1929: TRENTON'S THROPP THEATER

Trenton theaters of the past are included among the more interesting local history subjects. From the earliest years of vaudeville at the Taylor Opera House in the 19th and early 20th century, to the beautiful and ornate theaters that once graced the city of Trenton, there are myriads of fascinating stories to bring to light. The graphic above is an example. I would bet that only the true local theater historians would know that Trenton once hosted the Thropp theater. It only existed for a short time. It was located in the 200 block of East State Street (211). It was replaced by the State Theater and in the 1950's was demolished in order to make room for the new Nevius Voorhees store. There is one yet to be uncovered bit of history regarding this story. The Thropp replaced the old 1903 State Street Theater, and after the Thropp went belly up, the State Theater took its place. This will require some additional research and as time allows, I will dig it up eventually.

Ralph Lucarella said...

HI TOM... I WOULD LIKE TO SAY A FEW KIND WORDS ABOUT THE STATE THEATRE. TO BEGIN WITH THEY HAD THREE FLOORS, WE CALLED THE THIRD FLOOR, HEAVEN. IT COST 10 CENTS AND GAVE ALL OF US POOR PEOPLE A CHANCE TO WATCH FIRST CLASS ACTS THAT WE COULD AFFORD. THEY HAD AN OUTSTANDING SHOWMAN CALLED LEWIS MACK AND HE PUT ON DIFFERENT SHOWS EACH WEEK, IN ADDITION TO A FEATURE PICTURE. I RECALL ONE WEEK WHEN HE HAD ON YOUNG TERRY, THE BOXER WHO WAS COMING UP IN THE RANKINGS AND CALLED THE SHOW, THE TRENTON BUZZ SAW. ONE OF OUR NEIGHBORS ON MOTT ST. PLAYED IN THE BAND THAT PERFORMED FOR THE ACTS. BEST REGARDS.

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Very interesting addition, Ralph. Thanks very much.

Tom

rayfromvillapark said...

Tom, I think the State Theater was demolished to make way for the new Arnold Constable Department store. Nevius Vorhees was on the next block west, I believe, right next door to the Mayfair theater. Best regards, rayfromvillapark

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Anonymous said...

Tom - Is there some way to find a map of Trenton with ALL the theaters located? What a valuable piece of information this would be. Lakesdie Girl

Thursday, January 06, 2011

Anonymous said...

TOm: The Orpheum was the predecessor for the Mayfair Theatre With the entrance nestled between the famous Nevius Voorhees store, and it would later become the Mayfair, to the west was the Grayson's store, and beyond that was the Elegant and historic entrance to the Trenton Savings Fund Society" The Mayfair was operated by the Levy's Hildinger, and Henry families who owned several of the "movies" around town. Edgar Levy The famous tennis player managed one of them, the Greenwood. Eggs was my tennis partner for many years, and is still active at 92 living in Naples Florida. The"State" Theatre was located in the next block east from the Mayfair, and was next to Phil Prass's Hunter Restaurant. I certainly do recall the 3rd Balcony, and all the brass railing that adorned this edifice. Benny Morris was the manager, He lived a few doors away from us on Fall St. We would spend a whole day Saturday watching the double feature, the serials, the news, and the special attractions. My mother would go to Dr. Arthur Yetter the Pharmacist and father of the Hamilton Car dealer to have Dr. Yetter call Benny, find us in the Theatre and send us home. History was demolished to accommodate the Arnold Constable Store. They even took the Public bathrooms down in the middle of So. Montgomery St. during the "Urban Renewal" craze if the 50's. Great times, great memories. Regards from Virginia Mike, Eleanor, Ray and Ralph: 

THESE COMMENTS MAKE A GREAT ADDITION TO THIS POST! REALIZE THAT FUTURE GENERATIONS WILL FIND THESE EXTRA COMMENTS TO BE VERY IMPORTANT AND ENLIGHTENING.

TOM GLOVER