I understand "Ten Eyck" is a Dutch word. Today's Teaneck New Jersey is a derivative of the name. Back in 1923 as seen in the article above, Ten Eyck established a theater in the Wilbur section of Trenton that in its day was a mecca for those families who couldn't afford the trip up town to the higher priced movie houses. The Gaiety was the perfect example of the small town theater wha very necessary part of the neighborhood. As one of those families who couldn't afford the trip to down town Trenton for a first run movie, I and most of my neighbors were regular visitors to both the Gaiety and the Greenwood, which was mere blocks away on Cuyler and Greenwood Avenues. Those contemporary locals may recall the Tuesday matinees during the summer at the Gaiety when a kid could pay 11 cents admission and spend a very pleasant afternoon watching the western feature with Ken Maynard, Roy Rogers, or one of our favorite "B" western stars. Then a walk up the sidewalk to Marucca's Tomato pie restaurant or perhaps a stop at Morgan's deli for a ten cent double dip ice cream cone.Those memories DO linger!
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MANY THANKS TO MR. WES STILLWAGON FOR THIS INTERESTING
INFORMATION ON THE GAIETY (OLDEN) THEATER:
As the former chief projectionist at the Olden (Gaiety) theatre I did a lot of research into the history of the property. Where the Bowling Alley was located was the Dew Drop Inn (I think it was called) that was a bordello. There was a tunnel that ran from the front property under the little alley to under the stage. I suppose this was for a getaway in case of a raid. At one time there were 80 people on the payroll for the theatre. It had a small orchestra pit and an organ that was purchased by the Eastman Theatre in Rochester New York. I believe it had the first CinemaScope screen in the area and was set up to show 3D movies. Olden Manager Jack Kosharek (Ph.D) was the best theater manager I knew. The place was always immaculate.
Wes Stillwagon
Hi Tom: It's me again. The Gaiety really brings back a lot of memories First, in the 30s, they let the kids in for free on Sat. mornings. He also owned the Orpheum down town and also had special deals there. It was quite a walk for us kids in the Burg to the Gaiety but believe me it was worth it. Then, much latter on, my brother Lou and I ran the bowling Lanes upstairs at the Gaiety at night while we worked at the post office during the day. At that time, a fellow by the name of Whitlock was running the theatre. We ran the bowling lanes for three years and then made the big jump to building the Hamilton Bowling Lanes on Route 33 in 1955. You bring back many memories that my brothers and I were involved in and I sure appreciate it. Thank you very much. Best regards.
ReplyDeleteAs the former chief projectionist at the Olden (Gaiety) theatre I did a lot of research into the history of the property. Where the Bowling Alley was located was the Dew Drop Inn (I think it was called) that was a bordello. There was a tunnel that ran from the front property under the little alley to under the stage. I suppose this was for a getaway in case of a raid. At one time there were 80 people on the payroll for the theatre. It had a small orchestra pit and an organ that was purchased by the Eastman Theatre in Rochester New York. I believe it had the first cinemascope screen in the area and was set up to show 3D movies. Olden Manager Jack Kosharek (Ph.D) was the best theater manager I knew. The place was always immaculate. Wes Stillwagon
ReplyDeleteI was raised in Teaneck & was told the name was of unclear origin (see Teaneck Public Library website and Wikipedia); they usually settled on Tiene Neck as the basis for the name. However, having heard of many early Dutch settlers named Ten Eyck in NJ and NY, I independently wondered if there was such a family name behind the township's name. I would love to know if you have found any corroboration for this hypothesis? Best regards.
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