Wheeling–the “nail capital of the world”

” the manufacture of cut iron nails became a major element of Wheeling’s economy and Wheeling became known as the ‘nail capital of the world.'”–Our History, City of Wheeling, WV-Home Page

Postmarked August 23, 1958:

Back of Postcard: “Market Street looking north. Extachrome by Jack Taylor”

Playing at the Rex Theatre: Bing Crosby in “Here Comes The Groom” (1951)

Ohio County Public Library:
“Designed by Wheeling architect Edward Bates Franzheim, construction began on the 900-seat Rex Theater in 1914.
WWVA broadcast its weekly live music program, WWVA Jamboree in the Rex Theater from 1962 to 1965.
In later years, it was called the Coronet Theater. It was demolished in 1989 and replaced by one-story expansion structure of Wheeling Office Supply.”

Gone Forever-Wheeling’s Theatres

The Wheeling Jamboree

Postally Unused:

Back of Postcard: “Street scene Wheeling, W. Va.”

Victoria Theatre, 1228 Market Street

West Virginia Tourism:
“First opening its doors in 1904, Victoria Theater is the oldest operating theater in West Virginia. Located in the registered historic market district of Wheeling, the Victoria is a 720 seat Victorian style theater with many Beaux-Arts design influences.
In 1934 the Victoria Theater served for a short period as home to the WWVA Jamboree. Today, the Victoria Theater, also known as the Victoria Vaudeville serves as a venue for live acts.”

West Virginia Historic Theatre Trail

Ohio County Public Library

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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Los Angeles Aglow

Postmarked September 5, 1944:

On back of postcard:
“Broadway at night, in downtown Los Angeles, is aglow with brilliant lights. The many attractive shops, theatres and cafes afford great interest to visitors of the Southland.”

The Los Angeles Theatre is on the right with the Palace opposites, vertical sign in red. The white verticals of the Loew’s State are in the background just beyond Bullock’s.

Postally Unused:

“Seventh and Broadway is the hub of activity upon whici the City of Los Angeles constantly revolves. Its daily passing parade reflects a true cross section of the population of this metropolis of the West.”

Loew’s State

Postally Unused (1941):

Double feature at the United Artists Theatre: “Smilin’ Through” and “Dr. Kildare’s Wedding Day.”

The Orpheum vertical is on the right.

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Theatre Talks

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 Kearney the Sandhill Crane Capital

“Kearney is known as the best place in Nebraska to view the annual spring sandhill crane migration”–Travel Awaits

Postally Unused:

Kearney Hub:
“The theater opened on Sept. 21, 1914, as the Empress Theatre. Its main floor and the balcony seated 654. Admission was 5 cents, 10 cents or 15 cents, depending on location. The theater burned down in 1940.

In 1941, it was rebuilt and named The Fort Theatre. Seating was reduced to 450 with new “love seats” at the ends of every other row that allowed two people to sit together. The theater closed in September 1993 and became Pony’s Bar for about 14 months.”

Postmarked September 7, 1953:

Roadside Architecture:
“The building now houses Fort Theatre Dentistry. The marquee was adapted and is still lit at night.

Fort Theatre Dentistry

On the above marquee:
The Black Book (1949)

Yes Sir, Mr. Bones (1951))

 

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 Jersey Shore

Julie at the Moorlyn (1967)

From back of postcard:
“Ocean City, New Jersey Famous Boardwalk

Moorlyn Family Theatre

To be a rich man at the Ocean Theatre, Wildwood (1971)

A glimpse of the Ocean Theatre in reel six of “Touched” (1983)

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.

Cezar 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 editing and updating the third edition of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, Volume I.

He is available for theatre talks and walks in 2016: historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Now selling “vintage” on Etsy  and Amazon.

5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101

Ornate movie palace opening September 24, 1926 with a Fanchon & Marco stage presentation, Lipshultz and His Syncopated Soloist, plus the feature film Young April.

The elaborate interior decorations, by Gustav F. Lijestrom, modeled after three of Imperial China’s most spectacular architectural achievements.

1940 Postcard with Strange Cargo on the marquee:

Contemporary postcard of the interior (photo copyright Dick Busher):

On back:
“Originally built in 1926, the 5th Avenue Theatre was one of Seattle’s leading movie theatres until the mid 1970s. In 1980, after an extensive $2.6 million renovation, The 5th Avenue emerged as Seattle’s newest performing arts facility, and is now home  to The 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company.”

The 5th Avenue Theatre

360 Degree Tour

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.

Cezar 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 editing and updating the third edition of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, Volume I.

He is available for theatre talks and walks in 2016: historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Now selling “vintage” on Etsy.

Theatrical and Shopping District, Norfolk, Virginia

Clara Bow in Hula (1927) is at the NorVa Theatre

Audrey Hepburn in The Nun’s Story (1959) at the NorVa Theatre

The Loew’s State is now the TCC Roper Performing Arts Center.

Postcards are 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.

Cezar 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.

He is available for theatre talks and walks in 2015: historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Now selling “vintage” on Etsy.

Greetings from Downtown Albuquerque

From back of postcard:
“Central Ave., looking west from Santa Fé. R. R. Viaduct, Albuquerque, N.Mex.”

In the background is the vertical for the Kimo Theatre

From back of postcard:
“The colorful Kimo building in downtown Albuquerque, done inside and out in Indian motif,
is of interest to all new-comers.”

Card postmarked Nov. 23, 1954

Kimo Theatre

Across the Wide Missouri

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.

Cezar 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 theTheatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.

He is available for theatre talks and walks in 2015: historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Now selling “vintage” on Etsy.

Greetings from Atlantic City, New Jersey

From back of postcard:
“Strolling on the famous Ten Mile Boardwalk. In the background is the entrance to Steel Pier which extends a half mile out to sea.”

From the back of the postcard:
“View of Center City Boardwalk. Visitors enjoy miles of this relaxing promenade, lined with colorful and attractive stores.”

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.

Cezar 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 theTheatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.

He is available for theatre talks and walks in 2015: historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Now selling “vintage” on Etsy.

Palais Garnier, 8 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris, France

Two unused postcards of the Paris Opera

Designed by Charles Garnier, the 1,979 seat opera house opened with a lavish gala performance on January 5, 1875.

The Daily Courier, Onondaga, New York, November 19, 1874:
“The chandelier for the middle of the Paris Opera House will be a marvel in its way. It will cost $8,000.”

Palais Garnier

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.

Cezar 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.

He is available for theatre talks and walks in 2015: historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Now selling “vintage” on Etsy.

Carnival, “The Magical Musical” at the American Theatre, St. Louis

American Theatre
416 North 9th Street
St. Louis, Missouri

From back of postcard:
“French Renaissance design by G. Albert Lansburgh, outstanding theatre architect. Sculptures by the famous Leo Lentelli. Theatre opened in 1917 as the Orpheum. Completely remodeled for $300,000 to make it the most beautiful legitimate theatre in the country.”

American 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.

Cezar 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 theTheatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.

He is available for theatre talks and walks in 2015: historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Now selling “vintage” on Etsy.