I had just started this blog when the Brooklyn Theatre Index got in the way. Originally I had hoped to publish two or three entries per week but that was soon put aside.
It was about three years ago when I first conceived the idea of publishing a history of Brooklyn showplaces from 1776 to the modern multiplex. The Index having its origins in two earlier surveys of Brooklyn theatres, conducted independently by Dario Marotta and Michael Miller, each compiling an extensive listing of Brooklyn venues.
For the purpose of the Index, the two lists were combined, and extensive research carried out on each auditorium, with new information uncovered and a number of new venues added. I poured over newspaper clippings, blueprints, and company records to document each theatre.
The staff at the Brooklyn Collection, Central Library, was extremely helpful in all aspects of my research. In addition to giving me her own list of 1929 theatres, Joy Holland even allowed access to the Brooklyn Eagle morgue files.
I traveled to Elmhurst, Illinois to visit the Theatre Historical Society of America where Executive Director Richard J. Sklenar not only granted me access to the Michael Miller Collection but also assisted in my research.
It was about three years ago when I first conceived the idea of publishing a history of Brooklyn showplaces from 1776 to the modern multiplex. The Index having its origins in two earlier surveys of Brooklyn theatres, conducted independently by Dario Marotta and Michael Miller, each compiling an extensive listing of Brooklyn venues.
For the purpose of the Index, the two lists were combined, and extensive research carried out on each auditorium, with new information uncovered and a number of new venues added. I poured over newspaper clippings, blueprints, and company records to document each theatre.
The staff at the Brooklyn Collection, Central Library, was extremely helpful in all aspects of my research. In addition to giving me her own list of 1929 theatres, Joy Holland even allowed access to the Brooklyn Eagle morgue files.
I traveled to Elmhurst, Illinois to visit the Theatre Historical Society of America where Executive Director Richard J. Sklenar not only granted me access to the Michael Miller Collection but also assisted in my research.
View from the Theatre Historical Society, second floor of the York Theatre Building
Finally in February, 2010, I chose Integrative Ink for the final editing, proofreading and formating of text. While I thought the first volume done, they did not. Integrative Ink made numerous suggestions, even preparing a style sheet. While trying to finish Volume II, I found myself going back over Volume I repeatedly. The publication of the Theatre Index was to coincide with two talks at the Central Library but that was not the case. Various other projects, including this blog, put on hold as I struggled to complete the first two volumes. Finally at the end of July, The Brooklyn Theatre Index Volume I From Adams Street to Lorimer Street was ready for the publisher. It took almost five months to prepare Volume I for print and less than a month for the second volume (going to press shortly). I learned a lot from Stephanee Killen and Dave Bow of Integrative Ink.
Exterior view of the York Theatre Building in Elmhurst
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