Paramount Theatre (Asbury Park, New Jersey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Paramount Theatre
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Monmouth County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, New Jersey |
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| Part of | Asbury Park Convention Hall (ID79001512) |
| Added to NRHP | March 2, 1979 |
The Paramount Theatre is a famous building in Asbury Park, New Jersey. It is located right on the boardwalk next to the Atlantic Ocean. The theatre is connected to the Asbury Park Convention Hall by a cool covered walkway called an arcade. This arcade stretches over the boardwalk. On one side, you can see the ocean, and on the other, there's Bradley Park. A statue of Asbury Park's founder, James A. Bradley, stands facing the buildings. The theatre has recently been updated by Landmark Studio.
Contents
History of the Paramount Theatre
Early Plans for a Convention Center
Back in 1916, the mayor of Asbury Park, Clarence E.F. Hetrick, wanted to build a big convention center. He hired a famous architecture company, McKim, Mead and White, to design it. Their plan was for a huge building that could hold 5,000 people. However, the land needed for this project belonged to James A. Bradley, the city's founder. He refused to sell the land to the city.
After Bradley passed away in 1921, a businessman named Arthur Steinbach bought the property. He tore down the old building there and built the Berkeley-Carteret Hotel instead.
Pressure to Build a New Venue
Other cities like New York and Atlantic City were building large, impressive venues. This put a lot of pressure on Mayor Hetrick to create something similar for Asbury Park. He wanted Asbury Park to keep up with these growing cities.
The Theatre's Construction
In 1927, a fire destroyed an arcade on the boardwalk. After this, people in Asbury Park voted to build a new convention center on that spot. Mayor Hetrick then hired different architects, Warren and Wetmore. They designed a complex that included a 1,600-seat theatre. This theatre was connected to an enclosed arcade that went over the boardwalk. The arcade then led to a larger convention center that could hold 3,200 people.
The whole complex was designed with a mix of Italian and French styles. It also had many ocean-themed decorations because it was right by the sea. Inside the theatre, the main colors were gold, black, and purple. A large, beautiful rosette decorated the ceiling.
How the Paramount Theatre Got Its Name
Walter Reade owned several other movie theatres in Asbury Park. At first, he was worried about the new theatre. He thought the town already had enough movie places. But just before the theatre was finished, he was given the job of booking movies for it. As part of a deal with the movie company Paramount-Famous Players–Lasky, the new theatre was named the Paramount Theatre.
Grand Opening and Famous Visitors
Walter Reade first showed the 1927 movie Wings on New Year's Day in 1930. But he held a much bigger "grand opening" celebration on July 11, 1930. They showed Wings again, and many famous people came! These included the movie's star, Charles "Buddy" Rogers, the Marx Brothers, Ginger Rogers, Ed Wynn, Fredric March, and Carole Lombard. From 1930 into the 1980s, the theatre showed both movies and hosted live performances.
In 1979, the 1,600-seat Paramount Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical building.
Recent Activities at the Theatre
From 2007 to 2015, The Premier Theatre Company was the main theatre group performing at the Paramount Theatre. This company was honored for helping to bring new life to Asbury Park.
The theatre is also the location for the yearly Holy Cross celebration. This event is hosted by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey. Church services are held inside the theatre. Afterward, young people from the Greek Orthodox Youth Association (GOYA) go to the beach. They participate in a special event where they dive into the ocean to retrieve a cross. This celebration happens on the third Sunday in September.
See also
- New Jersey music venues by capacity
