Postally unused, circa 1916:
“Washington Street, seen here looking north from Lafayette Square in 1916, was second only to Main Street in urban intensity. At the left is the Olympic Theatre, a motion picture and vaudeville house opened in 1914. Next door is Seames & Zeitler’s Park Hof, a German restaurant, beer hall, and cabaret built in 1908. At the right, the New Family Theatre advertises five cent ‘photoplays,’ an antiquated term for motion picture.”
From The Public , “Western New York’s true alternative media source”
In the background is the New Lyric offering movies and vaudeville.
Postally Unused:
On the marquee at Shea’s Buffalo: “Sol Hurok Presents Sadler Wells Theatre Ballet”.
“When Shea’s Buffalo Theatre was made a National Historic Site in 1975, restoration began in earnest to return the theater to its original appearance as it was when “The Wonder Theatre” opened in January 1926. From hand-stenciling over 7,000 square feet of walls to repairing the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, we continue with our restoration efforts to this day.”
From their website
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
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