Comments from Jeff M.

Showing 1 - 25 of 30 comments

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Uptown Theatre on Mar 19, 2023 at 8:12 am

Although it has probably already been brought to everyone’s attention (I did not have the time to read thru 515 previous comments) the Wurlitzer theatre organ, Opus 1060, was 4 manuals and 28 ranks and not the 20 ranks listed in the opening description. The console for this organ was the first time Wurlitzer installed a 4 manual key desk in a 5 manual console shell. This would have preceded the 5 Fox Specials, the first of which, was installed in the NY Paramount Theatre.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Argyle Theatre on Mar 22, 2018 at 8:06 pm

From pictures included in an online Patch news feed it appears that all of the interior decor has been removed from the auditorium. Does anyone have any details on this?

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Main Theatre on Mar 8, 2018 at 11:06 am

If you compare this image to the tinted postcard showing Main Street in Conneaut and the Academy Theatre I don’t think this is a match. The main entrance is different and I don’t think there was ever a tree near the curb as shows in this image.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Main Theatre on Mar 8, 2018 at 6:21 am

The Academy Theatre opened on April 4, 1912. From News Herald ads the house often employed a 4 piece pit band for entertainment and silent film accompaniment. Sometime in the twenties it became the Main Theatre. The ads also show that other houses of entertainment existed at the time of the Academy’s opening. The Gem, the Star, the Theatorium and the Republic. The Academy opened 11 days before the RMS Titanic sank.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about State Theatre on Mar 7, 2018 at 7:48 am

The State Theatre closed around 1966 but was not torn down until early 1972. One of its projectors and other memorabilia are on display at the Conneaut Area Historical Society building.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Ohio Theater on Mar 7, 2018 at 7:29 am

The Ohio Theatre and the adjoining Bly Block building were razed in April 1963. The State Theatre continued in business for a few years more but wasn’t torn down until 1972. Mr. Bly built and owned both theatres and the adjoining building for a number of years. Not sure about the Ohio but he sold the State to the Shea Organization sometime in the late 1920’s.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about La Grande Theatre on Sep 23, 2016 at 11:12 am

I don’t think this ad is for the La Grande Theatre in Conneaut since, in 1919, The Conneaut La Grande structure had not yet been built (circa 1922). However, after doing a search on this website I discovered another La Grande Theatre built in 1916 in Hollis, OK. Sometime in 1919 it was renamed the Empress Theatre. Possibly this ad is for that theatre. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about RKO Madison Theatre on Jun 26, 2016 at 10:39 am

To Ed Solero and his question from Sept. 13, 2007 regarding theatres used in the making of both the 1933 and 2005 King Kong movies. I was researching the now gone Ridgewood Theatre and, from there, looked up the RKO Madison when I spotted your question in the comments. Anyway, if you haven’t already found this out you were correct in that the Shrine Auditorium was used in the 1933 film. In the 2005 version the Civic Theatre (1929) in Auckland, New Zealand was the theatre auditorium that King Kong destroyed. Also, in the early 1960’s, the late Carl Weiss restored and played the RKO Madison’s 3 manual 15 rank Wurlitzer theatre organ for intermissions. He really loved how that organ sounded in the auditorium.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Riverhead Theatre on Mar 20, 2016 at 8:50 pm

Back in the mid 1990’s the late Brother Andrew Corsini who was editor for the Theatre Historical Society wrote to me asking if I had ever heard of a Capitol Theatre in Riverhead, NY. I then began researching it (not an easy task in those days before Google) and, with the help of Wally Broege of the Riverhead Historical Society, discovered quite a bit of interesting information related to the theatre. Articles in the Suffolk Life weekly newspaper chronicled the construction and opening of this lavish little theatre in vivid detail.
Apparently a severe winter delayed some of the construction and it was written that the entire house was built and furnished by local contractors for the exception of the marquee and the special seating located in the orchestra section down front. The pipe organ was a 2 manual 4 rank Robert Morton. The grand opening was delayed a day or so due to a popular fraternal organization having ceremonies scheduled for the original opening date. In the beginning the feature films were supposedly changed on a daily basis and organ concerts were held on Sundays and proved to be very popular. Around the advent of sound the house was sold to Prudential who, in turn, modernized the auditorium by removing the organ and orchestra pit, adding more seating and the necessary sound equipment.
The Robert Morton organ was sold to Lester Little. His mother built a large studio for him on Paradise Point where the organ was installed and eventually enlarged to include more ranks of pipes and 2 more manuals. However, the work was poorly done. The studio also had a recording booth and ample audience seating. He was a member of the Long Island Organ and Piano Society and his studio was frequently used for club get-togethers. As I have been told many well known organists of the day visited and played the organ. Lester enjoyed playing hymns while his lady friend Althea Seavers sang the verses. I confirmed this with Althea many years ago when she was living in upstate New York. When Lester passed away the organ was broken up for parts and the studio and adjoining property is now privately owned.
The theatre’s marquee was added onto more than once until it became a huge over sized monstrosity. It was eventually removed when it was in danger of coming down. The Capitol/Riverhead theatre was torn down in the early 1960’s and the lot where I believe it stood on E. Main Street is still vacant and is next to the Long Island Science Center. The street numbers in that section of E. Main St are very confusing and, in my opinion, make no sense.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Ridgewood Theatre on Nov 1, 2014 at 4:58 pm

Hello All: I just posted 2 photographs taken of the auditorium in January 1977. One shows the details of the stage left organ screen and the other was taken from top balcony center looking towards the stage. The late Carl Weiss and I were visiting the house prior to it opening for the day and we were able to get into the organ chamber on stage right. Most of the organ’s sound effects were there including a thunder sheet which, when shook, caused the manager to frantically asked what happened. The pipe organ was a Moller, Opus 2408, possessing 3 manuals & 16 ranks of pipes. It was installed in 1917 at a cost of $5,250.00 according to my records. We did not find the console. Probably long gone by that time. The house was in very good shape and well taken care of at the time we visited. I hope they can find a way to save it.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Ready Theatre on Sep 4, 2012 at 7:59 pm

Good News! I arrived in Niles this past Thursday and when I drove past the Ready I noticed that work was being done. Today I was allowed into the theatre and shown the auditorium which is almost completely restored. The walls and ceiling have been painted and leafed. Seats have not yet been installed and the lobby is presently in the process of being returned to it original splendor. The owners have scheduled a grand reopening for sometime in October. I am not quite sure what venues are being planned for the theatre but it will wonderful to have the Ready Theatre back in operation.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Organ Loft on Jun 13, 2012 at 7:24 pm

Larry Bray’s Organ Loft’s Wurlitzer’s original 19 ranks came from the Staten Island Paramount Theatre which consisted of two 3 manual waterfall consoles These were turned into the 5 manual console which you see today. He supposedly acquired the Paramount organ after selling off the smaller theatre organs that had been installed in his uncle’s chicken coop. Subsequent additions to the organ’s pipework now totals 34 ranks. Over the years a handful of LP’s were recorded on the organ by the late Gus Farney. I believe that Lyn Larsen was the last to record an album on this Wurlitzer.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about State Theatre / Conneaut, OH, November 4, 1939 on Mar 28, 2012 at 7:17 pm

Hello All: I have just posted a photo showing the Ohio Theatre taken on Nov.4, 1939 when Admiral Byrd’s newly built Snow Cruiser stopped in Conneaut on its way to Boston. The bulk of its 55 foot length is blocking the front of the State Theatre (directly behind the man standing on top of the cruiser) but the Ohio Theatre entrance, marquee and vertical sign are clearly shown. The Hotel Cleveland and the telephone building are both visible. If you Google “Snow Cruiser visits Conneaut” you can read the entire article written by Albert Phillips who was a young boy at the time. The Albion Library gave me permission to post the picture.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Century's Floral Theatre on Feb 25, 2012 at 8:04 am

A clarification of sorts. In my recent post to comments posted by Ed Solero regarding the Floral’s pipe organ I stated in that it was installed in 1928. This is from the book entitled The Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ, Vol.2 authored by the late Dave Junchen and published by Showcase Publications in 1989. This volume covers pipe organ manufacturers whose names began with the letter “L” through “W”. Dates were taken from his first hand research with United States Pipe Organ Company archives. It is possible that the organ was installed after the theatre opening. David published volume 1 and had material for his third and final volume which was to have been exclusively on Wurlitzer. Unfortunately he died before it could be published and it was finally published in 2005 by the American Theatre Organ Society. Theatre organist Jeff Weiler spent quite a few years putting David’s material back together and expanded on it as well. It is a great tribute to David’s memory. The ATOS should still have copies available of this issue and the other volumes can be found either through EBay or ABE Books.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Century's Floral Theatre on Feb 25, 2012 at 7:35 am

Hello all. I have just posted 5 pictures of the Floral Theatre taken sometime in either the late 70’s or early 80’s. I had asked permission from the manager to photograph the auditorium and was refused. So all of what you will see were taken during an intermission and in a hurry. Without the use of a tripod and timed exposure a full house picture was out of the question. I am of the opinion that the colors shown in my pictures are from a repaint done in later years and do not represent what the house originally looked like when first opened. My previous post described the pipe organ it once possessed. I do not know when it was removed or where it went. My guess is that it coincided with the installation of air conditioning. I remember seeing these large round fixtures protruding from the auditorium ceiling which undoubtedly had something to do with the AC.
Possibly the AC unit was installed in the old organ chamber. Back in the early seventies I lived in the Garden City Park & Floral Park area and saw many a film in the Floral Theatre. Going to that theatre was a first class experience. I’m happy that the new owners had the foresight to preserve as much of the architectural details that they did which helps keep the memory of the Floral Theatre alive.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Century's Floral Theatre on Feb 24, 2012 at 8:39 pm

To Ed Solero on your comments from April 24, 2011. The Floral Theatre possessed a United States pipe organ consisting of 3 manuals and 8 ranks of pipes. It was Opus number 152 and was installed in 1928. All the pipework was installed in the stage right chambers. Of all the local houses in this chain the Floral has the largest theatre organ. The Bellerose has a 2 manual 7 rank instrument by the same builder. The United States pipe organ factory was located in Crum Lynne, PA. At one time I knew who the architect of the Floral was but over the years I’ve forgotten who that was. I did notice, while doing research on the Floral, that it had the look of a much earlier style house. In my opinion it had an auditorium similar to vaudeville houses built in the late teens / early twenties. The very shallow lobby with half walls separating the rear of the auditorium along with the lack of free hanging chandeliers and very subdued base relief plaster decorations gave it that older look in my opinion. Most movie houses built in 1927 were far more ornate. My guess is that by utilizing existing plans they were able to cut costs. Once again this is all my opinion based on what I have seen and learned over the years.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Walker Theater on Feb 22, 2012 at 9:28 am

Back in January 1976 or 1977 the late Carl Weiss and I spent an afternoon touring the Walker. Carl knew the owners from servicing the Wurlitzer so he had keys to the place. While Carl spent over an hour playing the Wurlitzer I took photographs of the auditorium. As I recall it was in near mint condition with some work being needed on the balcony rear wall and orchestra pit. If my memory is serving me correctly the house was still owned by the Walker family although UA was leasing it at the time. I will attempt to post some of the pictures when time permits. From what I’ve read in the comments it sounds as if the Walker could be restored with minimal effort. Doe anyone know if the Wurlitzer is still in the house?

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Cove Theatre on Feb 19, 2012 at 9:27 am

Back in 1969 I worked part time as an usher at the Cove Theatre. The manager and I had our differences but she became my best friend when the Carroll Baker film Paranoia was to be shown. It had, at the time, an “X” rating (which by today’s standards would have been “R”) and I was the only part time usher old enough to work with an “X” rated film in the house. It was a double feature along with The Oblong Box starring Vincent Price. Needless to say the first ever “X” rated film shown in Glen Cove was well patronized. I became friends with the gentleman who worked the projection room and he used to play my LP’s of Everett Nourse at the SF Fox Wurlitzer during intermissions. The stage was filled with junk which included the old Midmer-Losh organ console minus its pedalboard. It had 3 manuals of which the lower one was of 88 keys. The pipe chambers were behind the stage left wall and had been pretty much trashed. It was Opus 5315 and consisted of 3 manuals & 10 ranks. It was installed in 1927. I remember seeing a central vacuuming system that still worked! I also remember taking black and white pictures of the auditorium which are very much like the ones already posted. I enjoyed working at the Cove back then.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Suffolk Theater on Feb 13, 2012 at 7:02 pm

I have just posted 5 pictures of the Suffolk Theatre. These were taken in January of 1995 not long after the town acquired the house with plans to restore it. It has been too many years since I spoke with someone from the town so my facts may be somewhat sketchy. I remember being told that, in order to create a full stage, they were planning on moving the proscenium arch into the auditorium some 20 or 30 feet which, in my opinion would have ruined everything. Apparently that was easier at the time than acquiring the land behind the house. For its years the house was in very good shape with very little damage. Only the upper level lounge had severe water damage from a leaking roof. The town did fix that and the front wall of the building.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about La Grande Theatre on Dec 28, 2011 at 3:01 pm

Happy New Year everyone. I have been doing some research on theatre pipe organs and uncovered something of interest. As I had stated in an earlier post the La Grande Theatre had a Tellers-Kent pipe organ (Opus 376)of 3 manuals and 10 sets of pipes installed in 1926 for $6,950.00. This is from the late Dave Junchen’s Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ, Vol. 2. In that same volume, under Marr & Colton, there is another listing for Conneaut’s La Grande Theatre for a pipe organ of 2 manuals. No other information is shown for this listing which leads me to believe that it was considered but Tellers-Kent got the job.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Bay Shore Theatre on Dec 28, 2011 at 2:46 pm

Jeana: I attempted to send BST pics to you but your email address apparently is not working. . Te return email stated there was a permanent fatal error. JEFF

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about New Republic Theatre description on Dec 16, 2011 at 6:10 pm

Here is a description of the New Republic Theatre from Julius Cahn’s Official Theatrical Guide dated 1908 – 1909. This is probably the Republic Theatre mentioned on page 74 in David Owens Conneaut book. Interesting details listed here along with the electrical service. Judging by the dimensions it was an average sized house. Was it primarily live stage or did they show early movies? When was it built and when was it torn down?

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Ready Theatre on Nov 22, 2011 at 7:29 pm

My folks have lived in Niles, MI since 1968. In July of 1980, during one of my visits, I got permission to take pictures of the auditorium, one of which has been posted here. The Barton organ was purchased and removed by the late Father Jim Miller who installed it in his home. He may have made a recording on it but I’m not sure. I certainly hope they can restore it to its original glory. Those brass entry doors would look great polished.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Bay Shore Theatre on Nov 15, 2011 at 9:08 pm

Hello All: I have posted recently scanned pictures of the Bay Shore Theatre that were originally taken in 1982. I have restricted these so, if you want copies for your use only, let me know and I’ll gladly email them to you. I hope you enjoy these.

Jeff M.
Jeff M. commented about Bay Shore Theatre on Nov 14, 2011 at 8:04 pm

To Jeana & Bway: I’ll try and get some pictures scanned this week. Probably the reason why there are no old pictures/postcards of the Bay Shore could be that it was one of those venues of entertainment that was always there and taken for granted. When it was finished the architect and builder undoubtedly photographed it for their records but those are probably long gone. The YMCA really didn’t destroy the theatre. Being closed for over 10 years with no heat in the building ruined the plaster and anything made of wood had rotted. The house was in deplorable condition when they tried to auction off what remained of it. More later.