2010: JUDY STAED REMEMBERS THE STRAND THEATER

E-mails and guest book entries such as this from Ms. Judy Bingley Staed make this project a personally rewarding endeavor not only for me, but for the many visitors to this blog. Judy captures the moment as she recalls her trips to the movies with her mom back in those innocent, less complicated, and bittersweet times. Thank you Judy; and please thank your friend who put you in touch with this blog. I am humbled. Judy wrote:

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Dear Mr. Glover,

I want to thank you and express my appreciation for all the endless photo and fact finding you have done in reference to Trenton in days past. Your work is so valued by so many. Again, thank you.

Just recently I have begun thinking of Trenton and the "old days." I friend of mine directed me to your website. What a wealth of information it is.

I was raised on Hoffman Avenue near Stuyvesant Avenue. Many were the nights as a small child when my mother would take my hand and off we'd go to the Strand Theater. My dad didn't care for movies and so I made for some company for Mom on these outings. Off we'd go down Hermitage Avenue. It was only a short walk to the Strand.

I remember clearly seeing The High And The Mighty and also Dial M For Murder at the Strand during those very young years in my life. There were so many more movies, however, that Mom took me to see.

Those years evolved into my teens and the Strand was almost like a second home. Every Friday night I'd go to the movies there and after the movie cross Hermitage to Tanzone's where friends and I would have a true Trenton "Tomato Pie."

I have been fortunate to see pictures on your website of the Strand in 1916 and also 1930. I have wondered though if you have ANY pictures of the Strand from the 1950's. I would so love to see one.

Thank you, Mr. Glover, for memories restored and renewed, and most certainly for the opportunity for me to recapture in thought some of the sweetest days of my youth.

Sincerely,

Judy Staed

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West End Sal said...

Tom:

I share Judy's love of The Strand -- It was wonderful place where we would go on Saturdays followed by a trip across the street to The Arctic for the best ice cream in the world. The theater was a short walk from Carteret Avenue. I have downloaded a picture of the Strand from your website so it is as close as my desk drawer. Thanks for all you do, Tom