Bay Ridge Theatre

SOVVENIR P20GPAM OPENING

Of THE

BAYRIIEE

THIID AVE. AND SEVENTY SECOND ST.

BROOKLYN - NaY. MONDAY EVENING DEC.27 ANNO - MDCCCCXV

A

111

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SOVVENIR .PROG~ OPENING

of

THE

BAY RIIEE THEA.TRE ST. THIID AVE. AND SEVENTY SECOND

BROOKLYN - N:V. MONDAY EVENING DEC. 27 TH ANNO·- MDCCCCXV •

THEATRE

RIDGE

BAY

V AUDEVILL I NCO

ORGANIZED

UNDER

THE

M PAR

LAWS

OF

EE

CORPORATION A B L

THE

STATE

OF

NEW

YORK

President HON. D. J. DONOVAN Ex-Superintendent Bureau of Buildings, Brooklyn Ex-President Master Plumbers' Association, Brooklyn V ice-President PAUL GUTSCHE Mural Artist, Interior Decorator, New York City

Director WM. B. HATFIELD Hatfield & Bell, Soda Water Manufacturers President Bay Ridge Savings and Loan Association

Secretary and Treasurer GEORGE RASMUSSEN Proprietor Eastern Parquet Floor Co. President Standard Shellac Co., Brooklyn

Director JAMES L. MEEKS Realty Investments

Legal Department HENRY BEST Attorney-at-Law

Director JACOB SCHAEFER, JR. Manager Bay Ridge Branch Mechanics' Bank

Managing Director ROBERT T. RASMUSSEN Civil Engineer, Architect

Director P. J. CARLEY Builder and Real Estate Operator

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THE MOST PALATIAL AMUSEMENT BUILDING IN NEW YORK

INTERIOR

VIEW

DEDICATED TO THE PEOPLE OF BAY RIDGE MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1915

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路

.

SALUTATION

E extend our heartiest greetings to the people of Bay Ridge and its contiguous neighborhoods.

It is our earnest hope that the Bay Ridge Theatre and the attractions

to be offered will meet with your approval.

We have spared no expense to make the Bay Ridge Theatre one of .the finest and handsomest theatres in the land, and it is our purpose to make the performances as attractive as the building.

The public is always attracted where surroundings are beautiful, refined and comfortable, and our policy will be such that we are sure to deserve your support.

SAFETY FIRST, has ever been our slogan, theatre that is absolutely: fire and panic proof.

and

the result

is a

As you look around, you must be impressed with the many wide exits leading to the street 'and wide courts, the wide iron staircases and the many precautions taken to safeguard life and limb.

And last but not least, the beauty of the decorations, degree, and carried out in a most masterful manner.

With the hope that the present we are,

refined

to a'

patrons may soon become our friends, Respectfully,

BAY RIDGE

THEATRE

CORPORATION. D.

.

~

J.

DONOVAN,

President .

.

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THE

OFFICERS OF THE

BAY

RIDGE

THEATRE

D. J.

DONOVAN,

ORTUNATE indeed is the corporation that can boast of an assemblage of men directing its affairs who are experienced business men.

And it has been the good fortune of the Bay Ridge Theatre Corporation to be guided in its work by the men pictured herein .

CORPORATION

President

Hon. D. J. Donovan, President, is so well known that there is but little to say in introducing him. Born forty-nine years ago on the very street where he now resides, he has been a popular figure in the history of Brooklyn.

A ,plumber by choice, he for many years conducted one of the largest

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JACQl3l.

S'CHAEFER

JR..

PAUL GUTSCHE Vic::.e Presic\en.t

Dj r-e cbor-

GEORGE' I'2AS'MUSSEN Secl"eca._ry & Treasurer

P.J .CARLEY Director

wr::.

B .HATFI ELD Director

D

JAMES L. MEEKS D ir-ector-

•

.............................................................................................. be seen in nearly every important building in the country, particularly in the Capitol at.

Washington.

plumbing contracting plants in the city, and it was in this way that he became interested in matters theatrical.

He installed the plumbing In the Greenpoint Theatre, Orpheum Theatre, Bushwick Theatre, Oxford Theatre, Fifth Avenue Theatre, Bedford Theatre and, of course, the Bay Ridge Theatre.

Incidentally, he also has had a hand in the construction of the Fourth Avenue subway.

George Rasmussen, Secretary and Treasurer, is a brother to Robert T. Rasmussen.

He has been identified with many important business projects in Brooklyn for many years.

His genial character has won him many friends; to know him is to love him.

As a public figure Mr. Donovan has held the responsible office of Superintendent of Buildings under the Coler administration, and it is generally conceded that. he was one of the most efficient heads that very important department has ever had.

Personally he is a keen judge of men, conservative but progressive, and intends in the future to' devote his time to the building of theatres.

James L. Meeks, Director, has fulfilled his duties of office in a manner deserving praise and the thanks of the stockholders of the company. Always "on the job" is his motto, and he carries it out.

P. J. Carley, Wm. B. Hatfield and Jacob Schaefer, Jr., Directors, are so well known locally that it is impossible to write anything regarding them not already known to the local public. Suffice it to say that they are representative of the live energetic business men who have given Bay Ridge a place on the map .

Paul Gutsche, Vice-President, is a wellknown mural artist, and his skill is well attested by the beautiful decorations of the Bay Ridge Theatre, which were carried out under his direction.

His mural work can

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~

.

路

.

IT CAN

BE DONE

OMEBODY said that it couldn't be done, But he, with a chuckle, replied . That "rnay be it couldn't," but he would be one Who wou'ldrr't say so till he tried.

So he buckled right in, with a trace of a grin On his face.

If he worried he hid it.

He started to sing as he tackled the thing That couldn't be done-and he did it.

Somebody scoffed: uOh, you'll never do that; At least no one ever has done it," But he took off his coat and he took off his hat, And the first thing we knew he'd begun it; With the lift of his chin, and a bit of a grin, Without any doubting of quiddit, He started to sing as he tackled the thing That couldn't be done-and he did it.

There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done; There are thousands to prophesy failure; There are thousands to point out to you, one by one, The dangers that wait to assail you; But just buckle in with a bit of a grin, Then take off your coat and go to it; Just start in to sing as you tackle the thing, That "cannot be done"-and you'll do it.

-Anonymous.

When it was first publicly announced that the Bay Ridge Theatre to be built by popular subscription a great many people said COULDN'T

was "IT

BE DONE."

Our Managing Director, Robert T. Rasmussen, simply smiled-like the fellow in the poem above-and went to it, "AND IT HAS BEEN DONE."

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ROBERT

T. RASMUSSEN, Founder

of the

C. E., Managing Director

Bay Ridge Theatre

Somebody said that it couldn't be done, But he, with a chuckle, replied That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one Who wouldn't say so till he. tried .

Corporation.

So he- buckled right in, with a trace of a grin On his face. If he worried he hid it.

He started to sing as he tackled the thing That couldn't be done-and he did it e .

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AN

AUTOBIOGRAPHY (By request)

Being a few pithy

facts

concerning the life's history of Robert Bay Ridge Theatre Corporation

HEN I showed the press proofs of the Souvenir Program to our worthy President, the Hon. D. J. Donovan, he discovered that I had modestly refrained from saying anything good, bad or indifferent about myself. He didn't like it; he said I ought to be represented in some way-a picture and a little talk about myself.

I suggested that he write the story. You see, I recognized the difficulties of a man blowing his own horn, but my arguments fell on deaf ears. Instead of a request the Honorable handed me a peremptory order to write the story and see that it was printed in the most conspicuous place possible; so, being a good soldier, I have carried out orders as well as my limited modesty and ability would permit.

My personal police blotter, this: Name ?-Robert Color?-White time) .

description, if written on a would look something like T. Rasmussen. (at

least

in

the

winter

Sex?-Male.

Age ?-About 40; the oldest of eight (all living) .

Married?Yes, very much (not often); three children and a charming mother for them.

Occupation ?-Promoting, planning, building theatres, consulting engineer, chauffeur on Sundays for the wife and kiddies and man-about-town when I have the time and price.

Height?-A little short of six feet.

Weight?- When in fighting trim 165-at other times a few pounds more or less.

-a

Complexion ?-Neither blond nor brunette cross between the two.

Temperament?-My enemies say it's fierce -the worst ever; a 1ew misguided friends say I'm the best f~llow ever .

T.

Rasmussen,

founder

of the

Habits ?-Some good, some bad-and a whole lot that are hard to classify.

Taken all in all, let's say average.

My wings have not started to sprout-but then neither have the horns.

Now that you know what I'm like I'll tell you a few of the things I've done.

I started to work at an age that all boys should begin.

My daddy, Lord bless him (he's still living), apprenticed me to a boss bricklayer in a little village a few miles from Philadelphia.

Father had always b"een in the building game, and he felt that his oldest hopeful ought to perpetuate the paternal calling. Well, I spent three years wearing out several perfectly good trowels, incidentally acquiring considerable muscle and sunburn.

In the meantime I noticed that the fellow who looked the handsomest and did the least around a building was the architect, so not being overfond of hard work and liking the feel of starched collars, a "biled shirt" and nifty clothes, I decided that I would become an architect; I thereupon went thru the usual course of sprouts, and eventually I was graduated a full-fledged architect and engineer; in fact, at that time I felt that I was the only one of any quality.

I've since discovered that the quality was a trifle raw-it needed boiling, refining and a general fixing up.

Work over a drawing board soon palled on me, so for a little diversion I enlisted in the army; To make sure of the proper amount of exercise, I chose the cavalry and served in Troop A of the 6th U. S. in the war' with Spain.

After I received an honorable discharge from Uncle Sam I went back at the building game, and have never wandered from the old love since.

I've designed all kinds of buildings.

Most of them I know were punk (you know, I had to get experience), and a few I'm foolish enough to think were good.

I built a good-sized village and theatre in a

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~

large town In Connecticut. .The natives liked it so well that they tried to keep me there; they wanted to make me Commism sioner of Buildings; but five commissioners over one lone inspector was too much for me. I helped them to write a new building law, and I'm told lately that they are almost cosmopolitan in their ways since I left them.

I had a finger in the building of the New Brighton Theatre and the adjoining Casino, while the real guy had a whole hand in it.

I built the Bedford Theatre, and made such a whirlwind' finish that I was the talk of the town for a whole day. They even put my picture-plug hat and all-in the program.

I got the promotion bee in my bonnet,' interested some friends and a little money and built the Flatbush Theatre.

I had it alf cut and dried that I would operate this theatre, but one of my partners in cr ime had the same idea and beat me to it. He wasn't overcareful about the way he handled the truth, but Iike all such he's getting his. The truth always prevails.

To salve my wounded feelings and pride, I dug up the land where the Bay Ridge Theatre now stands and went at it again; this time I was in right.

Everybody has worked with me and for me and the theatre speaks for itself. I've lost twelve pounds of perfectly good flesh in putting this one over, but I'm not sorry; if I live another year

"I'll do it all over again." tion, tho.

In another

loca-

I've worked mighty hard to make good on the Bay Ridge.

The corporation has not been a bit stingy in the way of handing me work to do. I've been the promoter, architect, engineer, advertising man, press agent, bookkeeper, builder-everything from chief cook to bottle washer, To give me courage they dubbed me the "MANAGING DIRECTOR"; and now I'm going to run the showat any rate,' as long as I can' hold my "pull."

Perhaps you wonder how I did it all-so did others.

Jim Meeks once asked me did I ever sleep.

My scheme is simple : System; a natural aptitude for detail; the confidence and respect of my subordinates; and I'm not too particular about keeping union hours.

My working day is frequently eighteen or more hours long.

Among my other accornpl ishrnerrts may be numbered that of being able to handle horses -wood or otherwise.

I've never had one phase me. I can drive an automobile reasonably well-even if I do hit a trolley pole now and then.

In closing I am compelled to modestly confess that I think my long suit is theatresas you look about the Bay Ridge, what do ~TOU

think?

THE DIRECTORS路 OF THE BAY RIDGE THEATRE CORPORATION Reading from left to right: P. J. Carley; George Rasmussen; James L. Meeks; Wm. B. Hatfield; Paul Gutsche; Hon. D. J. Donovan .

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THE

BAY

RIDGE THEATRE

ITH

the opening of the beautiful Bay Ridge Theatre Greater New York adds another modern playhouse to its list.

Situated in the heart of the most beautiful section of the greater city, it is bound to prove itself the center of amusement for Bay Ridge and the surrounding neighborhood.

Detail

of keystone

The opening of the Fourth Avenue subway will make Bay Ridge the Mecca for those that want ideal home surroundings within easy reach of the city.

The Bay Ridge Theatre has been' built for all time.

Nothing has been spared to produce the most modern playhouse known to theatredom.

It is the last word in theatres.

The exterior is of classic design, massive and dignified, well fitted to clothe the beautiful interior.

As a prominent citizen of Bay Ridge has aptly put it: "It is worthy of a place among the masterpieces of Fifth Avenue."

The main entrance is in the center of the Third Avenue facade, and opens into a lobby of the most generous proportions and beauty.

On each side of the entrance are classic columns of travertine marble, imposed upon a base of verde antique marble.

Filling in the arcades between the columns are mirrors running from floor to ceiling.

The mosaic floor is copied from an ancient example found in the ruins of Pompeii.

The impression gained on entering the lobby is that of being in one of the magnificent palaces of old Rome.

Entering the auditorium, 0 ne is struck by the immensity 0 f the place, the vast area Detail of lobby caps of the orchestra

and the graceful sweep of the balcony, ending with the proscenium boxes, of which there are three on each side.

'Yide ornamental iron stairs lead to the balcony and mezzanine on each side of the foyer, and right at the entrance are cloak rooms and toilet rooms for ladies and gentlemen.

Between the balcony and the orchestra floor is the mezzanine, with entrances at each side to the loges and boxes; a wide promenade leads across the building, and opening thereon ~re the ladies' parlor, men's toilet, cloak room and ushers' room.

The balcony, built on the cantilever principle, sweeps from the rear wall to the loge rail in a graceful curve, so proportioned that every seat has a full unobstructed view of the stage and perfect hearing.

Acoustically, the Bay Ridge Theatre is one of the most perfect ever built, the slightest sound on the stage being conveyed to all parts of the auditorium in its original volume and intensity.

The main ceiling is laid out in massive beams intersecting at various points, forming a beautiful fretwork of panels of wonderful proportions.

One of the most important as well as interesting features is the sounding board, beginning in a graceful curve at the proscenium and sweeping

Detail

of

lobby

cornice

to the ceiling panels.

In the center is a mural painting

by Paul Gutsche, depicting a scene of historical interest to Bay Ridge.

Forming the proscenium boxes on each side of the auditorium are massive Corinthian columns, surmounted bv a wonderful entablature of the broken order,' enriched with beautiful ornament, worked out by the most skilful of modelers.

Lovers of art for art's sake will do well to carefully study the proportions and ornamentation

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..

........................................................................................... of this interior.

Every detail was drawn to full size and models made to study the effects of light and shade.

Many models were made and destroyed before the present happy combination was effected.

The velour wall coverings are a tribute to the skill of the textile workers, and were designed

the tanks and :fire lines; this pump is operated by electric power, arranged in a manner that causes it to operate automatically as soon as the water in the :fire lines begins to flow.

The electrical equipment is of the newest type, and the Brooklyn Edison Company has gone to great expense in providing a novel system of service.

Under the stage is located the transformers and master switches-a veritable maze of electrical appliances needed to operate all the various devices, lighting effects and machinery.

The service from the street mains is so arranged that there are two independent feeders entering the theatre.

These are cross connected by a mechanical switch which operates automatically in such manner that should there be any trouble on a feeder the switch will operate to continue the service through the other feed line.

Nothing short of a complete breakdown of the Edison Company's system can leave the theatre without current.

Detail

of ceiling

cornice

in pattern and color for this building.

While this has entailed a tremendous cost, the result proves the wisdom of the outlay, for in no other manner could such harmonious effects have been obtained.

All the trim of the exit doors, the balustrade around the balcony and boxes and the columns in the lobby are of travertine marble, so much sought now in interior decorations owing to its peculiarly beautiful texture.

No other theatre in this country has the unique feature of an open balcony rail.

The stage is a vast area of uninterrupted space, fully equipped with all manner of machinery for the handling of scenery, etc. Built at one side of the stage is a four-story brick-and-concrete building as large as the average tenement house; in this building are sixteen rooms for performers, toilets, etc.

In the motor room is a complete mechanical plant consisting of :fire pumps, house pumps, vacuum-cleaning machinery, hot-water heaters and other apparatus needed in a modern theatre.

The heating plant is located on the Third Avenue side, and is capable of maintaining an

While the beauties of the building were very important, and constant thought given to them, the practical features were not in any way neglected.

The building covers a plot of land 100 feet on Third Avenue by ~OO feet on 7~d Street.

Running parallel with 7~d Street is an open court twelve feet wide, open and unobstructed for its entire length.

At the rear is a court twelve feet in width, thus providing unusually safe egress from those portions of the auditorium not facing on a street.

There are twenty-four wide exits leading directly to the open air, aggregating a gross width of over 143 feet.

For :fire protection there is stored in the immense tanks on the roof 15,000 gallons of water, and another tank in the motor room under the stage contains 5,000 gallons of water, all of which is connected to the standpipe and sprinkler systems.

Nearly 1,000 feet of standard firedepartment hose is located at convenient points throughout the building, to assist in controlling any :fire that might occur. The entire fire system is augmented by an immense rotary pump capable of lifting ~OO gallons of water per minute to

The youngest stockholder, Miss Muriel Meeks, ten months old, looking over her investment

even temperature at all times and at the same time provide for a perfect system of ventilation.

All in all, the Bay Ridge Theatre is second to none in the United States, and that's saying a lot, for there are mighty fine theatres in this land.

We have made every effort to make the Bay Ridge the KING OF THEM ALL.

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BUILDING

OF THE

BAY

RIDGE

THEATRE T was in February of this year that the idea of a theatre in Bay Ridge first suggested itself to Robert T. Rasmussen, and after looking the land over an option was secured for the present site on March 23.

One month later (April 23) a contract for the purchase of the land was entered into with the Sykes Estate, and title finally passed a short time later.

The plans were begun, and on May II, just eighteen days later, were ready for filing in the Building Department.

Excavating was begun the middle of June, and by the end of the month the site was ready for footings.

The

first

brick was lal d Monday, July 12, 1915,

by Robert T. Rasmussen, C. E.

July 19 (one week later)-waJls for the stage and 72d Street side already up to grade. Over 200,000 bricks laid during this week •

Digging-latter

part

of June,

1915

On ..Ionday, July 12, at 10 o'clock, Mr. Rasmussen laid the first brick, thus starting the Bay Ridge Theatre on its career.

The work now progressed with amazing rapidity; brick upon brick, the work grew daily, until it seemed as tho the building was being hurried beyond all human possibility. .

Steel arrived in immense quantities, and residents of Bay Ridge were often annoyed to find that the cars passing the' door of the theatre had to be shunted in another direction because some immense girder was being unloaded.

August 24 saw the walls well up above the grade; in fact, on the stage end they were almost finished and considerable of the steel was in place, the huge derrick, measuring over 100 feet above the ground, standing serene in its magnificence and paying silent tribute to the skill of the ironworkers.

A beautiful day it was to commemorate

Ten weeks later, looking towar-d the stage, roof partly set, masons in the foreground working at the third¡floor level.

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................................................................................................. one of the most impressive scenes ever witnessed in Bay Ridge-the laying of the cornerstone of the Bay Ridge Theatre.

All the neighborhood was decorated with varicolored bunting, and "Old Glory" was displayed in profusion.

At 1 o'clock the band of St. Vincent's Home for Boys -fifty strong-came into view playing a stirring march, a forerunner of what was to come.

Trowel used by the Borough President to lay the cornerstone.

A stand had been erected at the corner, and the stone lay on the scaffold ready to be placed in position.

Tho usa n d s 0 f people thronged the street when at 2 o'clock the band struck up "Hail to the Chief," and the Hon. Lewis H. Pounds, Pr esident of the Borough of Brooklyn, arrived on the scene.

A rousing cheer went forth from every throat as the popular head of the local government took his place on the stand.

The Hon. D. J. Donovan, President of the Bay Ridge Theatre Corporation, addressing the multitude, introduced the Borough President and handed him the beautifully engraved trowel with which he was to lay the cornerstone. assisted

by Mr. Rasmussen and Charles Halberg, the master mason.

Characteristic was the dedication speech made by the Borough President, and that it appealed to the citizens of Bay Ridge was proven by the rousing cheers and applause given him when he had finished.

The steel truss lying on the ground to the right' carries the cantilever balcony.

This is one of the largest single members made in Brooklyn

Following came speeches from the Hon. James O'N eill, Assistant Corporation Counsel, ~nd the Rev. M. J. Flynn.

Both were received with enthusiasm by the crowd of onlookers.

His reverence struck a popular keynote when he exclaimed that a theatre such as the Bay Ridge was only second to the church in its beneficial influence on the morals and habits of the people.

A luncheon was served at the Crescent Athletic Club's summer home after the ceremonies were over, and Bay Ridge realized that the day was one long to be remembered, one that would go down in history.

The following reprint from the Brooklyn Times, August 2!5, 1915, is descriptive of the occurrence:

New Theatre Started Cornerstone Ridge Cost

Laid

House

for

That

Bay

Is

to

$250,000 /

1mpressi ve ceremonies yesteid ay marked the laying of the cornerstone of the new Bay Ridge Theatre by Borough President Lewis H. Pounds.

The theatre is being erected on the northwest corner of Third Avenue and 72(1 Street by the Bay Ridge Theatre Corporation, of which ex-Superintendent of Buildings D. J. Donovan is President.

Using a solid silver trowel and with the assistance of Robert T. Rasmussen, architect of the building, President Poun ds placed the cornerstone firmly in position.

Copies of the Brooklyn newspapers, a signed list of those present, a number of coins and two bottles of champagne went to fill a box which was placed inside the cornerstone and hermetically sealed.

Other speakers on the program were the Rev. Father M. J. F'lyrin, the rector of Our Lady of Angels' Church, and Assistant Corporation Counsel James T. o 'Neill. Father Flynn declared that while the theatre did not equal the church in service to the community, it certainly came very near it, because social entertainment was as necessary to the human being as spiritual service.

Mr. O'Neill declared that the artificial barriers which formerly prevented the growth of the community are being gradually removed, and that the community is now corning into its own. He pointed. out the unrivaled beauties of Shore Drive, declaring it the most beautiful drive in the world.

At the conclusion of the exercises the guests were conveyed to the Crescent Athletic Club in automobiles, where a

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................................................................................................. luncheon was served. Covers were laid for 2150guests. Mr. Donovan presided, and at the conclusion of the luncheon introduced Morris P. Seelman, advertising manager of the Edison Electric Company, who made the interesting announcement that the lighting system of the new theatre would be the most complete of any theatre' in America. One feature of the system is that it will furnish light in any emergency.

The Bay Ridge Theatre is being built at a cost of $250,000, and will have a seating capacity of 2,300 persons. The programs will consist of six acts of high-grade vaudeville and five reels of first-run pictures.

The house will be run on the continuous plan, three shows being given daily. The opening date has been set for the interim between Christmas and New Year.

Among the guests were: Congressman 'William M. Calder, Special Sessions .Iusti ce George J. 0 'Keere, Senator William J. Heffernan, United States Marshal James E. Power, Commissioner of Public Works E. W. Voorhies, Timothy' E. Griffin, Congressmen Daniel J. Griffin and John J. Pitzgerald, T. R. Parrell, Aldermen James J. Molen, Edward F. Cadley, Assemblymen E. B. Valentine, Thomas P. Wogan, John J. Meagher, Lawrence J. McGoldrick, Michael E. Butler, Assistant Corporation Counsel James T. O'Neill, Jacob Schaefer, E. J. McLaughlin, W. B. Wardell, Rev. Father M. J. F'Iynn, H. S. Lucke, Vincent Kirk, Peter J. Donnelly, ex-Alderman Charles Dunn, Assemblymen F. S. Burr, William J. Danaher and Robert Keeler. Also the officers of the corporation: President D; J. Donovan; Vice-President Paul Gutsche; Secretary and Treasurer George Rasmussen; Directors P. J. Carley and William B. Hatfield.

The roof trusses, sixty

The

President, introducing

feet above the ground

Hon. D. J. Donovan (on right), Robert T. Rasmussen, C. E.

The work now proceeded very rapidly. Each day saw such progress that people were astounded at an immense building being built so speedily.

There is no doubt that the Bay Ridge Theatre has established a record for construction that will stand for lit long time to come) and it proves the value of having competent men to carry out the work.

Too much praise cannot be given the various subcontractors for their efforts and devotion shown in this work.

Harmony and co-operation has been the watchword from start to finish.

Without fuss) the blaring of trumpets or noise the work has gone steadily forward until it opens to-night.

Hon. Lewis H. Pounds, President Borough of Brooklyn, laying the cornerstone.

Directly behind the Borough President stands Robert T. Rasmussen, C. E., ready to assist in placing the stone in its final position •

Perfect organization) forethought and consummate skill-these are the factors that made the Bay, Ridge Theatre.

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Congratulations HE

many lovers of the best in moving pictures in Bay Ridge

and vicinity are to be congratulated upon the magnificent spirit of enter .. prise which has builded for their pleasure the superb home of the silent drama-the new Bay Ridge Theatre.

Guided by a wide and critical experience, the management has wisely chosen a program for your entertainment that is conceded to be the most varied and best balanced moving-picture program on earth-the UNIVERSAL PROGRAM.

II

II

II

Managing Director Rasmussen is to upon his supreme achievement in the beautiful playhouse.

We further extend tions to him upon his selection of the PROGRAM, which is to be shown in Theatre exclusively.

First-run Service

Universal supplied

be congratulated erection of this our congratulaUNIVERSAL the Bay Ridge

Picture b}) the

UNIVERSAL FILM

EXCHANGE

1600 Broadway

New York

II II II

MECHANICS

BANK

T. R. GROVE

Court and Montague Streets BROOKLYN, CAPITAL

AND

N. Y.

SURPLUS,

RESOURCES,

$2,400,000

~RANCH

AND

m~n's furnishings

1852

THIRD

BANKS

Ridge

Branch

Broadway

Avenue

Branch

Fifth Avenue and Ninth Street Branch

356-358 Fulton Street Nassau

Branch

Broadway and Bedford Avenue Schermerhorn

Branch

Schermerhorn Street and Third Avenue Twenty-sixth

74th

BROOKLYN,

Street)

N. Y.

Branch

Broadway, near Gates Avenue

Fulton

AVENUE

(Corner

Third Avenue and Fifty-first Street

Fifth

Dry 600ds

$25,000,000

ESTABLISHED

Bay

,/

Ward

AN To My FRIENDS

ANNOUNCEMENT AND PATRONS:

For the measure of success that loyal support and good will have brought eight years I thank you.

your steady appreciatron, to my business in the last

For the future I trust that the same policies will continue to deserve your trade, to have nothing but perfect goods, to charge always the very lowest prices for quality, and above all, to have the same spirit of courtesy, friendliness and good will meet you as you enter my store.

And last but not least I wish you all A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS Yours

Branch.

NEW

T. R.

Atlantic and Georgia Avenues

The exterior walls of this building were dampproofed on the inside before plastering with

s.

P. C. Damp-proofing

Paint

The floors were dustproofed with

s.

P. C. Cement Floor Finish

MANUFACTURED

The Standard

BY

Paint Company

Woolworth Building NEW YORK

GROVE.

WHO SOLD THIS (Bay Ridge) THEATRE SITE? Bulkley & Horton Co. WHO SOLD THE FLATBUSH THEATRE SITE? Bulkley & Horton Co. WHO SOLD THE BEDFORD THEATRE SITE? Bulkley & Horton Co. Why do we mention the above? Simply because we are not what might be called local brokers; our operations extend throughout the greater city. Owing to our organization we are in a posrtion to arrange for the buying or selling of all classes of property in all parts of the city.

We earnestly solicit your patronage if you are desirous of selling or buying real estate in any section.

We manage property in all parts of Brooklyn.

TELEPHONE,

MAKERS

YEAR

respectfully,

WRITE

OR CALL

OF

Paints for all special purposes Masonry finishes Electrical Insulating Compounds RU-BER-OID ROOFING IMPERVITE Waterproofing Compound

BULKLEY

& HORTON

CO.

414 MYRTLE AVENUE, near Clinton Avenue 585 NOSTRAND AVENUE, near Dean Street TELEPHONE

BEDFORD

5400

After the performance

visit

R

I

G

L

BAY RIDGE and THIRD

L

AVENUES

KAHNT & PETERS

.rr All

the REINFORCED 'jJ CONCRETE and cement work in this theatre was done by

Glickman Concreting Company 26 Court

Street,

Brooklyn,

~

N.

Y.

Specialists in all kinds of work 'jJ in cement or concrete, plain or reinforced.

WILSON

G. CORNELL

PLUMBING 路HEATING 路 LIGHTING AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS IRRIGATION WORK

PRESIDENT

EDWARD

SLOSSON

VICE- PRESIDE NT

. GEORGE W. SIMMONS SECRETARY

AND

Members

TREASURER

EVERETT This

Company

of National

Association

of Master

Steam

and

Hot

Water

BOSTON OFFICE 46 CORNHILL WASHINGTON SOUTHERN

BAL rIMORE

Fitters

MUNSEY

OFFICE

BUILDING

OFFICE

BUILDING

BUILDING, Union Square, NEW YORK

installed

the complete Electrical OTHER

PROMINENT

Equipment

for the Bay Ridge

Theatre

CONTRACTS

BUILDING

ARCHITECT

BUILDING

ARCHITECT

Strand Theatre Cohan Theatre Woolworth Building Bankers Trust Building Municipal Building

Thomas W. Lamb George W. Keister Cass Gilbert Trowbridge & Livingston McKim, Mead & White

Lord & Taylor Store Stern Brothers Store Austin-Nichols Building Western Union Building Brooklyn Hospital

Starrett & Van Vleck J. B. Snook & Son Cass Gilbert W. W. Bosworth Lord, Hewlett & Tallant

TELEPHONE

BAY

RIDGE

TELEPHONE

1156

ESTABLISHED

1875

MAIl\!

5870

THIS THEATRE

IS INSURED

J. SIEGMAN

BY

SUCCESSOR

JAMES R. BRENNEN

HENRY

TO

G. THORER

FINE

FURS

INSURANCE

BROKER

Remodeling

BROOKLYN,

471 Ovington Avenue (Near

Fifth

N. Y.

164 Montague Street

BROOKLYN,

TELEPHOl\1

HARDWARE

N. Y.

Avenue)

IN THIS

FURNISHED

THEATRE

BY

ALBERT WILKINS Fourth Avenue and 93d Street BROOKLYN,

E PROSPECT

3390

CHAS. W. ANDERSON HOD

ELEVATORS ~1ACHINERY

TO RENT

AND FOR SALE

N. Y.

983 Pacific Street BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

BROOKL YN, N. Y. MANUF ACTURERS

FINE FURNISHED Telephone

ALL THE

Williamsburg

AND DEALERS

PLUMBING FIXTURES

AND

IN

MA路TERIAL

PLUMBING

SUPPLIES

FOR

THIS

THEATRE

139

National Fireproof Sash and Door Company MANUFACTURERS

METAL-COVERED

OF

DOORS, SASH and WINDOW

FRAMES

DOUBLE SLIDING KALAMEIN ELEVATOR and STANDARD FIRE UNDERWRITERS DOORS

Stagg Street and Varick Avenue

fJfT h e ornamental theatre

was

Brooklyn, N. Y.

ironwork

furnished

and

on erected

this

by

Grossman Bros. & Rosenbaum Willow

Ave.,

I

32d to

I

33d St., New York

One of the

He comes on

most impor-

the ground

tant Olen on

FIRST

any building

is generally

• operation

•

and

there at the

IS

the MASON

FINISH

A chain is only as stro,ng as its weakest link.

And a building is ·only as good as its masonry.

A good mason can make a bad building good, but a bad mason is sure to make a good building bad.

THE BAY RIDGE THEATRE IS A GOOD BUILDING It's the most Brooklyn.

important

building enterprise

For that matter it's one of the most important ings in the Borough.

ever executed

in lower

and pretentious

build-

I

And the entire mason work was done by

CHARLES HALLBERG GENERAL 'Phone Bath Beach 756

MASON

CONTRACTOR

936 BAY RIDGE AVENUE·

ESTABLISHED

1888

Local and Long Distance Telephones South 349-350

C. R. MACAULAY WHOLESALE

SASHES,

CO.

DEALERS

BLINDS, DOORS, MOLDINGS,

GLASS

OFFICE-MILL-WAREHOUSE

MACAULAY BUILDING 18th Street and Fifth Avenue JOBBING SUPPLY HOUSE Telephone

Bryant

Brooklyn, N. Y. Telephones

7144

HARRIS-SILVERS-BAKER ENGINEERS STEEL

AND CONTRACTORS CONSTRUCTION

1480 Broadway SHOP

AND

- N.EW YORK, N. Y.

OFFICE:

ALL

COMPANY

TILE

NEW

MARKET,

WORK

BAY RIDGE DONE

IN

New Jersey

THE

THEATRE

Williamsburg

A II railings

and brass

work

CASTINGS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION

installed

in this

theatre

PENN BRASS AND BRONZE WORKS,

32 and 34 Penn Street

Yesterday is dead-forget it; To-day is here-use it; To-morrow doesn't exist-don't

WILLIAM REAL

ESTATE

7501 Third Avenue

worry.

LAEMMEL AND INSURANCE BROOKLYN,

DAVIS BROWN, 路Inc. Contractor for All Ornamental, Plain Plastering and Travertine Work in This Theatre

'

.306 EAST 40th STREET

Inc.

BROOKL YN, N. Y.

Telephone Murray Hill 3121

i

by

ARCHITECTURAL BRONZE WORK, BRASS AND BRONZE RAILINGS, GRILLES, MAUSOLEUM SUPPLIES, BANK FIXTURES, Etc.

BY

MORRIS G. WILLIAMS & CO. 57 Church Avenue BROOKLYN, N. Y.

900-901

BRASS, BRONZE, COPPER AND ALUMINUM

NEW YORK CITY

N. Y.

TELEPHONE

BAY

RIDGE

542

CUT THIS OUT

EDWARD T. MINOR CO. SCRANTONAND LEHIGH

This Coupon and 25 cents, if presented at either of the VAN DYK stores mentioned below, entitle the bearer to

COAL

1-2 lb. DUCHESS COFFEE THE BEST IN THE U. S. A.

1 - 2 lb.

PROMPT DELIVERIES BROOKLYN,

7423 FIFTH 5118 FIFTH

EVERY MAN SHOULD OWN HIS AND IT OUGHT TO BE A GOOD The kind that is built by

'HOME HOME

BROOKLYN,

TELEPHONE

AVE., near 74th St. AVE., near Sist St. SUNSET

M. McDONOUGH

TELEPHONE

BAY

BAY RIDGE CAFE N. Y.

N. E. Corner 73d Street and Third Avenue

WINDOWS

RELIABLE LADIES' FURNISHING

TELEPHONE

BAY

RIDGE

1352

DENTIST OFFICEHOURS: 9 a. m. to 9 p. m. Sunday, 10 toI.

TAILORS

510 Bay Ridge Avenue

BROOKLYN,

N. Y.

BROO'KLYN"

BAY RIDGE

In

I~

Special

WATER

FOR

HEATING

ALL ITS BRANCHES

Attention

Repair

to Residence

8ayRidge Theatre

'Heati'ng

Work' a Specialty

JOHN A.. SCOLLA Y, Inc. 74 and 76 Myrtle Avenue TELEPHONE

MAIN

N. Y.

Lighting Fixtures

BAY RIDGE THEATRE was installed by us HOT

N. Y.

Dr. J. D. FORDING

K. KUSCH & SON

AND

MEN'S

BROOKLYN,

BAY RIDGE

ESTABLISHEDIN BAY RIDGE SINCE 1890

STEAM

AND STORE

Corner 68th Street and Third A venue

N. Y.

Apparatus

N. Y.

HALPERIN'S

RIDGE 3306

Steam-heating

OF

ALBERTFLUEGEL,Proprietor

671-689 Bergen Street

272 Bay Ridge Avenue

N. Y.

,

1808

COMPLIMENTS

BROOKLYN,

AND

Parlor

BROOKLYN,

RIDGE

~

& GRACE CO.

MERCHANT

Fitting

(Between 55th and 56th Streets)

(Corner 72d Street)

BROOKLYN,

VANDYK

5512 Fifth Avenue

N. Y.

P. J. CULLEN BROOKLYN, 7202 Third Avenue

DOORS

15 ONLY

3881

Private

The best 0/ good cheer at any time of the year can be had at the Cafe of

HERRMANN

C.

CORSETIERE BRASSIERES,GLOVESAND HOSIERY

P. J. CARLEY 76th Street and Sixth Avenue

BAY

'

N. Y.

(Bay Ridge Theatre Building)

TELEPHONE

TEA

ANY KIND YOU WISH THIS OFFER IS GOOD UNTIL Jl\NUARY

7118 Third Avenue

FIREPROOF

B EST

25 '

BROOKLYN,

1492

\

DESIGNED

AND

MANUFACTURED' BY

.'OWEN WALSH N. Y.

525 West 26th Street

MFG. CO. NEW

YORK,

N. Y.

223

FIFTH

AVENUE

Corner President TELEPHONE

5017-5019 FIFTH AVE.

Street

Near 51st Street

PROSPECT

3587

TELEPHONE

COMPLIMENTS

SUNSET

3453

OF

GOLDENBERG BROTHERS THREE

BROOKLYN

STORES

Furniture, Carpets, Reupholstering and Crockery 4918-20-22 THIRD AVE. N ear 50th Street TELEPH;ONE

ANDREWS

SUNSET

3183

OPERA

CHAIRS

----------------.

Selected for BAY RIDGE THEA TRE because of superior

DESIGN - COMFORT - DURABILITY 1,000 STYLES TO SELECT FROM Write for Catalogue No. 31

EST A B L-ISH E D 1865 Branches in leading cities-

1472 B'ROADWAY, cor. 42d St. THE A. H. ANDREWS CO., NEW Y O~ K, N. Y., PAULHETTERICH,President

CH. J. HETTERICH,Secretary

TELEPHONE

All

Skylighting, Theatre

Roofing

Manufactured

BUSHWICK

730

and Metal'

Work

and Put' Up

in

This

by

Germania Cornice ,Works Co.'

路THE SOUTH AMBOY TE-RRA C'OTT A CO. 150 Nassau Street

SHEET METAL CONSTRltC:rORS

NEW

YORK CI':('Y

Smoke Stacks and Boiler Breechings

The [acade of the Bay Ridge Theatre

Cornices,

is entirely

Skylights"

HEATING

AND

Roofi~g,

Etc.

VENTILATING

2032 and' 2034 .Greene A~enue Brooklyn, N. Y.

Terra' Cotta o] our make

)