the new, new Parkway Theater

The New Parkway, a theater for second run movies, has recently opened in the Uptown area.  Folks are happy to have them back since they had to close their original space in 2009.  They continue to have family night where babies are welcome.  Apparently you can also decided how much to pay for your ticket.  That should be an interesting experiment.

The old Parkway Theater

The old Parkway Theater on Park Blvd. was a popular place for second run movies.  It was known for cheap tickets, casual seating using sofas and loveseats, pizzas and beer, and family night for families with small children and infants.  The story I heard is that the landlord raised the rent, the theater couldn't afford it, and the operation shut down.  The theater has been empty since 2009.  A new Parkway later opened in a neighboring town and now the new, new Parkway has just opened in Oakland's Uptown area.  Sofas and loveseats--check.  Pizza and beer--check.  You decide how much to pay for the tickets--whoa!

letters in the sky

After a brief interlude of rain, we're back to sunny days with an occasional fluffy cloud.  We need the rain, so our fair weather is a guilty pleasure.  Linked to Skywatch Friday.

Out of town again for several days. 

cloudy but no rain

The local movie theater sign from a different angle.  On weekends, the sign is animated and full of color.  Previously shown here.  We've had rain this week but are expected to have mostly sunny days through the weekend.  Post is linked to Skywatch Friday.

the old Allendale Theater

I wonder what it's like living in a converted theater?   This is the site of the Allendale Theater constructed in 1927 at the beginning of talkies era.  It is located in East Oakland at 38th and Liese Avenues just below MacArthur Blvd.  Surprising to me, the theater was converted to apartments in 1949!  I thought conversions like this were a recent phenomenon.

Monday Mural: Dufwin Theater

The Dufwin Theater, located Uptown at 17th and Telegraph, was built in 1928 and adorned with these tile mosaics created by the local Gladding, McBean Company.  Two years later the theater was converted to a movie house and renamed the Roxie.  Somewhere along the way the murals were covered up and forgotten.  In 1983 the building was again renovated and turned into office spaces.  During the renovation the tile murals were uncovered and restored.  They appear to represent drama, dance, and music.

 If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You get to decide what constitutes a mural.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to the mural finds posted this week.

Grand Lake Theater

A grab shot through the window of my car.  Kids, don't try this at home.

Theme Day: fountains

This month's CDP theme day is "fountains."  This water fountain is found at the Paramount Theater.  The style, of course, is deco.  Pretty cool, huh?  For more fountains Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

Monday mural: ladies smoking room

This is the ladies smoking room at the deco Paramount Theater.  Pretty dramatic, no?

Weekend Reflection: powder room at the Paramount

This powder room at the Paramount Theater was restored to its exact, original appearance.  The guy who did the upholstery enlarged photos of the period to count the number of nail heads the chairs had!  The draperies reflected in the mirror were replicated from a reflection in an old photo.  The restorers attention to detail is beyond remarkable.  Can't you imagine Ginger Rogers here dabbing on her lipstick?  For even more reflections, visit James' meme Weekend Reflections.

antique projectors at the Paramount

Another shot from a walking tour of the Paramount Theater, an unparalleled deco building.  These projectors still work and are used in other old theaters in California.

more details from the Paramount Theater

Here's another detail from that deco palace, the Paramount Theater.  I like these shots in black and white.  Somehow, they seem to fit the era better.  The nymph on the ram is in silver foil.  The ceiling light is frosted glass that gives it that Lalique look.  For more black and white photos, visit The Weekend in Black and White.

deco detail

Stair banister in Oakland's art deco Paramount Theater.  All the original metal details in this restored theater are made of aluminum.  Submitted to Weekend Reflections and Black and White Weekend.

divine deco at the Paramount

Took a tour of the Paramount Theater on Saturday.   The facade mosaic was posted a few days ago.  The entire building is so deco-licious it is hard to believe.  Tours are the first and third Saturday of each month, last two hours, and cost only $5.  Such a deal.  The restoration is historically accurate down to the most minute detail.

ABC Wednesday: P is for Paramount Theater

The Paramount Theater, with this gigantic mosaic, is another Art Deco building restored and preserved in Uptown Oakland.  It is next door to the deco I. Magnin and a few blocks from the Fox Theater.  This movie theater was completed in 1931 and now is home to the East Bay Symphony; it is also hosts popular music acts, the annual Christmas presentation of the Nutcracker, and occasionally shows vintage movies.  The next one is From Here to Eternity.  For other "P" photos, visit the ever interesting ABC Wednesday.

Grand Lake Theater

The sign mounted on top of the Grand Lake Theater is the largest rotary contact sign west of the Mississippi River. It measures 52 feet high by 72 feet wide and consists of 2,800 colored bulbs and was designed by Theodore Wetteland. The firing sequence is controlled by a device much like a music box. The sign is typically lit Friday and Saturday, from dusk until the start of the last show of the night.  The display goes through two sequences, one with red lettering, and includes a simulation of fireworks.  It's an eye catching display, to be sure.

Fairfax Avenue church

In the 30s and 40s many Oakland neighborhoods had their own small movie theater.  Over time, the movie distribution business changed and big multiplexes became the way to go.  There are only a couple of small movie houses left in Oakland.  So what happens to good, unused buildings?  They turn into grocery stores, other retail shops, and churches.  This one is located in East Oakland on Foothill Blvd. and Fairfax Avenue.  You can see where the light bulbs used to be in this marquee.  East Oakland has many storefront churches.  In fact, this block alone has three.

Grand Lake Theater

The Grand Lake Theater has been located on Grand Avenue since 1926.  Over time it has developed into a small multiplex and also houses a display of antique projection equipment.  Two days a week they turn on the big rooftop sign made of hundreds of light bulbs, the largest west of the Mississippi.  (A photo of this sign will be featured in a later post).  Mondays through Thursdays they offer discounted tickets and free popcorn!