Greetings from Motor City

Postally Unused Card

On back of postcard:
“Woodward Avenue–the world’s finest and busiest highway.”

Fox Theatre Detroit

Fox Theatre-Historic Detroit

Postmarked September 30, 1938

From back of postcard:
“In the heart of Detroit’s activities is one of the busiest sections.”

The Family Theatre, bottom left, became the Follies in its final “XXX” days. On July 26, 1973, the building was destroyed in a five–alarm fire during a screening of “Deep Throat.”

Fire Photos

Family Theatre

Postcard part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

Since 1997 theatre historian,  Cezar Del Valle, has conducted a popular series of  theatre talks and walks, available for  historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Private walks also available.

Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.

The first two chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.

Currently seeking funding for “Editing & Formatting” the first three volumes of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, 3rd Edition

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

Advertisement

The Pride of the South

Tampa Theatre
711 Franklin Street
Tampa, Florida

Postally unused card, circa 1926:

Exhibitors Herald, January 22, 1927:
“The Tampa theatre is a splendid example of the delightful Mediterranean type so appropriate climatically and historically in Florida.”

Tampa Theatre

Tampa Bay–Tampa Theatre

Haunted Tampa By Theatre

More on the Tampa Theatre at our Theatre Talks website.

“Conveniently located just northeast of downtown [Tampa], Ybor City is the only neighborhood on Florida’s west coast to be designated a National Historic Landmark District.”

Postally unused card

Opening in 1917, the Rivoli Theatre was expanded and renamed the Ritz in the 1930s. “Most of the attendees were Cubans and Italians who worked in the cigar factories.”

After being closed for nearly two years the Ritz reopened June 26, 2008 as a four-room “event venue” catering to weddings, concerts, galas and more.

The Ritz Ybor

Tampa Historical–Ritz Theatre

University of North Florida–Ritz Theatre

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

Since 1997 theatre historian,  Cezar Del Valle, has conducted a popular series of  theatre talks and walks, available for  historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Private walks also available.

Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.

The first two chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.

Currently seeking funding for “Editing & Formatting” the first three volumes of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, 3rd Edition

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

From a Changing Main Street

Postmarked 1948

Ritz:
Saboteur (1942)

A double feature at the Cameo:
Song of the Islands (1942)
Riders of the Timberline(1941)

Postmarked 1965

Carousel (1956)

Ritz Theatre

Ritz Theatre, Renovation

The Ritz and Hotel Newburgh are now part of Safe Harbors of the Hudson, ” a mixed-use, non-profit housing and arts redevelopment project.”

Newburgh  “is considered the most dangerous [city] in New York and one of the most dangerous in the nation.”

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

 

Since 1997 theatre historian,  Cezar Del Valle, has conducted a popular series of  theatre talks and walks, available for  historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Private walks also available.

Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.

The first two chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.

Currently seeking funding for “Editing & Formatting” the first three volumes of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, 3rd Edition

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings from “the Crossroads of the World”

Postmarked 1950

Excerpts from back of postcard:

“This is Times Square which is the heart of New York’s theatrical district with the New York Times Building marking the division of 7th Ave. from Broadway.”

“The tall building with the clock house is the Paramount Theatre, one of the leading motion picture palaces. Next to it is the Hotel Astor.”

 

Postally Unused (circa 1940)

From back of postcard:

“Times Square, known throughout the world as “The Great White Way” is the magnet and high spot of New York. Here millions of people seek entertainment in the many theatres, night clubs, restaurants, etc.”

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

 

Since 1997 theatre historian,  Cezar Del Valle, has conducted a popular series of  theatre talks and walks, available for  historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Private walks also available.

Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.

The first two chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.

Currently seeking funding for “Editing & Formatting” the first three volumes of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, 3rd Edition

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

Welcome to Radio City

Two postally unused postcards.

From back of postcard:
“Seating 6,000, this is the largest auditorium in the world. Moving pictures and lavish stage shows are presented daily.”

 

From back of postcard:
“Showing the largest stage in the world with one of the weekly spectacular footlight productions. The stage is framed by the great proscenium arch, built to resemble a sunburst.”

 

Radio City Music Hall-Official Site

History of Radio City Music Hall

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

 

Since 1997 theatre historian,  Cezar Del Valle, has conducted a popular series of  theatre talks and walks, available for  historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Private walks also available.

Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.

The first two chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.

Currently seeking funding for “Editing & Formatting” the first three volumes of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, 3rd Edition

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

 

 

Greetings from the Granite State

Colonial Theatre, Main Street, Bethleheim, NH
Postally Unused

Built in 1915, the Colonial is one of the oldest continously operating movie theatres in the United States.

Colonial Theatre

 

The Gem Theatre, Berlin, NH
Postmarked September 12, 1916

Written on the back:
“Dear Mame, We are at Berlin NH tonight Mame & Jim”
Addressed to M A Drinkwater, Bangor, Maine

Built in 1909, the Gem “lasted about fourteen years.”

Berlin Theatre

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

Since 1997 theatre historian,  Cezar Del Valle, has conducted a popular series of  theatre talks and walks, available for  historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Private walks also available.

Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.

The first two chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.

Currently seeking funding for “Editing & Formatting” the first three volumes of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, 3rd Edition

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

 

Greetings from Hollywood

Two large size postcards of the Chinese Theatre, Hollywood, California.

Grauman’s, contemporary  postcard, postally unused:

Back of postcard:
“Construction of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre nears completion as shown here in 1927.”
“Published and Distributed by Olde Tyme Photo Cards, Los Angeles”

 

Ted Mann purchased the theater in 1973 , postally unused:

Back of postcard:
“Inspired by a trip to China, showmen Sid Grauman built the Chinese Theatre to host extravagant premieres for his pictures, The courtyard is the world’s largest autograph book, boasting the signatures and foot prints of Hollywood legends both past and present.”
“Designed and printed by The Postcard Factory”

On January 11, 2013, Chinese electronics manufacturer TCL Corporation purchased the facility’s naming rights, under which it is officially known as TCL Chinese Theatre.

TLC Chinese Theatres

Hollywood Footprints

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

Since 1997 theatre historian,  Cezar Del Valle, has conducted a popular series of  theatre talks and walks, available for  historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Private walks also available.

Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.

The first two chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.

Currently seeking funding for “Editing & Formatting” the first three volumes of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, 3rd Edition

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roxy on Granby Street

The Film Daily, “Theater Openings”, April 9, 1938:
“Norfolk–Roxy, 432 seats (4-4-38), Granby St.; Builder: W. T. Gregory & Co.; Architect: Ben Speigel; House Manger: S. J. Gates.”

Postmarked: Aug 14 1940
Written on back:
“Having a good time was married Monday still traveling Best Fred”

On the marquee: Paul Muni in The Woman I Love

 

 

Postally unused

Printed on back:
“View of the downtown business section, Norfolk, Va., looking northward along Granby Street from City Hall Avenue.”

“Kodachrome by Clark A. Brandenburg”

On the marquee: Henry Fonda in Blockade

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

Since 1997 theatre historian,  Cezar Del Valle, has conducted a popular series of  theatre talks and walks, available for  historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.

The first two chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.

Currently seeking funding for “Editing & Formatting” the first three volumes of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, 3rd Edition

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

 

 

 

Greetings from Coney Island

A scenic railway on Surf Avenue, postmarked August 23, 1912:

On back:
“It is a lovely ride on the boat here.”

To the right of the Rocky Road is the Prospect Hotel, one of the many movie shows along “Flicker Alley” :

Postally unused

Coney Island Museum, Saturday, June 29, 5pm:
Ask the Experts: Cezar Del Valle – Son of Coney Island Goes to the Movies

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

Since 1997 theatre historian,  Cezar Del Valle, has conducted a popular series of  theatre talks and walks, available for  historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.

The first two chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.

Updated third edition of the Brooklyn Theatre Index will be published in 2019

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom

 

 

 

Brooklyn Academy of Music

 

BAM

Brooklyn Academy of Music

Brooklyn Academy of Music

 

Postcards part of the Theatre Talks Collection, please ask permission to copy and/or use. At least give credit to source. We know that some people will not honor this but it would be nice if they did.

Since 1997 theatre historian,  Cezar Del Valle, has conducted a popular series of  theatre talks and walks, available for  historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.

The first two chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.

Editing and updating the third edition of the Brooklyn Theatre Index.

AboutMe

Goodreads

Medotcom