2001.259

Staff / Produced by

Produced by Staff

Museum Collection.

Hans, Jim

1st thus

Hoboken Historical Museum

1987

English

Display Value: Good Notes: Hoboken Historical Museum Library: 2001.259.0001 (transcription 2015 by Kate Peko) ==== [Page 1 - front cover] The History of Theatre, Vaudeville and Movies in Hoboken [facsimile Gayety Theatre, Hoboken, N.J.] Volume One Compiled and Published by The Hoboken Historical Museum Washington and First Sts., Hoboken, N.J. ==== [Page 2] Gone… But not forgotten Bishop P. 10 City P. 15 Empire P. 9 Erie P. 12 Eureka P. 12 Fabian P. 7 Gayety P. 21 Germania P. 9 Hippodrome P. 19 Ideal P. 22 Hoboken P. 7 Jefferson P. 14 Liberty P. 12 Lyric P. 7 Manor P. 22 Palace P. 10 Pastime P. 20 Rialto P. 9 Rivoli P. 8 U. S. P. 20 This publication funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission Copyright, 1987, by Jim Hans ==== [Page 3] Locations Of Hoboken Theatres Movie Houses And Concert Halls (cabarets, etc.) 1863 - 1963 ==== [Page 4] [facsimile of Theatrical Clubhouse 1929] The Old Foundry on River St. Between first and Second Sts. The Birthplace Of Many Yachts, Steamboats and Ferry Boats. From a Sketch of the Original Building by A. W. Hutaf. [picture of River Street Looking North from Newark Street] In this 1890's (?) photograph, showing the laying of trolley tracks near the main post office (right), can be seen the site of the Atlantic Garden Music Hall (the short building, middle of the block, at 90-92 River Street). Today the building still stands as part of the Clam Broth House. The large building on the next corner in the distance is the old iron foundry, which was purchased in 1929 by the nationally known literary figure Christopher Morley for a theatrical clubhouse. ==== [Page 5] INTRODUCTION By Jim Hans Having been fascinated for years with Hoboken theatrical history, I jumped at the opportunity to explore the subject in greater depth, in the form of an exhibit and written history, when it was suggested to me that others might share my interest and enthusiasm. Although I realized this would be a tremendous undertaking, I considered it well worthwhile. I was particularly interested in making clear how Hoboken was involved in the early history of motion pictures, and how Hoboken's proximity to New York City had made it a vital theatrical location since the 1850's. That even the press has not in recent years publicized these historical developments makes the present study even more essential. For this is the first comprehensive overview we have to date of the part Hoboken has played in film and theatrical history. The amount of material discovered was overwhelming, a veritable gold-mine of scattered information, long buried in attics and private archives. My task then became to sift through this material and make the connections that would eventually give us a total picture, or at the very least the beginnings of one. And far from complete as it yet may be, the historical picture painted here is inarguably the most comprehensive ever of a tradition that continues to this very day, with the fine work being done by Hoboken's theatre groups and by John Sayles and other, lesser-known Hoboken filmmakers. This volume shows the exact locations of the various theatres, and a few other entertainment venues around town. All known theatres have been listed. Any unknown to us and not included here will, of course, be added as their existence comes to light. Other types of venues omitted here will be included in future volumes. By studying these locations (using a 1923 property map), one can get a real sense of the physical setting of Hoboken theatricality - how thoroughly entertainment was integrated into neighborhood life, the extent to which it was a very real part of the community itself. I hope that this booklet will whet your appetite for the theatrical history of Hoboken still to come. [facsimile Germania Garden] Located at 118 Hudson Street (old No. 72), between First and Second Streets, this popular theatre was sometimes called the German Garden. The line drawing, (right) from an 1884 Stevens Institute publication "The Bolt", depicts the theatre, which operated between circa 1879 and 1886 under the management of Robert Wareing. ==== [Page 6] The Premier Vaudeville Theatre of Hudson County [facsimile of Fabian Theatre] Fabian Theatre The Fabian Theatre opened August 2, 1928, the day after the above drawing appeared in the Jersey Observer. Besides first-run motion pictures, many local entertainers played here, including the young Frank Sinatra. James Cagney was said to have appeared on the Fabian stage as well, in his early days as a hoofer. Although the 3,500 seat theatre was built after the 1923 property map (next page) was published, we entered the name here to show how the theatre, Hoboken's largest, took the place of 9 average-size lots (number 9 through 17). Properties on lot numbers 18, 19 and 20 (still shown here) were removed in 1928 to widen Newark Street. Notice also there was a stable or garage fronting Court Street, on log number 72. The Fabian was the last theatre in Hoboken to close, lasting until around 1964-65. ==== [Page 7] 1. Fabian Theatre Motion Picture, Vaudeville 69 Newark Street, corner of Washington Street (1928 - 1963 - ?) 2. Lyric Theatre Light Opera, Stage Productions, Vaudeville, Motion Pictures 79 - 83 Hudson Street, near Hudson Place (1895 - 1959?) Hoboken Theatre Opera, Stage Productions, Vaudeville 79 - 83 Hudson Street (1873 - 1895) 3. Atlantic Garden Music Hall (Cabaret) 90 - 92 River Street, near Newark Street (1909 - 1916 - ?) ==== [Page 8] [facsimile Rialto Theatre] Hoboken, N. J. Phone Hoboken 3-7854 Formerly The Empire 1. Rivoli Theatre (formerly Bagelmann's Hall, ? - 1902 - 1909 - ?) Motion Pictures 107 - 109 Washington Street (circa 1913 - 1943 - ?) 2. Theatre Comique Music Hall? Cabaret? 111 Washington Street (old No. 61?) (circa 1880 - 1885 - ?) 3. Orpheum Stage Productions, Concert Hall 127 Washington Street (circa 1908 - 1913 - ?) [picture of The Empire Theatre) The Empire, "one of the handsomest and costliest and most luxuriously appointed theatres in the state", was erected in 1902. It was designed by architects J. B. McElfatrick [sic] and Sons, N.Y. This photo was taken from a postcard that was published around 1914. [facsimile man and woman dressed up] [advertisement] The Casino Wm Geiger, Proprietor, Vocal and Vaudeville Concert Every night. Pabst Milwaukee and Imported Beers. 100 to 106 River Street, Hoboken Advertisement 1904. ==== [Page 9] [continued from page 8] 3. Gantzberg's Theatre (Hall) Cabaret? Stage productions 127 Washington Street (circa 1879 - 1899 - 1902 (Hall) - ?) 4. Rialto (formerly the Empire) Stock, Light Opera, Stage Productions, Burlesque, Revues, Motion Pictures 118 - 120 Hudson Street (1928 - circa 1959) Empire Vaudeville, Burlesque, Stock, Stage Productions, Motion Pictures 118 - 120 Hudson Street (1902 - 1921 - ?) Star Theatre Vaudeville, Burlesque 118 - 12- Hudson Street (circa December 1895 - circa 1901) The Bijou Theatre Vaudeville, Burlesque (?), Stock (?) 118 Hudson Street (February 1895 - May 1895?) Germania Garden Vaudeville, Stage Productions, Music Hall. 118 - 120- Hudson Street (old No. 68-74) (circa 1863 - 1895) 5. (Charles) Reinking's Music Hall Cabaret 125-127 Hudson Street (1909 - 1915 - ?) Hansa Concert House (formerly The Club House* circa 1892) Cabaret? 125 - 127 Hudson Street (circa 1893 - 1908) 6. (S. Benjamin H.) Kelly's Concert Hall (Cabaret) 100 - 102 River Street (circa 1913 - ?) The Casino Music Hall, Vaudeville 100 - 106 River Street (circa 1903 - 1913) ==== [Page 10) 1. German Variety Concert Hall 118 Washington Street (circa 1907 - 1913?) Imperial Music Hall (Colligan's Cabaret) Vaudeville 118 Washington Street (circa 1895 - 1907?) 2. The Palace Motion Pictures 116 Washington Street (1913 - circa 1936) Ideal Music Hall Cabaret? 116 Washington St. (circa 1903 - 1913?) 3. Bishop Theatre Motion Pictures 106 First Street (1912 - circa 1934) Europa Theatre Motion Pictures 106 First Street (circa 1935 - circa 1940) 4. Royal Music Hall Cabaret (?) 151 First Street (circa 1909 - ?) 5. Star Nicolette Motion Pictures 157 First Street (circa 1909 - ?) [advertisement 1907] "Flora" Deutsches Variete 118 Washington Street Hoboken, N. J. Edward I. Reich, Prop. A. F. Gerken, Manager Ernst Naumann, Stage Mgr. Tede Woche Neues Programm Eintritt frei Translation: German Variety Theatre Each Week New Program Admission Free ("Flora has the sense of a bevy of girls".) ==== [Page 11] [Picture of Bishop Theatre looking west on First Street in 1933] Bishop Theatre Henry Bishop opened his moving picture theatre around 1912 opposite City Hall. The attractive, substantial building at 106 First Street, although somewhat altered, still stands. It has been the site of the Shannon Bar for many years. In this photograph, taken in 1933 (evidently in the summer) looking west on First Street, we can see a portion of a marquee that reads "photoplays". Notice also that the picture "King Kong", released that year, was playing! It is interesting to note that in the original screenplay of "King Kong" the ship that figures in the classic adventure leaves from Hoboken. The Bishop Theatre closed about 1935. Phot, courtesy of United Decorating Co., Hoboken. [Advertisements] Bishop's Theatre Hoboken First St. nr. Washington St., Hoboken To-Day - Kalem Co. Presents Myrtle Tannehill In the Broadway Star Production "The Barnstormers" In four parts Regular Program in Addition To-morrow - Universal Co. Presents "Scandal" in 5 Reels A drama you'll never forget Written by Lois Weber, author of "Hypocrites." [local newspaper theatre listing, 1915] Amusements Cooligan's Imperial Music Hall 118 Washington Street, Hoboken. Madeline Marsh Tillie Austin Dolly Shannon May Smith Mamie Curtis Mike Smith Matinee Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Admission Free [The Observer December, 1895] ==== [Page 12 & 13] 1. Erie Motion Pictures 259 First Street (1930 - ?) Eureka Motion Picture 259 First Street (1909 - 1929 _ ?) 2. (Fred C.) Roesch's Motion Pictures 108 Clinton Street (1909 - ?) 3. Moving Picture Parlor (Nicolet) (Name?) Motion Pictures 354 First Street (1909 - ?) 4. (Phillip) Gottlieb's Motion Pictures 357 First Street (circa 1911 - ?) 5. Eichler's Cabaret 368 First Street (? - 1923 - ?) 6. Liberty Theatre Motion Pictures 401 First Street (96 Grand Street) (circa 1917 - circa 1934) 7. (Wm.) Goeller's Nicolet Motion Pictures 231 Grand Street (circa 1909 - ?) ==== [Page 14] 1. Jefferson Theatre Motion Pictures 95 Jefferson Street (463 - 465 First Street) (circa 1913 - 1923 - ?) ==== [Page 15] 1. (George) Graf's Nicolet Motion Pictures 109 Madison St. (circa 1909 - ?) 2. Moving Picture House (Name?) Motion Pictures 204 - 206 Monroe Street (circa 1911 - ?) 3. City Theatre Motion Pictures 610 - 614 First Street, (101 - 107 Jackson Street) ==== [Page 16] 1. (Nicholas) La Porta's (Washington Street Theatre Co.) Motion Pictures 356 Fifth Street (circa 1913 - ?) ==== [Page 17] 1. Naples Garden Motion Pictures 623 - 625 Jefferson Street (1923 - circa 1934) [Page 18] [Advertisement 1908] The Olympic Theatre….. Refined Vaudeville and Screen Comedy. 2:30 to 10:30 P.M. 1. (unreadable - cut off) Cabaret ? 220 River Street (circa 1899 - 1910?) 2. (unreadable - cut off) Wrestling Matches, 1913 41 Third Street (? - 1913 - ?) 3. Meyers Hotel (Meyers Cellar) "Entertainment Nightly" (Late 1920's) 229 - 231 Hudson Street (1880's - 1960's) ==== [Page 19] 1. Palace Garden Motion Pictures and Hall 412 - 414 Washington Street (circa 1914 - 1931 - ?) 2. Hippodrome Motion Pictures 420 Washington Street (1903 - ?) 3. Stevens Institute Lecture Hall - Theatre Student Productions, Variety "A" Building, Stevens Campus (1870's - 1980's) ==== [Page 20] 1. Daly's Pastime Theatre Motion Pictures, Stage Productions 607 Washington Street (circa 1910 - 1915?) 2. U. S. Theatre Vaudeville, Motion Pictures 617 - 623 Washington Street (circa 1913 - 1950 - ?) 3. Union Club Stage Productions, Variety 600 Hudson Street (1860's - 1960's) [advertisements] Warner Bros. U. S. Theatre Hoboken, N. J. Announcement Extraordinary! Sun., Mon. & Tues., April 24-25-26 A Message from "Schnozzle" Durante: "Ladies and Gentlemen, this picture is the nuts! Ha-cha! Has that guy Keaton sex appeal? And am I Jimmy the Sheik? And wait till you lamp my gal, Polly Moran! It's pandemonium. I tell, pandemonium!" "SCHNOZZLE." Buster Keaton Jimmy Durante Polly Moran The Passionate Plumber Metro Goldwyn Mayer ------------- Associate Feature --------------- He gave her ten minutes to turn from ice - to fire! A woman of ice - melted by love! .... She was cool, cold, frigid In the face of life… But face to face with love her soul smouldered in rapture … and burned its brand. Gloria Swanson in "Tonight or Never" ------ Also ------- Babe Ruth in "Play Ball" [advertisement 1913] Compliments of the Pastime Theatre Sixth and Washington Street A Fifty Cent Shop for Five Cents. ==== [Page 21] 1. Masonic Club Light Variety 1101 - 1109 Bloomfield Street (circa 1916 - 1964 - ?) Columbia Club Stage Productions, Light Variety 1101 - 1109 Bloomfield Street (1892 - circa 1916?) 2. Elks Club Light Variety 1007 - 1011 Washington Street (circa 1905 - Present) 3. Strand Theatre Stage Productions, Vaudeville, Burlesque, Motion Pictures 1013 - 1019 Washington Street (1919? - 1924?) The Gayety Stock , Vaudeville, Burlesque 1013 - 1019 Washington Street (circa 1909 - circa 1916) The Quartette [sic - Quartett] Club Stage Productions 1013 - 1019 Washington Street (1891 - 1906) ==== [Page 22] 1. Fourteenth Street Theatre (Andrew Serventi's) Motion Pictures 1400 - 1404 Park Avenue (circa 1912 - circa 1922?) 2. Ideal Theatre Motion Pictures 58 - 60 Fourteenth Street (circa 1913 - June, 1928) The Manor Motion Pictures 58 - 60 Fourteenth Street 1928 - 1929 - ? ==== [page 23 - inside back cover] [advertisement] STEVENS Part of the history of Hoboken [facsimiles] Steam Engine "John Bull" The Oldest Locomotive in the United States Bust: Col. John Stevens (1749 - 1838) 1804 Boat Another Engine The "Naugatuck" STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY a tradition of leadership since 1870 Graduate and Undergraduate Study and Research in ENGINEERING SCIENCE COMPUTER SCIENCE MANAGEMENT STEVENS Institute of Technology Castle Point, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030 ==== [page 24 - back cover] Museum Hours 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Weekdays 6:30 p.m. - 9: p.m. Wednesday Evenings Mailing Address: P. O. Box M-1220, Hoboken, N.J. 07030 ==== ==== Status: OK Status By: dw Status Date: 2005-11-07