I was just a child when Rochester’s RKO Palace and Paramount Theaters were torn down. Fortunately, my mom took us there to see movies before they were torn down. To this day, I find it hard to believe no one fought the demolition of those grand palaces, and chuckle when today Rochester talks about once again building a theater complex – almost on the same exact sights as the great ones that fell. Can you please tell us about any efforts that there may have been to save those theaters back then?
Here’s a link to a photo of the Sun, as it appeared as recently as 2007. View link
My mom says she used to go there in the 1940s, as well as the Cameo, Lyric, Empress, Strand, Loews, and Palace. I am thankful she took us kids to both the Palace and Paramount theaters shortly before they got torn down.
I was just a child when Rochester’s RKO Palace and Paramount Theaters were torn down. Fortunately, my mom took us there to see movies before they were torn down. To this day, I find it hard to believe no one fought the demolition of those grand palaces, and chuckle when today Rochester talks about once again building a theater complex – almost on the same exact sights as the great ones that fell. Can you please tell us about any efforts that there may have been to save those theaters back then?
Here’s a link to a 2007 photo of what was once the State Theater, built in 1920: View link
Here’s a 2007 photo of what was once the Murray Theater, where my mom and dad went for dates before they were married in 1948. View link
Here’s a link to a 2007 photo of the Dixie Theater.
View link
Most recently it is the home of GRACE UNITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH.
And yes, 986 Joseph Avenue, Rochester, NY 14621 is the correct address. Records show it was built in 1920.
Here’s a link to a photo of the Sun, as it appeared as recently as 2007. View link
My mom says she used to go there in the 1940s, as well as the Cameo, Lyric, Empress, Strand, Loews, and Palace. I am thankful she took us kids to both the Palace and Paramount theaters shortly before they got torn down.