25
s
c
t en
July 24, 2015
Serving the mid valley & upper lackawanna valley
Celebrating a Showman
ON THE INSIDE Around Town
The lastest happenings in our area Page 2
School News
What’s going on with your favorite student Page 16
(570) 876-6722 • Archbald www.DecarliDentistry.com
www.thevalleyadvantage.com
Historcial marker will honor movie house pioneer
Rothafel landed in Forest City in 1907, playing for the local miThese days, Forest City is a quiet little nor league baseball team, town. But the Forest City Area Historical So- where he earned the ciety remembers its busy, noisy past. nickname “Roxy.” Next Thursday, July 30, at 6 p.m., the He must have liked it Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Com- there: After the season mission, together with Forest City Borough ended he stuck around and the historical society, will pay tribute to and found work as a bara little piece of that past, as it holds a dedica- tender at a saloon in Fortion of an official state marker commemorat- est City. There he met, ing the accomplishments of Samuel L. “Roxy” fell in love with and marRothafel. ried the boss’ daughter. The marker will be unveiled at 600 Main Because of the lack of culSt., which was once the location of the Family tural recreation in town, Theater, which he opened in 1908. he rented the hall next to A reception at the historical society head- the bar and turned it into quarters at Main and Dundaff streets, will fol- a theater. low the dedication, and visitors will be able The Rothafel Famto view an exhibit entitled, “From Forest City ily Theater opened on The Family Theater in Forest City opened in 1908. to Radio City, a Tribute to Roxy Rothafel.” Christmas Day, 1908. A PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE FOREST CITY AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY There will be a showing of the 1987 Forest typical night at the theater City ‘Follies’ and old-time movies throughout included a pianist, vaudeRoxy Theater in Times Square in 1927 and the day. ville acts, a sing-a-long and a silent the world-famous Radio City Music Hall in “The exhibit tells of the life of movie. The price of admission was 1932. He also invented its famous precision Rothafel, through pictures and stodance troupe, the Rockettes (originally known 5 cents. ries,” said Peggy Brager, president He came up with all kinds of as the Roxyettes). of the Forest City Area Historical He managed and produced shows at the gimmicks (he once he used streamSociety. ers that had been soaked in rose oil Strand, Rialto, Rivoli and Capitol theaters. Brager said Rev. Patrick Albert, in front of an electric fan during a His innovations included uniformed ushers, pastor of the Ascension Parish in newsreel about the Rose Bowl Pa- baby-sitting during Saturday matinees and an Forest City had the idea to honor Rorade). He added soft lighting, music, orchestra on stage during the silent movies. Rothafel thafe, sought the help Council PresiHe said the secret of his success was, “Don’t draperies and other personal touches dent Bill Orasin. for the comfort and entertainment of his pa- give the people what they want — give ‘em “They submitted the necessary paperwork trons. something better.” to the state Historical and Museum Commis“I admire his creativity and his desire to enHis theater was so successful that a national sion and got approved,” she explained. chain hired him to improve its theaters, so in tertain and inspire us through his accomplishRothafel, was a film industry pioneer and 1912 he went to New York City. ments in the theatrical world,” said Brager. dance, theatre, vaudeville and cinema entreThanks to Peggy Barger, who kindly provided Rothafel went on to open many Roxy Thepreneur. And his story begins in Forest City. aters, but that’s not all he did. He opened the research that was used in this article. by Christopher Cornell ADVANTAGE EDITOR
99*/Qt. 1Conventional Motor Oila
Aceite convencional para motores NAPA *Price good on most popular weights. Limit: 24 qts. per household. General states pricing. Sale prices do not include applicable state/local taxes or recycling fees.
TS_CNG/ADVANTAGE/PAGES [A01] | 07/23/15
89 Jump Starter &
Peak output: 12000 mAh.
GET A Consulta sobre nuestro reembolso por correo $ en baterías, alternadores y motores de arranque NAPA TO $ • $15 Mail-In Prepaid Visa® Card on a Mail-In Prepaid Visa® Card with NAPA LEGEND Battery • $20 Mail-In Prepaid Visa® Card on Qualifying Purchase a NAPA LEGEND PREMIUM Battery of a NAPA Battery • $25 Mail-In Prepaid Visa® Card on an OPTIMA Battery
$
Cards are issued by Citibank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and managed by Citi Prepaid Services. Cards will not have cash access and can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Cards expire 6 months from date issued.
Fuente de alimentación portátil de 12 voltios con cables de 16 pulgadas #85-901 Offer good while supplies last.
15
10:01 | CORNELLCHR
25
Portable Power Supply With 16” Cables
SAVE
50
$
1614 Main St., Dickson City 570-383-2481 • Open Sundays Offers Good July 1-31, 2015