Comments from johndereszewski

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johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about First Avenue Theater on May 15, 2008 at 5:02 pm

This theater should clearly be listed as “demolished”. A check of the listed address indicates that it was situated on the western side of 1st Ave. between Houston and East 1st St. This area is currently occupied by a City park – First Park by name – and the northside of Houston St., the area that was created when this street was widened to accommodate the construction of the IND subway line in the 1930’s. There is no existing structure in the vicinity that can plausibly be recognized as the site of this theater.

By the way, a wonderful photo of Houston St. in its “pre-enlargement” days was recently posted on the Sunshine Theater page of this site. Judging by the picture’s angle, it was probably shot right next to the old First St. Theater.

Hope this helps to fill in the gap here.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Kent Theater on May 3, 2008 at 8:11 pm

When The Kent became one of the first $1 movie theaters in the 1970’s, I frequently went there, even though I had to travel all the way from Greenpoint. When my friends told me that I was crazy to waste all that time only to see a movie, I politely replied that I spent the travel time well reading by book or doing the crossword puzzle and that the cheap movie price was just an added plus.

Perhaps my most memorable moment at the Kent was viewing one of the early Woody Allen films – I forget which, though it could have been “Play It Again Sam”. In one one scene, the Woody character talked about some embarrassing situation that had been inflicted upon himself when he was a student at Midwood HS. The reaction of the attendees at this Midwood theater was, as the credit commercial says, “priceless”.

Long live the Kent!

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Nassau Theater on May 3, 2008 at 7:39 pm

Brooklyn, your comments are fascinating. I can just imagine this “no seat” theater.

May I suggest that you re-post these comments on the 88 Nassau Ave. Nassau Movie page that also exists on this site. I am sure that a number of viewers who will not check out the Grand St. Nassau will be very interested to read and respond to your comments. Just a thought.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Drake Theatre on May 3, 2008 at 3:20 pm

Woops, I meant to say that Woodhaven was moved to the WEST – not the east! – during the 1930’s. Sorry for making a confusing situation even more muddy.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Drake Theatre on May 3, 2008 at 3:18 pm

The bowling alley at – or near – the Drake probably closed around 1960. This was probably the reason why my father’s bowling league had to find a new place to play.

Apropos Woohhaven Lanes, your reference is timely since, despite protests to the contrary, this venue is scheduled to close very soon. (It seems that bowling alleys appear as much on the endangered list as do old movie palaces!) It is situated south of the Drake – on the other side of the street – between Metropolitan Ave. and the bridge that crosses the LIRR’s Montauk line.

It’s confused geography stems from the action taken in the 1930’s that moved Woodhaven Blvd. to the east. Since Woodhaven – or, as it was originally known, Trotting Course Lane – served as the border between Forest Hills/Rego Park and Glendale in this neck of the woods, this action placed a small enclave of Glendale on the other side of the border. (A remnant of Trotting Course Lane remains and traces the original street course.) Woodhaven Lanes is situated within this enclave. So, if we are to be historically accurate, the bowling lanes are actually situated in Glendale, the above noted Google references notwithstanding. And you thought the Drake’s location was cloudy!

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Drake Theatre on May 3, 2008 at 2:03 pm

Warren and Jeffrey, I think I can add some information on the Rego Park/West Forest Hills question. As early as 1928, when the Rego Park LIRR station opened under that name, the area was – at least to a certain extent – being referred to as Rego Park. This was only a few years after the initial development began.In many cases, the name selected by the LIRR to name a station had a significant effect on how the community would subsequently be known, and it probably had no small effect here. (Incidently, the fact that no station was created BEFORE 1928 clearly underlines just how undeveloped Rego Park was at that relatively recent date.)

My guess is that the area now called Rego Park was referred to as West Forest Hills for the same reason that Corona was once known as West Flushing – the two lightly populated “communities” were just viewed as appendages to their more developed neighbors. (It’s funny that in both of these cases, the usual “west-to-east” development pattern just did not apply.) The fact that some people were still calling the area West Foprest Hills as late as the mid-1930’s just means that things didn’t change all at once. It was probably the opening of the Queens Boulevard subway in the late 1930’s that spurred the explosive development that tipped the scale on Rego Park’s side once and for all.

While I never caught a film at the Drake, I vaguely remember my parents taking me to a bowling alley that – I believe – was situated in the theater’s basement. I was only about eight or nine at the time – I was born in 1950 – so I may be confusing this with another building situated a block or so away. (Anyone with clearer memories, please join in.) The bowling alley was, as I recall, a rather modest affair that featured human pin setters.

One last point about neighborhoods that might confuse the situation even more. Since this portion of Woodhaven Blvd. serves as the border between Rego Park and Middle Village – and since the Drake is on the Middle Village side of the street – the latter apparently has a pretty strong claim to it. Does anyone remember the Drake ever being referred to as a Middle village venue? Given the fact that the Drake is pretty far from Middle Village’s center, I think this probably is not the case. But it is worth to raise the question, if only to cover all the bases.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Meserole Theatre on Apr 27, 2008 at 7:25 pm

Since the numbers that Warren cited were generated by the theater’s managers, I guess the 1,200 figure represents the number of seats that were actually used – and reported as capacity – in the Meserole’s waning days of operation, when the balcony was not open. The Building Dept’s public assembly capacity data for the Meserole – if it is available – could provide more official confirmation for these conjectures.

The one thing I do know is that no independent factor, such as the reduction of capacity due to fire damage or building renovation, had anything to do with this. This distinguishes the Meserole from the Graham Theater, where a damaging fire that occurred in the 1930’s provided powerful circumstantial evidence for the capacity reduction that occurred at about that time.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Meserole Theatre on Apr 27, 2008 at 1:43 pm

Warren, it could be that the Meserole had a first floor capacity of 1,200, wirh the balance situated in the balcony, which was both quite large and rarely used. While the balcony could once have served as the Smoking Section, by my time, smoking was allowed in the 10 or so rear rows on the right side of the lower floor. In any event, I could easily imagine 1,200 seats on the first floor – but probably not very much more.

Hope this is helpful.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about RKO Greenpoint Theatre on Apr 25, 2008 at 9:57 pm

Anniegirl, I also remember Gerke’s which, thanks to Cinema Treasures, I learned was the site of a long lost movie house – the Garden Theater – which included both the bar and the catering hall area. It closed in the late 1920’s and never made it past the silent era. (Competition from the Meserole was probably just too much of a problem.) I entered a few notes about Gerke’s on that page that you might find interesting. Talk soon.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about RKO Greenpoint Theatre on Apr 25, 2008 at 6:17 pm

Anniegirl, since Lorimer and McGuinness do not intersect, I think you are probably referring to the corner of Nassau and McGuinness, where Petey Della’s bar/restaurant was located. As I noted previously (in the Meserole thread), this was the place where many Greenpointers – myself included – had a meal and an (illegal) drink after enjoying our first date at either the Greenpoint or the Meserole. The old place is long gone; it is now part of the Evergreen Funeral Home! Thus the world moves on!

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about RKO Greenpoint Theatre on Apr 24, 2008 at 3:54 am

WArren, thanks for the pictures. I fondly remember the Frozen Dessert store at the Calyer-Manhattan corner. It was a place where my family, on many occasions, bought vinella soft custard right after leaving the Greenpoint.

Can you date the interior shot? It seems far more elaborate than the Greenpoint I remember. This theater, in its final years, had become a far drabber place, and its demise was not unexpected.

Anniegirl, I do not have any pictures of Murphy’s bar. However, if you are familiar with the front windows of Teddy’s bar, which is situated at the corner of Berry St. and North 9th St. in the Northside, you would get a pretty good idea of how the “before” looked. And, as I noted before, the interior is still very much in tact. Talk soon.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Ridgewood Casino Theatre on Apr 24, 2008 at 3:43 am

I just finished checking the Dept. of Building’s web-site data base for 383 Knickerbocker Ave. and the results are interesting and suggestive. The only documented Certificate of Occupancy for this building was issued in 1932 and essentially legalized the set-up – 1st floor store, two apartments on each of the two higher floors – that currently exists here. However, there are numerous other “actions” – mostly alterations – that are listed here – though not explained – that go back to 1915. There is also absolutely no indication that any building was demolished on this site during the 1915 – 1932 period. And, as I noted in my previous post, the ornate architecture of 383 clearly reflects a style that was popular at around the turn of the last century but that would have been out of place for a building constructed in the 1910’s.

What this, at least to me, strongly suggests, is that the building that housed the tiny – 250 capacity – Ridgewood Casino is the one that – although now modified to the point of non-recognotion – still stands today. For this reason, it may make sense to remove the “demolished” designation from the introduction.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Parthenon Theatre on Apr 18, 2008 at 2:36 am

Wonderful pictures, Warren. Thanks a lot.

By the way, has anyone ever visited the Bingo Hall that currently occupies the old movie site? Is anything vaguely cinematic left? The place still seems to be functioning, although it was closed on a recent Saturday when it was scheduled to be opened.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Willoughby Theater on Apr 18, 2008 at 2:31 am

Warren, in looking for a “phantom” theater on Knickerbocker, I just thought you might wish to consider the Ridgewood Casino, which has a page on this site, albeit a lightly used one.

I say this because the Ridgewood Casino, which was situated at 381-3 Knickerbocker at the corner of Stanhope, would appear to fit the profile – small, 200-250 capacity house that did not outlive the 1910’s – of your “lost” movie house. Also, since the building currently situated on that site almost surely predates the 1910’s, the old place might not even have been demolished.

In any event, you – or anyone else – may wish to check out this page and provide your thoughts.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Tip Top Theatre on Apr 12, 2008 at 3:45 pm

I visited this site earlier today and can report the following.

The site of the old theater is now a part of the Hope Gardens III public housing development. Unlike most other “projects”, Hope Gardens provides low income public housing in a manner that conforms to the scale and “street scape” of the existing community. It basically looks like a collection of garden apartments, not a separated campus of out-of-scale “projects”. This approach was adopted at the behest of the local Community Board, where I served as District Manager during the late 1970’s.

When I was working for the Board during the 1970’s, this site was probably a deserted vacant lot. I am sure that no one of the locals remambered any cinematic use here. Thus, in order to better document the Tip Top as a movie house, you will need to consult official documents of the time of its operation. (Calling Lost Memories!!)

Hope this helps to somewhat fill this vacuum.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Meserole Theatre on Apr 12, 2008 at 1:25 am

I enjoyed reading your comments, Anniegirl. I also remember the Pizza Prince in its early days when it had just replaced a very dingy fruit and vegetable stand on Nassau Avenue. This was situated right next to the old Nassau Movies, which is now a catering hall.

Do you remember ever going to the Nassau? I only faintly remember it as a going cinematic operation just before it closed. I never saw a movie there. I also don’t recall for how long the site stayed vacant before it became the catering hall. I believe it was only for a rather brief time though the building records suggest that the gap may have been considerably longer. So do you have any memories about this matter? If yes, you may wish to add them on the Nassau movie page. I have written a few comments there which you might find interesting. Also, that page can use a little beefing up.

Talk soon.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Meserole Theatre on Apr 9, 2008 at 3:00 am

Anniegirl, it is nice to make your acquaintance. I have enjoyed reading the comments you have submitted on many of the old local theater treads. And I say with even though you are of the “Messie” persuasion while I belong to the “Mezzie” faction!

Speaking of the old shops on Manhattan Avenue, do you remember Von Dolen’s Ice Cream Parlour, which was situated one block to the south. This was a great place to visit after taking in a double bill.

Another eatery also comes to mind. My family frequently ate at the New Garden Chinese Restaurant which was situated at the corner of Meserole Ave. on the second floor. (It is now a Polish nightclub.) For many years it was practically Greenpoint’s only restaurant. Since there was little to compare it with, we found it to be fine. In retrospect however, the owners were damn lucky not to have any competition. This was, after all, a Chinese restaurant whose best dish was Breaded Veal Cutlets!

Unfortunately, the old stores continue to disappear. On my last visit, I noticed that George’s Bargain Store, a great old place that literally sold everything, had just closed. At least it wasn’t replaced by a Starbucks!

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Apr 4, 2008 at 6:09 pm

Bway, this is for you. In reading this tread, I saw that you attended Christ the King HS in the 1980’s. I attended Most Holy Trinity HS in the 1960’s. During my time there, I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing my two greatest teachers – Jim Tierney and Mike Vaccaro. Both of them taught at your school after Trinity closed in the early 1970’s. I was wondering if you had the opportunity to attend any of their classes and could inform me of your experiences. (If you do not know, Jim died a few years ago, but Mike is doing very well in retirement. My wife and I had a wonderful dinner with him only a month or so ago.)

Please contact me at or .gov

You can also call me at 718-897-1816.

Sorry to clutter up this tead with “non-cinema” matter; but I do not have any other options.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Cinema Warsaw on Apr 4, 2008 at 5:48 pm

I went by this site earlier today. The sign advertising “Cinema Warsaw” is still very much in evidence, and they are promoting a movie about the late Pope John Paul II. (I guess this is the Polish equivalent of advervising Disney films!)

While I agree this is not the sole – or even the main – purpose of this venue, cinema does appear to be a clear and ongoing activity here. Thus, it probably makes the best sense to err on the side of inclusion and keep this theater in the register. Sorry Warren.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Mar 29, 2008 at 5:17 pm

The closing of the Ridgewood is very sad. While I never took in a film here – and I’m just kicking myself about this, I know many people who did. The loss of this theater leaves a huge cinema vacuum in both North Brooklyn and West Queens.

Michael, in your quest to identify possible replacement parties for the theater, I strongly recommend that you look to the new residents of Bushwick. A strong arts community is developing here and they may be very interested in becoming involved. There is an excellent web site that reaches out to this community and that should definately be accessed. It has, in fact, established a tread on this topic that has generated some response. So contact the site; you really have nothing to lose. The site is:

www.BushwickBk.com

Good luck.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Public Palace Theatre on Mar 29, 2008 at 9:54 am

Another possible reason for this theater’s demise just came to mind. During the early part of the last century, a fairly large Jewish population resided on upper Graham Avenue. A (now demolished) synagogue was situated just up the block at the corner of Engert Avenue and several (very good) Jewish butchers served this neighborhood into the 1960’s. Another remnant of this community is situated several blocks to the south, where the Our Lady of the Snows fraternal organization occupies a former synagogue. This community has long disappeared.

It is possible that the Public Palace once served a heavily Jewish clientele and closed, in part, as this community started to leave the area. This is only a guess, but I think a pretty educated one. Anyone else have any ideas?

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Cinema Warsaw on Mar 29, 2008 at 9:34 am

The question of listing the “Cinema Warsaw” here is a close one, and Warren makes some good points. I know that the Polish National Hall has, throughout its existence, primarily been a place for dancing, concerts, meetings – and drinking! It is now a very popular venue for cutting edge rock concerts. I doubt that it ever was used as a movie house until relatively recently. I moved out of Greenpoint in 2001 and never remembered a movie being shown there until then.

Still, it would not be such a bad thing to have a page dedicated to “the only Polish cinema on the East Coast”. And at how many other movie houses can you watch a film washing down your pop corn with “strong drinks”. Ah, I love those Poles!

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Public Palace Theatre on Mar 29, 2008 at 9:05 am

Thanks for coming up with this little gem. I am sure that just about no one in this area has any clue that this used to be a movie house. I know I didn’t, and I lived in Greenpoint from the 1950’s until 2001.

The one clue that I ever stumbled across that indicated, in any way, that this was not just another residence occurred in the early 1970’s. I was then politically involved and, in the course of seeking petition signatures for my candidate, knocked on the door at 555 Graham. The thing that struck me was that a large part of the first floor was then occupied by the headquarters/meeting hall of a local organization. (I have absolutely no memory of what it was.) The meeting room was quite large. This seemed unusual since the building was otherwise entirely residential. I didn’t give it any thought at the time – and the occupant refused to sign my petition. However, when I saw the photo that Ken Roe was kind enough to post two years ago, it all came back and I couldd now see the meeting room to be the last remaining remnant of the Public Palace.

I guess the Public Palace closed with the arrival of the talkies. It probably was just not worth it to make the capital investment that conversion to sound would have required.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Garden Theater on Mar 23, 2008 at 9:11 am

Among the occupants of the old Garden Theater, by far the most important name is Gerkie. It was this family that converted this property into a bar/catering hall upon the demise of the movie house. I do not know if they also managed the theater or merely converted it, but it is possible. The Gerkie’s – particularly Gus Gerkie – were very sharp business people who at one time owned much of this block. Given the probable inferiority of the Garden vis-a-vis the Meserole – which was situated almost directly across the street – and the capital investment needed to convert it for sound, the demise of the Garden at this time made eminent bottom line sense. And the Gerkie’s were the ultimate bottom liners.

As a bar and catering hall, Gerkie was a very successful enterprise for many years. The bar was situated on a portion of the first floor with the catering hall occupying the second floor. The rest of the first floor was converted into stores and offices. Gerkie’s served – I am told – excellent German fare.

By the 1960’s, the catering hall had been eclipsed by more modern enterprises like Rovnacks (at the old Nassau Movie site) and the Polonaise Terrace. But the bar continued to flourish. Just before his death, Gus initiated an extensive renovation to modernize the hall. But he died before it was completed snd a very nasty dispute regarding the ownership of the Gerkie estate then ensued. This prevented the new hall from opening for many years.

By the late 1990’s the property was sold and the bar closed; it is now retail space. The hall ultimately became an Indian Restaurant.

On a personal note, my father grew up with Gus Gerkie and I served with him for several years as a member of Brooklyn Community Board 1. Ironically, the last time we met was one evening when he and his wife were leaving the Chopin Movie Theater and I was entering.

johndereszewski
johndereszewski commented about Meserole Theatre on Mar 23, 2008 at 8:17 am

In reviewing this tread a second time, I noted the comment that the Meserole is situated on the site of an old Meserole farm. The Meserole’s were one of the earliest settlers of north Brooklyn, arriving here when the entire area was a part of Bushwick and Greenpoint was little more than a salt marsh. The family remained prominent for a very long time, as witnessed by the fact that a Meserole was one of the founding members of the Greenpoint Bank’s Board of Directors. This institution was only established in the late 1800’s.

Anyhow, the reference to the farm house got me to remember a remark that my mother made when we walked up – and then down – Manhattan Ave. as we passed the Meserole Theater. She told me that we were traversing “Meserole Hill”. So the idea of a farmhouse situated at the top of a hill makes a lot of sense.

Finally, most of us locals did not refer to this theater by its full name. To us, it was just “The Mezzie”.