The latest issue of Theatre Historical Society’s MARQUEE MAGAZINE features a photo and short bio of this theater in a travel feature spotlighting the Berkshires.
The latest issue of Theatre Historical Society’s MARQUEE MAGAZINE features a photo and short bio of this theater in a travel feature spotlighting the Berkshires.
MAKE IT VINTAGE, FOLKS! And for heaven’s sake resist the urge to make it some LED driven flashing signboard – let’s see a vintage marquee reproduction befitting a 1911 survivor!
Theatre Historical Society will be visiting the GRAND LAKE this summer as a part of Conclave 2009 – San Jose & Around the Bay. So it is VERY exciting to see this stunning full color photo! Watch Cinema Treasures for a special Conclave Registration offer just for Cinema Treasures members — we’d love to have you join us!
This was a hard one to lose. A late period theater, yes, but still a movie palace in the modern-classic sense of the word. So many people tried to sway the Cultural Heritage Commission to help preserve the style and grace of this theater. All fell on deaf ears. As Charlie points out, let’s use this as a wake up call to get involved sooner, louder and more passionately in future battles. We can no longer treat America’s architecture as disposable commodities!
It is most certainly demolished. All that remains is a neatly groomed square of land, ready for redevelopment. However, a little closer inspection of the gravel unveiled several chunks of ceramic facade material which will now make their way to the Theatre Historical Society’s archive in Elmhurst. IL. Not sure if any effort was made by the local preservation groups to save any major ornamental details. From the photos listed here, it looks to have been a really nice house. Such a shame for the people of Yeadon.
Do any interior photos exist of this theater? From the brief description above, it sounds like it may have resembled the Auburn Schine Theater which also takes a futuristic bent. I would be very interested in seeing photos.
A recent news article from the Syracuse (NY) Post Standard. Under the watch of FAST (Friends of the Auburn Schine Theater) the roof was replaced and the building secured against water and weather deterioration. Community spirit was very high, many people volunteered time, talent and funds to clean up the building. It felt like things were finally going to happen. That was in 2000. How many times does a city get the opportunity to restore and use an Eberson Art Deco Outerspace Atmospheric theater?! There aren’t going to be too many more bites at the apple for the Auburn Schine Theater.
The Post-Standard (Syracuse, New York)
January 17, 2008 Thursday
AUBURN GRANT REQUEST DENIED; STATE REJECTS BID FOR RESTORE MONEY. PROJECT LEADERS PLAN TO MOVE FORWARD ANYWAY.
By Scott Rapp Staff writer
The state rejected Auburn’s application for nearly $1.8 million in grant money, scuttling two major downtown projects for now.
Funding for a private developer was also denied.
Officials said Wednesday they’re regrouping to decide what to do next.
The city applied for the Restore New York Communities Initiative grant money from the Empire State Development Corp. in September.
However, the city’s application didn’t match up against other municipal plans in the competitive process and the state didn’t have enough money to fund all the projects, said Stefanie Zakowicz, an Empire State Development Corp. spokeswoman.
“There was $286 million in funding requested and there was only $100 million available. So unfortunately, that means there’s a lot more people wanting a piece of the pie than we could feed,” she said.
Here’s what the city had planned to do with the grant money:
Give about $1.1 million to the Cayuga County Arts Council to continue restoring the historic Schine Theater on South Street.
Use $215,000 to demolish the vacant, city-owned Kalet’s Building on State Street, which stands between several buildings that the Stardust Foundation plans to redevelop into a “creative corridor.”
Dole out $434,000 to private developer Glenn Fletcher, who is renovating the former Disciples of Christ Church on North Division Street into a hall for business conferences, weddings and other social events.
City Manager Mark Palesh initially balked at adding Fletcher’s request to the application, telling councilors he thought doing so would weaken the city’s chances of getting the grant. He held to that position Wednesday but said he was unsure as to why the city’s application ultimately failed.
Auburn received $1.8 million from the same program the year before to help a local developer build upscale condominiums on Logan Street.
The overall goal of the state grant program is to revitalize urban centers, induce commercial reinvestment and improve municipal housing stock, Zakowicz said.
“So priority was given to projects that could best leverage other state or federal redevelopment money, projects with plans fully in place and projects (that will) start within a year of grant funding,” she added.
The county Arts Council had hoped to use the money to reopen the Schine lobby to the public and build a media arts interpretative center and retail store.
Susan Harris, the council’s executive director, said she’s disappointed at not getting the money but said her group will keep trying to raise the estimated $7.7 million needed to reopen the Art-Deco theater.
“We just have to keep plugging along. … We have a big job to get people on board with what we’re doing. That will be our focus,” Harris said.
As President of Theatre Historical Society of America (www.historictheatres.org) I visited the State in mid-November after reading the article mentioned above. The town has just 1600 people! Yet their dedication and commitment to their little theater should make other communities hang their heads in shame. I met some of their senior volunteer team members – all passionate, dedicated and conscientious people. The town really rallies behind the theater and works hard to support it. That little theater has flooded, burned, collapsed and been burglarized and yet each time they fix it up, dust if off and keep right on going. BRAVO!! These folks should be commended for their loving care of the State Theater!
If you could see closely the design and patterns of the walls immediately adjacent to the proscenium and the ceiling, you would see that they bear a striking resemblance to the design and patterns of the Auburn Schine Theater, a once-remarkable outer space atmospheric from John Eberson. It was almost as if Eberson “practiced” on the walls of the Lane before taking the designs to the full stage of the Auburn.
Gee, you should have just asked ME Patsy! : ) The “folks of Geneva” neglected this wonderful architectural treasure for a very long time. They, of course, had nothing to do with the hideous mid- 60s re-do of the facade which removed that wonderful marquee, it was the subsequent owners after the Schine chain was dissolved who made the changes. Once Geneva woke up and realized what they had, it was almost too late. But, thanks to the efforts of a core group of people who were not about to let it go down for a parking lot. Today’s theater facade is a throwback to the old opera house while the interior is 100% Schine. A fair compromise, i guess – but i still fought hard for a REAL marquee to go back on it.
That issue was mailed from Elmhurst on 10/20. Bulk mail might be cheap, but it’s “expensive” in other ways. Drop me a line at and we can talk more about this.
Which gives me a chance to reiterate that if anyone else is interested in a copy of the latest Marquee magazine, just go to www.historictheatres.org and order one for yourself! The issue also includes a great article on projection methods over the years and a piece on the home museum of the late Jim Foley of Syracuse NY. (Shameless THS promotion – yeah i know!)
Wow, that was quick! Thanks, William, for confirming my thoughts. The term “art deco” does cover a wide variety of styles and eras, but this is definitely not one of them! : )
Question: Why does everyone keep saying this is an “art deco” house? Looking at the website and the virtual tour this seems to be a classical Lansburgh house. What do you all think makes it “deco”? Just curious – it is such a subjective thing!
The latest issue of Theatre Historical Society’s MARQUEE MAGAZINE features a photo and short bio of this theater in a travel feature spotlighting the Berkshires.
Go to www.historictheatres.org to join THS or order back issues.
The latest issue of Theatre Historical Society’s MARQUEE MAGAZINE features a photo and short bio of this theater in a travel feature spotlighting the Berkshires.
Go to www.historictheatres.org to join THS or order back issues.
Article from today’s Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/News/Ideas/article/407184
discusses the kind of marquee that should be returned to the Revue.
MAKE IT VINTAGE, FOLKS! And for heaven’s sake resist the urge to make it some LED driven flashing signboard – let’s see a vintage marquee reproduction befitting a 1911 survivor!
Naturally I have to chime in that this was a SCHINE theater. Great marquee for a little side street theater!
Theatre Historical Society will be visiting the GRAND LAKE this summer as a part of Conclave 2009 – San Jose & Around the Bay. So it is VERY exciting to see this stunning full color photo! Watch Cinema Treasures for a special Conclave Registration offer just for Cinema Treasures members — we’d love to have you join us!
Karen Colizzi Noonan,
President, THS
NLSP – that was a beautiful and touching remembrance of the National. Please email me at – i have a question for you.
Karen
Does anyone know if this ss this the former Schine Athena Theater?
View link
Here are some photos of the Colonia from a recent trip through Norwich:
View link
View link
View link
This was a hard one to lose. A late period theater, yes, but still a movie palace in the modern-classic sense of the word. So many people tried to sway the Cultural Heritage Commission to help preserve the style and grace of this theater. All fell on deaf ears. As Charlie points out, let’s use this as a wake up call to get involved sooner, louder and more passionately in future battles. We can no longer treat America’s architecture as disposable commodities!
Look closely at this photo of the site of the demolished Yeadon. Note the building to the right of the photo, the Yeadon FIRE DEPARTMENT!
View link
A happy discovery among the rubble – bits of the Yeadon facade:
View link
It is most certainly demolished. All that remains is a neatly groomed square of land, ready for redevelopment. However, a little closer inspection of the gravel unveiled several chunks of ceramic facade material which will now make their way to the Theatre Historical Society’s archive in Elmhurst. IL. Not sure if any effort was made by the local preservation groups to save any major ornamental details. From the photos listed here, it looks to have been a really nice house. Such a shame for the people of Yeadon.
On a recent trip through Chester PA with friends, we were surprised to find a vacant lot where 20-24 should have been. Did I miss the memo?
: (
Do any interior photos exist of this theater? From the brief description above, it sounds like it may have resembled the Auburn Schine Theater which also takes a futuristic bent. I would be very interested in seeing photos.
Lost Memory: Can you please email me at ? I’d really like to ask you a couple of questions. THANKS! Karen
A recent news article from the Syracuse (NY) Post Standard. Under the watch of FAST (Friends of the Auburn Schine Theater) the roof was replaced and the building secured against water and weather deterioration. Community spirit was very high, many people volunteered time, talent and funds to clean up the building. It felt like things were finally going to happen. That was in 2000. How many times does a city get the opportunity to restore and use an Eberson Art Deco Outerspace Atmospheric theater?! There aren’t going to be too many more bites at the apple for the Auburn Schine Theater.
The Post-Standard (Syracuse, New York)
January 17, 2008 Thursday
AUBURN GRANT REQUEST DENIED; STATE REJECTS BID FOR RESTORE MONEY. PROJECT LEADERS PLAN TO MOVE FORWARD ANYWAY.
By Scott Rapp Staff writer
The state rejected Auburn’s application for nearly $1.8 million in grant money, scuttling two major downtown projects for now.
Funding for a private developer was also denied.
Officials said Wednesday they’re regrouping to decide what to do next.
The city applied for the Restore New York Communities Initiative grant money from the Empire State Development Corp. in September.
However, the city’s application didn’t match up against other municipal plans in the competitive process and the state didn’t have enough money to fund all the projects, said Stefanie Zakowicz, an Empire State Development Corp. spokeswoman.
“There was $286 million in funding requested and there was only $100 million available. So unfortunately, that means there’s a lot more people wanting a piece of the pie than we could feed,” she said.
Here’s what the city had planned to do with the grant money:
Give about $1.1 million to the Cayuga County Arts Council to continue restoring the historic Schine Theater on South Street.
Use $215,000 to demolish the vacant, city-owned Kalet’s Building on State Street, which stands between several buildings that the Stardust Foundation plans to redevelop into a “creative corridor.”
Dole out $434,000 to private developer Glenn Fletcher, who is renovating the former Disciples of Christ Church on North Division Street into a hall for business conferences, weddings and other social events.
City Manager Mark Palesh initially balked at adding Fletcher’s request to the application, telling councilors he thought doing so would weaken the city’s chances of getting the grant. He held to that position Wednesday but said he was unsure as to why the city’s application ultimately failed.
Auburn received $1.8 million from the same program the year before to help a local developer build upscale condominiums on Logan Street.
The overall goal of the state grant program is to revitalize urban centers, induce commercial reinvestment and improve municipal housing stock, Zakowicz said.
“So priority was given to projects that could best leverage other state or federal redevelopment money, projects with plans fully in place and projects (that will) start within a year of grant funding,” she added.
The county Arts Council had hoped to use the money to reopen the Schine lobby to the public and build a media arts interpretative center and retail store.
Susan Harris, the council’s executive director, said she’s disappointed at not getting the money but said her group will keep trying to raise the estimated $7.7 million needed to reopen the Art-Deco theater.
“We just have to keep plugging along. … We have a big job to get people on board with what we’re doing. That will be our focus,” Harris said.
Scott Rapp can be reached at or 315-253-7316.
As President of Theatre Historical Society of America (www.historictheatres.org) I visited the State in mid-November after reading the article mentioned above. The town has just 1600 people! Yet their dedication and commitment to their little theater should make other communities hang their heads in shame. I met some of their senior volunteer team members – all passionate, dedicated and conscientious people. The town really rallies behind the theater and works hard to support it. That little theater has flooded, burned, collapsed and been burglarized and yet each time they fix it up, dust if off and keep right on going. BRAVO!! These folks should be commended for their loving care of the State Theater!
Oh… my….. god. <gasp> <sob>
Warning – video tour of the theater, as it looks today, is not for the weak of heart.
And to think that this used to be a Hulskin. Something tells me, he wouldn’t understand.
If you could see closely the design and patterns of the walls immediately adjacent to the proscenium and the ceiling, you would see that they bear a striking resemblance to the design and patterns of the Auburn Schine Theater, a once-remarkable outer space atmospheric from John Eberson. It was almost as if Eberson “practiced” on the walls of the Lane before taking the designs to the full stage of the Auburn.
Gee, you should have just asked ME Patsy! : ) The “folks of Geneva” neglected this wonderful architectural treasure for a very long time. They, of course, had nothing to do with the hideous mid- 60s re-do of the facade which removed that wonderful marquee, it was the subsequent owners after the Schine chain was dissolved who made the changes. Once Geneva woke up and realized what they had, it was almost too late. But, thanks to the efforts of a core group of people who were not about to let it go down for a parking lot. Today’s theater facade is a throwback to the old opera house while the interior is 100% Schine. A fair compromise, i guess – but i still fought hard for a REAL marquee to go back on it.
That issue was mailed from Elmhurst on 10/20. Bulk mail might be cheap, but it’s “expensive” in other ways. Drop me a line at and we can talk more about this.
Which gives me a chance to reiterate that if anyone else is interested in a copy of the latest Marquee magazine, just go to www.historictheatres.org and order one for yourself! The issue also includes a great article on projection methods over the years and a piece on the home museum of the late Jim Foley of Syracuse NY. (Shameless THS promotion – yeah i know!)
: )
Hey Lost Memory… can you drop me a line at ? I’ve got a question but don’t want to take up space here! Karen
Wow, that was quick! Thanks, William, for confirming my thoughts. The term “art deco” does cover a wide variety of styles and eras, but this is definitely not one of them! : )
Question: Why does everyone keep saying this is an “art deco” house? Looking at the website and the virtual tour this seems to be a classical Lansburgh house. What do you all think makes it “deco”? Just curious – it is such a subjective thing!
That post is from May 3, 2006 if you want to look up the whole post.