The first stop on the Gary excursion was to the abandoned Horace Mann High School, but there wasn't a way in - so the next stop was Palace Theatre. Built in 1924 the Palace Theatre was majestic and was quickly one of the hot spots in downtown Gary. Much like the rest of the city, Palace Theatre saw a decline in the late 60's and by 1972 its doors were officially closed. Presently, the Palace Theatre sits in downtown Gary, decaying away.
A few more HERE
These photos rule! Crack destroyed Gary, Indiana.
ReplyDeleteWait...is it for real that it said Jackson Five like that?!?! Eerie, dude.
ReplyDeleteYes that is for real - the marquee did read "Jackson Five Tonight". After some research I'm seeing mixed information. Some people are saying they played there and the sign has been left alone as a tribute, other sites are saying that Donald Trump actually updated the front of the theatre in 2002 when the Miss USA pageant was held in Gary. Who knows... Personally I dont believe the Jackson Five actually ever played the Palace Theatre because by 1972 they were well out of Gary.
ReplyDeleteHi, I'll be in Gary at the end of July. Since I've never been there before, could please give me the address to reach the theatre? Thanks a lot!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Italy
Manuela
Your photography is so poignant. The decaying piano got to me. This is true visual poetry. Thank you so much
ReplyDeleteJohn Harris
Could you post something of what the remains of the stage area looks like?
ReplyDeleteThanks John
Hi Manuela, the actual location of the theatre is 791 Broadway, Gary IN. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words John Harris!
Hello John, unfortunately I didn't get any good shots of the stage this time around. It was pretty dark in this place.
I worked at the Palace theatre from 1956 until sometime in 1970; I was hired in as a candy girl at 50 cents an hour,
ReplyDeleteThe Jacdson 5 never played at the Palace, Many other notibles did, Della Reese, The Platters, Frankley Lynon and the Teenagers, Chuck Berry and many more that I cannot remember, Faron Young and a group of country and western singers played there too. I know for sure because worked for both events. Neather was well received by Gary. For both shows there could not have been 500 people in attendence. We also had special shows for Union groups where the kids got gifts and free stuff. This was ar Christmas time.
I woulf likr to telll you what I can remember about the theatre. It was a Young ^ Wolf theatre out of Indianapolis. After buying your ticket that was 25 cents for children and 50 cents for adults. That was before 6 pm the tickets were still 25 cents for children and 70 cents fir adults. Walking into the threatre were marble steps. When you came into the loby was the candy counter 10 cents for regular popcorn and 25 cents for buttered. You could get hot dogs for 20 cents, ice cream. a drink for 20 cents.Allcandy was sold at a price you could get it anywhere. The laby was decorated vert stylish. There was assorted chairs to sit on. At the end of the candy counter was the marble steps to the balacony it was only open week ends. Upstairs was a phone booth and men and womans washrooms. On the weekend a lady was in attenance in the womans washroom. Another marble staircase led up to the projection booth,
ReplyDeleteMary - than you so much for this fascinating information. It's so interesting. Why do you think Gary never filled up the theatre in its hey day? I find Gary so interesting and I can only picture what it must've been like. How is it for you to see the theatre like this after working in it so long ago?
ReplyDeleteI need to correct last comment, I said there was only 2 washrooms on the balcony level. The theatre office and secretary and district manager used that office. When goinjg down either stairs in front or back was a marble urn for butts, it was filled with white sand that was refreshed daily.on In the loby level was an icream machine, a coke machine and a vending machine that sold pictures of actors. At the very end of the loby you would go down several steps in to was theatre office next to the office was an exit door to the alley and a parking lot. I would type a copy of tickets sold that day and it would be sent fto Indianapolis. Three threaters were T&W's. Tivolie, Glen in Glen park and the Y & W in Merrillville. I worked at all of there.
ReplyDeletetheatres, The Palace was the only real theater.
Lets go into the theatre. Sit down. As you can see in the low light. Look up you see thousands of shirmming stars that glow in the cealing. These are changed twice a year. Along both end isle you see various greek statues in different poses. There is a small overhead light above each. There are several on each side of the theatre. The stage is large. It has a center area that can lift someone or something on stage without a walk on. Front and center is a beautiful white very large organ. I never heard it play. When we go down the right side isle we come to a dim lit area that looks like outside area. There is a blue light there that leads to back stage. Back stage are dressing rooms and bathroom. We used the bathroom to change. The ushers used another
ReplyDeleteroom to change. They had a TV and quite a few theatre seats. Can't remember what else they has because i only went in there a few times.
One time when the group that featured Chuck Berry playing. He came down there and entertained all of us candy girls,box office girl and the Usher
we must have spent 4 hours with him. He was wonderful. Back on stage area was all our candy we would sell. Upstairs somewhere was a art art room where some things that were featured outside were fixed up like King Kong.