The upper balcony back in the day, was for "coloreds" only. They purchased their tickets at a ticket booth on 18th Street, went up a different stairway, and sat on benches instead of seats. Not a practice anyone in Birmingham is proud of , but a historical fact that needs to be noted. Today, the benches have been replaced. The top photo is a row of seats in the balcony. I am thinking the design is Art Deco but I could be totally wrong. While Tom and I were stomping around up there, I spotted a large pigeon sitting in the window (see second photo as proof) and a bat was zipping all around, a little disconcerting. Those of you that know me well, will be amazed that I didn't run flying out of the place screaming like a banshee. Oh the things I endure as your intrepid photographer in the name of City Daily Photo!
ON A LIGHTER NOTE
You get a bonus photo today. My five cute chicks all dressed up in their Easter duds, and I am very pleased to report that there wasn't a major meltdown over the photo shoot this holiday. Behold the power of "popsicle bribes".
27 comments:
What an interesting story about the theater. There's an old, now run-down movie theater near the train station here, which was once apparently quite a nice one. Now it's more on the order of your former 'Foxy-Roxy'...
I love the bw photos, and remember your dancing chairs of a short while back.
And the kids are little pastel beauties.
Hi Virginia, Great story and brill shots,have you ever thought about fhoto journalism. Sounds like the old place is now a wildlife haven lol. Well done.
Beautiful portrait of the grand chillins. You can really see the family resemblance!
It seems the place has a lot to tell us! The seatings are gorgeous and definitely Deco.
And what a wonderful bonus! A lovely group of five young fairies! :-)
I sure hope they can find a way to keep the theater going...
But these little cuties are so sweet!
Hope you had a Happy Easter.
Virginia, you are a student of light. These theater shots are wonderful. The kid shot, too! Just great.
There's an old vaudeville theatre in DeKalb, Illinois (where I grew up) called the Egyptian. It was restored some years ago and is a success story. Maybe your friends at the Lyric can contact the Egyptian for pointers?
Cute girls all dressed up! Hopefully this theater will find a new use. nothing worse then old buildings decaying beyond use only to make way for glass boxes and steel sheds. Thanks for braving the little bat for these photos. Just think of Batman saving the day next time you run into a little bat. ;)
I think the internet has something to do with the demise of these places. Their upkeep has gone thru the roof and revenue has all but faded. After just finishing my taxes, I know I couldn't help out. In fact, I may be looking for a handout.
Very intersting post and the bonus photo is so nice , seems timeless !
I'd say art deco too! Lovely seats, its such a shame they aren't used anymore.
I will make sure my husband sees this post. He is very interested in restoring landmarks. I did not know of the "back stairs," though I am not surprised. I suppose other theatres had the same. I remember the small theatre in Fairfiled had a crying room -- for unhappy children and babies.
You had your own Easter Parade! The children are precious, precious, precious!
Is it sun light on the chairs inside the theater?..Lovely tones.
For the 5 little cuties ,they are adorable in their Easter colored outfits.
I love the girls all smiley faces and the little boy who cannot wait to go back playing with his little red car!!
I have a friend who turned around an old theater into a community playhouse. Doing quite well, I believe, in Carbondale, IL.
M-N, No the light on the chairs was a huge spotlight type that made the most horrendous glare. I had to "work" on it some to tone that down. And yes, Davis was in the photo but contemplating making a break! As you can tell, I've pretty much got the girls trained. They are great models.
FIreLight,
Wish some churches had "crying rooms". Have been at a few weddings where the babies almost ruined the ceremony. If I'm not mistaken, my Momma had to take me out of Bambi when I was young.
B2,
Sorry to hear about your taxes. I took a little hit this year myself.
DL,
I knew you'd get a charge out of the bat scaring me silly!
The top one puts in mind of those Paris shots of yours when I discovered Paris has much earthier tones than I thought. Love the light. Screaming Banshee, but birds are fun. As for the girls an image to treasure, and dare I say the affinity with people clearly shines through again.
No rest for the wicked, still on the hoof of work.
I love the detail on the seat. And yes, I'd say art deco too.
What a great history.
Those popsicle bribes are so worth it. Your Easter models are priceless!
The first picture is so nice. 30 years without any use? THe seats seem to be in great shape. Is someone coming from time to time to wax them??
Girls in pastel: so cute.
Love the chairs - I vote for deco as well. Who had to mention taxes??? Just when we were taken away by these beautiful grandchildren of yours - we put a damper on the whole thing! No, no - not even taxes can detract from these wonderful, happy children!
Interesting background!
Beautiful children!
interesting story nad great photos! my fav the first!
ciao, Luis
that is a sad story of a grand old theatre...would love to see more pics!
KM,
I know how you like old and dilapidated places. I knew you'd show up to have a look/see! Wish you had been with me ( as an additional bodyguard). You would love this place.
Luis,
Thanks. I can't back to your blog through the link. Grrr
Ah... But this is a piece of art !!! It's so wonderful...
Hey Mumsie,
I love this photo, the girls are posing so nicely and of course Davis is looking off in the distance waiting for the whole ordeal to end. Playing with the red car was his plan!
M
I don't know where to start on this post! The cool chairs? The bat? The lovely little ladies? All so good!
I love, love the photo of your lovely grandchildren.
PS - the 1st photo of the chairs is one of your best (do I keep saying that?)
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