Comments on: Alameda Theater Memories

By: Maquette

Maquette — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:09:07 +0000

The Alameda still retains her theatre and most of the original seats. The upstairs balcony has been closed in to make rooms for the church Sunday School classes and daycare rooms. She needs some love.

By: Doug Eaton

Doug Eaton — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:13:38 +0000

I just discovered your website via a friend. I was born in 1950 at a bungalow on 30th and Prescott and lived in an English cottage home on Alameda Dr from 1957-1964. My Mom’s best friend Maryon Kinsey,84, still lives in the home she was born into at 21st and Alameda. I went to both Alameda and Sabin grade schools.

I’ve lived in Corvallis for 40 years and make it up to the old neighborhoods of my youth at least once a year. Me, my brothers and friends used to go to the Alameda Theatre. Saturday matinees were the best. Admission was a quarter. The two movies I remember most were Journey to the Center of the Earth, 1959 and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, 1961.

I have restored a 1922 California bungalow in Corvallis and am now involved in in the restoration of our downtown Whiteside Theatre, a 1922 movie palace that has been closed for seven years. These old theatres are worth saving.

I am going to try to come to the Alameda History program at the AHC in September. I really like your website and will spend more time on it.

By: aandh

aandh — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:24:45 +0000

I, too, think it’s the same pole.

By: Doug

Doug — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:18:10 +0000

Thanks for dropping by, there aandh. Memory is an amazing place, isn’t it? Glad you enjoyed the post.

I’m going to have to go back and give a very careful look to that utility pole. The more I look at the two photos, the more I think that’s the same pole, which seems unlikely, but look at the angle there, the placement in the concrete, etc. Hmm.

My hunch is the fixture in the entry is a 60s or 70s PAR fixture and that the one from the 20s had a little bit more design to it. But I didn’t scrutinize it up close. Perhaps when I go back for a look inside I’ll give a look. Stay tuned.

By: aandh

aandh — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 15:41:50 +0000

Great piece! Remembering Spin and Marty is terrific. Memories.

That utility pole smack in front of the building was nasty then, and is still nasty today, but the old pendant light is pretty wonderful. And of course the streetcar tracks are fab.

Like you, I too wonder what the inside looks like. Even the modest old cinemas could have nice interiors.

Wonder if that light fixture in the box office portico is original?