After my last blog someone asked me about the Pioneer Movie Theater.  If I ever went there I was too young to remember. But I do remember some other theaters that have since joined the Pioneer in Theater heaven.

My favorite was the Clinton. I used to love to go there for the Saturday matinees. They would have two movies, twenty five cartoons, a serial chapter and five shorts. The shorts were usually the Three Stooges. We would stop in the little place nearby and get candy to bring in. It was cheaper there. After the movies with the money we saved we would stop at Larsen’s and buy cakes, cookies or donuts and eat them on the way home.

There was also the Avon it was the smallest of them all. It was also the dirtiest. I think the floor was still sticky from sodas that were spilled when my father was a kid. At least I hope it was from soda. A lot of people complained that the screen was too small. It was smaller than what we were used to. But it was bigger than the screens in all these multiplexes that are around now. I hear kids now saying they would rather see something on the big screen. Unless it is IMAX They are not seeing a big screen.

The Prospect and the Metropolitan Theaters were different. They were beautifully designed movie palaces. Originally used for live acts. They were pieces of history that we have allowed to fade away in time.

Last of those I will mention today was the Paramount. The Paramount should have been designated a national landmark and kept open. Not only was it another incredible movie palace it also had a large part in the history of Rock and Roll. They should turn it into a Rock and Roll museum. Some of the greatest Rock and Roll and Doo Wop shows of all time were held there. So I’ll sign off now as I remember Murray the K and his swinging Soiree and Bruce Morrow and all his cousins.