great photos of local churches and schools. I particularly liked the vintage shot of St. John the Baptist on a very rural looking Lewis Ave.
Thanks so much, Jayar1!
Earlier today, I stumbled over the Meserole’s 1922 certificate of occupancy. It permits a 1,990 capacity. This confirms both what Warren and I previously noted that the real capacity of this theater was far higher than the far lower number – 1200 – provided in the title. Specifically, the lower number specifies the functioal capacity that existed in the theater’s waning days when the balcony was no longer used. This confirms another finding regarding the Greenpoint RKO, where the 100 or so difference in c of o versus announced capacity probably reflected the functional loss of the small second balcony, which was never used during that theater’s last decade of existence.
Warren, besides Jahn’s, which was actually only one of many ice cream parlours with that name, the Triangle Hofbrau had a significant regional reputation. One of its delicacies – Turtle Soup – was widely known throughout NYC. (Fortunately, the place went out of business before the PETA people caught wind of this!)
I agree with the other commentators that the cinematic development of this theater makes little economic sense. Most Richmond Hill residents visit the Kew Gardens and the Cinemart – or make the slightly longer trek to the Midway or Branden – to satisfy their motion picture needs. I know that’s what my wife did when she lived in the area.
God were there a blizzard of comments on this page today!
While I am reluctant to raise any hopes regarding a cinematic future at the Ridgewood, since the chances of achieving this are very slim, a point that Bway made does make sense and should be pursued. An active artist movement has emerged over the past few years in Bushwick. Among other things, several informal cinematic programs have been organized in small venues that usually serve different purposes. One or two of the Ridgewood’s small theaters could be used to provide a more permanent and cinematically appropriate site for these endeavors. They could also be used to host live performances by other Bushwick based groups. I have promoted the “Save the Ridgewood” petition in the terrific www.BushwickBk.com blog, and additional outreach to these groups may yield valuable benefits. This is certainly an area worth exploring.
The main focus here, however, should be the landmarking of the theater’s facade. This is both doable and, if successful, could be utilized to leverage other cinema oriented uses.
Warren, your last comments just confirm my previous points. Thank’s for your support.
As of yesterday, when I walked by, the apparently never ending “lost our lease” sale remains going strong at Dr. Jay’s. When viewed from across the street, you can really see the skin of a once beautiful facade struggling to burst from its ugly body armor.
I think Warren is probably correct that the future history of this building will be commercial and that, save for the not very likely appearance of a replacement tenant, the site will probably lie vacant until the economy begins to turn north. The structure is really good and ample commercial space that is situated less than a block from the shopping district’s heart at Broadway. Thus, it would make little sense to replace the current building with another commercial facility, and the mid-block site is just too commercial for residential development. Also, if something other than another crummy outlet moves in, the possible replacement of the current facade – possibly with the original – could be a real possibility. But, we will have to see what unfolds.
Alex, I really appreciated your kind comments about my remembrances of the Triboro that I posted about a year ago. It is great to once again make your acquaintance.
Given the glut in Williamsburg’s condo market – where many unsold units are now being rented (or attempting to be rented) – and the site’s close proximity to the el line, residential development here does not appear to be realistic for the forseeable future. The construction of several retail stores is probably the best we can hope for, though the odds clearly favor the continued existence of a vacant lot.
Looking back, the destruction of the Commodore was an incredibly stupid action from both the cultural AND economic perspective.
Great to hear from you, Anniegirl,
More seriously, 1962 was not 1977. So maybe they didn’t need Hercules. Good talking to you, Peter K.
Well, Peter, they DID have Hercules with them!
While I did not attend their appearance, I do recall seeing it heavily advertised both in front of the theater and on the local TV channel – WPIX – that ran old Three Stooges shorts and helped revive interest in the group. That show was hosted by “Officer” Joe Bolton, and was must-see TV for all of us eleven year olds.
By 1962, the Greenpoint had become a pretty rundown place. Rumors of its demise were widespread. So, when it did shut down for good, no one was surprised – or, frankly, that upset. (We, of course, still had the Meserole.)
By the way, does anyone remember exactly when the Greenpoint closed? (I could not find an answer in this thread.) The fatal day obviously occurred after 1962 and before 1966 when, as per the Buildings Dept., the demolition permit was granted. But does anyone remember a more specific date – or recall the last pictures shown?
The last picture that I remember viewing at the Greenpoint was Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson, which was released in 1960. It was one of the first movies that I was allowed to see by myself. Since I thoroughly enjoyed the film, I forgot about the time decided to see it again. At about 10 PM, I received a nudge on my shoulder from my father, who has been summoned by my very worried mother to retrieve me. We did, however, stay to see the rest of the film – and I was eventually permitted to go to the movies by myself again. (I probably did visit the Greenpoint after that, but nothing special sticks out in my memory.)
Finally, in searching the Building Dept. records for this address, I noted that the 1926 certificate of occupancy listed a capacity of 1,774, which is different from the 1,673 number noted at the top of this page. Since the two balconies were almost never used during the Greenpoint’s final decade of existence, its functional capacity was considerably lower.
Luis, Michael Perlman’s NY1 interview makes it pretty clear that the Landmarks Commission is only considering exterior designation. Since Michael really knows his stuff and since the interior is clearly not in the same class as the palaces you just referenced, we are only talking about the facade.
In my view, the exterior’s clear architectural distinction plus the Ridgewood’s rich historical value provide a potent argument for landmarks designation – IF the proposal receives strong and enthusiastic support from Ridgewood’s political and civic leadership. Signing the petition will help, but a less than lukewarm support from the local powers that be will be the kiss of death.
Let’s see what happens.
Very interesting comment b'klyn. The explanation for the replacement of marquees seems very plausable. I did not realize how narrow the sidewalk is and will pay special to this on my next visit.
Luis, you should definitely check out this wonderful theatre. A week ago Friday my wife and I saw The Wrestler here and had a great time.
I enjoyed viewing the web site and am trying to link it. Hope it works. Even if it doesn’t, it’s definitely worth accessing.
http://www.kewgardenstheatre.com/
Any more news about the landmarks designation issue? I haven’t seen anything lately; unless I missed something, the most recent edition of the Ridgewood Times said nary a word. I’m particilarly interested in learning how the local politcians, civic associations and Queens CB 5 have reacted to this. Without some heavy lifting here, gaining landmarks status will be an even more difficult task.
Luis and Michael, I have enjoyed reading your comments on on and off topic remarks. As one who has criticized those who have taken an overly purist approach – and I do NOT mean you, Luis – I have stressed the importance of describing the movie palaces within the context of their communities. Clearly, you could not appreciate the significance of the Richmond Hill RKO – or even intelligently discuss its potential future development – without discussing Jahns, the Triangle Hofbrau, Salerno’s or the old LIRR station. Similarly, the wonderful Colonial Theatre page would be woefully incomplete without the many references to the Our Lady of Lourdes congregation. And, of course, many of the comments submitted on this page have greatly broadened our knowledge of the importance that the Ridgewood has had upon this community.
With that said, however, I must also concede that a number of the more recent comments have strayed well beyond the bounds of pertinency and, if anything, have diverted attention from the old theatre. This is particularly troubling since the landmarking issue needs to receive prime attention at this time. When contributions that provide important information regarding this issue are quickly buried in a blizzard of clearly off topic remarks, the value of this page in keeping us informed of emerging events is undermined. This is precisely what happened to a recent Michael Perlman post that provided several important links regarding this issue.
So, without becomming overly purist on this wonderful page, this is probably the time for all of us to exercise a little self restraint.
Peter, thanks for telling me about the sign. I really don’t recall seeing it. What I DO remember is the lack of interest exibited by the civic and political powers that be over the closure. On that point, it will be interesting to see how the current bunch responds to the Rigewood Theatre’s landmarks campaign. Perhaps we will learn a bit in the next Ridgewood Times.