Saturn Club

977 Delaware Avenue

Buffalo, New  York

The Saturn Club is one of Buffalo's private social clubs.  It was designed by architect and club member, Duane Lyman in 1921 and built in 1922 by Bley & Lyman. 

Duane Lyman

(1886-1966)

Duane Lyman was an architect based in Buffalo and known for his prolific career which included 100 school buildings, many churches and numerous large homes both in the city and suburban communities.  At the time of his passing, Lyman was referred to as the "dean of Western New York architecture".  After graduating in 1908, he traveled aboard to Europe staying until 1913 and the eve of WWI. He returned to the United States, settling in Buffalo and started an architectural practice.  Lyman volunteered for military service during WWI, serving in the nation's capital and left with the rank of major. Many of Lyman's papers survive in the collection of the Buffalo History Museum.

Other works by Lyman besides the Saturn Club were Vars Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Country Club of Buffalo, Federal Courthouse at Niagara Square, Christ the King Chapel (Canisius College), Williamsville Junior and Senior High School, Diefendorf Hall (University at Buffalo) and M&T Bank Center. 

The Saturn Club was founded in 1885 by thirteen enthusiastic young men who felt the need to congregate in a less formal setting than their 'Father's Club' founded in 1867.  They first congregated on Saturdays (thus the name) to socialize and play cards.  While Saturn Club members are active in all aspects of the community, the Club remains true to  its origins.  It is a social club first, offering recreation, fine dining, fitness programs, member-friendly banquet facilities and meeting rooms with high-tech support.  They've come a long way since 1885 and they look forward to exceeding their standards as Western New York's premier private social club.  

The Saturn Club opened in 1922.  The architectural style is Tudor Revival and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places May 19, 2005.  Notable members were Robert B. Adam, founder of AM&A's department store; John J. Albright, namesake of the Albright Knox Art Gallery; George K. Birge, director of the 1901 Pan-American Exposition and president of Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company; Lawrence Bell, founder of Bell Aircraft; Edward H. Butler, Jr., publisher of the Buffalo Evening News; Stephen Merrell Clement, president of Marine Bank; William J. Conners II, publisher of the Buffalo Courier-Express; William J. Conners III, publisher of the Buffalo Courier-Express; Harold M. Esty, Jr., president of Buffalo China; E. B. Green, Jr., architect; Irvine J. Kittinger, owner of the Kittinger Furniture Company; Seymour H. Knox, businessman; Seymour H. Knox III, co-founder of the Buffalo Sabres; Northrup R. Knox, co-founder of the Buffalo Sabres; John R. Oishei, founder of Trico; John Olmsted, landscape architect, nephew and adopted son of Frederick Law Olmsted; George F. Rand, president of Marine Midland Bank; Carleton Sprague, chancellor of the University of Buffalo; Harlan J. Swift, president of Erie County Savings Bank; Henry Z. Urban, publisher of the Buffalo News and many others.

Lyman passed at his home which he designed and built on Oakland Place in Buffalo. He was interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery.   

 

The Hotel Niagara

201 Rainbow Blvd.

Niagara Falls, New York

The building is one of the most important landmarks in downtown Niagara Falls.

The Hotel Niagara was built by Niagara Falls businessman, Frank A. Dudley in 1923 with the cornerstone laid on March 24, 1924.  The 12 story, steel frame and concrete hotel was designed by prominent Buffalo architects, August Esenwein and James A. Johnson.  The hotel was dedicated on April 8, 1925 and opened for business the following day.  It is located 1/4 mile from the Horseshoe Falls and one block from the Seneca Niagara Casino.  

The hotel's primary public roomss include the lobby, ballroom and main dining room that feature elaborate ceiling paster moldings and columns, gilded capitals, faux limestone walls, oak and emerald terrazzo floors. The architectural style was art deco with a terra-cotta facade.

The Hotel Niagara was added to the National Register of Historic Places December 5, 2008.

Hotel Niagara Art Deco Cocktail Lounge

Circa 1939

 

Maid of the Mist

Niagara Falls, New York

Circa 1846-1854

The first Maid of the Mist, a side-wheel steamboat ferry with twin smokestacks commands the mighty Niagara. 

Circa 1854-1860

The second Maid of the Mist, a single-stack paddle wheel steamer, 72 feet long with a 17-foot beam. 

As early as 1834, small boats were the only way to transport people across the Niagara River.  The Maid of the Mist I was launched on May 27, 1846.  On July 14, 1854 the Maid of the Mist II was launched. The elegant, 70 foot long Maid of the Mist III was launched in June of 1885.  The Maid of the Mist IV was launched in 1892 on the American side.

The first series of boats to bear the "Maid of the Mist" moniker were wooden-hulled ferries.  These were in use until an early season fire destroyed the last of them at the Canadian docks on April 22, 1955. 

 On  July 28, 1955 a new Maid of the Mist boat was launched to replace those boats destroyed by fire.  The boat, christened "Maid of the Mist V" was built entirely of steel. In June of 1956, the sixth boat in the Maid of the Mist fleet was launched.  In 1983, this boat was sold and today it continues service as a missionary ship on the Amazon River.  

In 1990, the Maid of the Mist VI was launched into service.  The all-steel double deck boat is capable of carrying 600 passengers at a time. On May 30, 1997 the first section of the new Maid of the Mist VII arrived on a flatbed trailer to the Maid of the Mist docks. The first piece of the hull weighed 27,730 pounds.  Over the following weeks the remainder of the boat was delivered in 14 separate pieces including 8 addtional pieces.  When assembled, the new Maid of the Mist was 80 feet long and weighed 145 tons.  This Maid of the Mist was officially launched into service on July 11, 1997. 

 Its name is inspired by an Iroquois legend.  The legend tells of a woman who, after the death of her love, throws herself into Niagara Falls, but is caught and saved by the God of Thunder.  The Maid of the Mist boats have a long history of ferrying tourists close to the Falls for a unique up-close-and personal experience.   

The Maid of the Mist starts and ends on the American side crossing briefly into Canada during a portion of the trip.  James V. Glynn is chairman and chief executive officer of Maid of the Mist Corp.  He joined Maid of the Mist in 1950 as a ticket setter working on the dock at the age of 16 to pay for college.  Glynn purchased the company in 1971.  Steam-powered boats were replaced by diesel-powered craft in 1955.  All were named Maid of the Mist until 2020, when company president Christopher M. Glynn introduced two new boats powered by lithium-ion battery-powered electric motors. James V. Glynn truly fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming president of the Maid of the Mist Corporation.  

In 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt felt the mist on his face.

Notable passengers have been Marilyn Monroe in June 1952 when she rode the Maid of the Mist while in Niagara Falls to film the movie, Niagara.

In 1949, Jawaharial Nehru prime minister of India rode the Maid of the Mist. In 1987, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson enjoyed a ride aboard the Maid of the Mist.  In 1983, Mikhail Gorbachev was a passenger on the Maid of the Mist.  In 1991, Prince Charles and Princess Diana along with their two sons, William and Harry rode the Maid of the Mist.

A moment frozen in time of Princess Diana, the People's Princess.

In 1996, President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn were passengers, escorted by James V. Glynn.  In 2022, the Maid of the Mist was featured in the motion picture A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks.

President Jimmy Carter and James V. Glynn

Photo Credit to Derek Gee

In 2022, the Maid of the Mist VII was featured in the motion picture A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks.  Hanks' son, Truman and actress Rachel Keller wearing red coats were in the onboard scene.

In 1969, water flow was cut off to the American Falls to study erosion. 

In 1901, Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to survive a barrel ride over the Falls.

The Maid of the Mist is waiting for you to come aboard!

Niagara Falls is a breathtaking sight offering stunning views and certainly a sense of awe.

This summer take a ride on The Maid of the Mist and visit the Erie Canal's 200th celebration!

.. or dinner with a spectacular view ..

 

Palace Theatre

617 Broadway

Lorain, Ohio

The Palace is the largest one-floor theatre in the State of Ohio and would serve as the  cornerstone for Lorain.  The exterior was designed in Gothic style with a facade of terra cotta and elaborately cut stone while the interior was reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance.  Both the inner and outer lobbies featured ornate sculptured ceilings elegantly painted in soft shades of turquoise and coral, highlighted in gold.  The graceful domed ceiling of the main auditorium featured an exquisite three-quarter-ton crystal chandelier. 

The Palace featured a fireproof projection room and two Peerless Simplex projection machines.  These machines allowed pictures to be run continuously without a break for re-winding.  The 100 foot stage contained 23 sets of lines for flying scenery, making it suitable for vaudeville shows. The full orchestra pit was accessible from both the main seating area and the basement.  In 1928, the total cost of construction and equiipment was $500,000. For many years, the Variety Amusement Company owned and operated the Palace. 

On opening night patrons flocked into the Palace's 1,720 upholstered leather seats to watch a talking movie for the first time and were treated to a film resume of world events.  They viewed a comedy and novelty reel, followed by Syd Sampliner and his Palace Concert Orchestra plus three acts of vaudeville.  The spotlight then moved to the Mighty Wurlitzer organ as it rose from below the stage, thrilling the audience with its pulsating crescendos.  

The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ

Opus 1858

Model 220

The organ was tagged for delivery to the Lorain Place on February 25, 1928.  It was fulled installed by March 15, 1928.  This organ is one of only seven built in this style.  It is also one of only two Wurlitzer's of this particular style worldwide that is still in its orginal installed location.  The console is positioned in the orchestra pit and thanks to a 2014 refurbishment, this Might Wurlitzer can once again .. rise majestically on a lift for solo presentations and descend gracefully back into the orchestra pit. 

A virtually unknown and certainly unseen feature of the Lorain Palace Wurlitzer is its organ chambers.  These chambers house the ranks of pipes, the percussion and the organ's other effects which are tucked away behind the walls on either side of the Palace stage.  It is from these hidden chambers in conjunction with the sole power source for the organ located in the basement that the "mighty" Wurlitzer gets its might!

As a theatre sidenote, Lorain, Ohio also had the State Theatre located at 375 Broadway.  It housed one screen and had 1,350 seats.  In 1924, Lorain experienced a tornado that destroyed the State Theatre.  Sadly, it was demolished.  

 

Ther is an historical marker at the former theatre location commemorating those lost at the State Theatre due to the powerful tornado.  Though the State Theatre held strong by all reports, the nearby seven-story Wickens Furniture building was no match for the storm, falling on top of the theatre allowing many patrons in the State Theatre to run to the street.  Unfortunately, the roof weight of the Wickens building and some of its top floors concaved the State Theatre with the balcony crashing to the main floor leading to loss of life. Today, there is an historical marker at 383 Broadway commemorating lives lost.  The theatre's remains were ultimately razed on June 30, 1924.

Historical Marker Inscription

Just after 5:00 P.M. on June 28, 1924, a tornado swept off Lake Erie directly into downtown Lorain.  Within five minutes, seventy-eight people lost their lives.  Fifteen died in the old State Theatre that stood upon this site, as an audience of two hundred watched a Saturday afternoon musical performance.  More than one thousand suffered injuries.  The tornado did extensive damage to the business district, destroyed 500 homes and damaged a thousand more.  The city's largest industry, the American Shipbuilding yards, was severely damaged.  The tornado, which had hit Sandusky before striking Lorain, continued along the shoreline and struck Sheffeld and Avon minutes later.  Contemporary accounts listed eighty-two deaths resulting from the deadliest tornado in Ohio's history.  

 

 

Carolina Theatre 

Part III

The original building's design as an "atmospheric" theatre was the joint effort of preeminent Charlotte architect Charles Christian Hook who designed such notable buildings in Charlotte as City Hall, the Mecklenberg County Federal Courthouse and the Duke Mansion.  

For the exterior, Hook used four separate architectural styles, applied like stage sets to create the illusion of four separate buildings and incorporated a variety of Mediterranean and Spanish motifs to reflect the theatre's Southern location. Entering from North Tryon Street, patrons first experienced Hall's interior designs in a luxurious lobby, all gilt and palatial Venetian.  

The mezzanine lobby featured low, exposed ceiling beams with geometric patterns and Art Deco tyle stenciling in shades of gold, green and pink.  The interior of the 1,450 seat theatre was ornately columned, displaying intricately detailed murals of dark cypress trees and flowering vines reminiscent of a mediterranean palazzo under a darkening blue sky just before dusk.  The balcony, resting upon gargolyed brackets, swept over the back of the orchestra level, creating a low ceiling lined with small, twinkling "star" lights. The outdoor illusion was completed with stuffed pigeons and peacocks perched from the balustrades framing the murals closets to the stage and garlands of flowers, chambering vines and tropical foliage at the base of each mural. An orchestra pit fronted the three-story stage.  The backstage area included several upstairss and downstairs dressing rooms.  

Besides Elvis Presley performing on the The Carolina Theatre stage, the Carolina hosted such other prestigious stars as Bob Hope, Guy Lombardo, Orson Welles and Ethel Barrymore.  The iconic movie, "Gone with the Wind" premiered at the Carolina Theatre on January 29, 1940.  This film event marked a significant moment in the theatre's history.

Circa 1939

For upcoming programing and possible tours call 704-828-6220. 

Carolina Theatre

Part II

Carolina Theatre

230 North Tryon Street

Charlotte, North Carolina 

🎟 

Charlie Clayton and Billy Clayton

It's been two months since the historic Carolina Theatre reopened and with its opening came the continuation of a family affair. A story that has come full circle.

One can only imagine how Charlie felt when he first entered a restored Carolina to the tune of $90 millon after working to save the theatre for years.   

A man named Charlie who patiently waited for his dream to become reality. 

Charlie saw what others did not see.

The Carolina Theatre held special memories for thousands who attended events during its prime.  For others, it represented a piece of architectural history too important to tear down.  For 40 years, political leaders like former Councilwoman Patsy Kinsey and community activists like Charlie Clayton, Lisa Lee Morgan, Sally Van Allen and John Apple pursued development options for the Carolina Theatre.  Their steadfast and focused efforts to raise awareness of the theatre and its historical significance to Charlotte ensured the theatre's preservation.

Thank you, Charlie, Lisa, Sally and John. 

🎟 

The Best is Yet to Come...

After nearly five decades, sitting vacant, the Carolina Theatre is set to open its doors and welcome guests.  

.. It did ..

  🌟 March 24, 2025 🌟 

🎟 

The Carolina Theatre now proudly serves as the "community's living room" hosting events like town halls, annual meetings, symposiums, panel discussions, full-length films, live music, comedians and more. 

🎟 

Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo

Starring

Spencer Tracy and Van Johnson 

Circa 1944

Unfortunately, like other theatres in the south, the Carolina Theatre has a history of segregation.  Blacks were prohibited from attending for decades though it changed in 1963 when Charlotte theatres began a trial desegregation period.  The Carolina Theatre began admitting blacks in small groups, but they were required to reserve seating in advance.  Within a few weeks, theatre owners dropped the reservation requirement and began rightfully admitting all patrons on the same basis.  

Sadly, the Carolina Theatre went into decline as audiences gravitated to the suburbs. When the Carolina Theatre closed in 1978, it was never forgotten!

🎟 

In 1982, the Carolina Theatre which had narrowly escaped a fire two years earlier was placed on the local historic register and the city bought the property in 1986.  In subsequent years, several efforts to restore and renovate the theatre were tried and failed.  Local citizens formed the Carolina Theatre Preservation in 1997 to help save the theatre.  

🎟 

In the spring of 2012, Foundation for the Carolinas approached the City of Charlotte  to request the Carolina Theatre be gifted to the Foundation.  The Foundation had a vested interest in the site and sought to ensure the property was a compliment to the surrounding neighborhood, a landmark for Tryon Street plus a strong civic and entertainment destination for Charlotte's Uptown.  The City of Charlotte gifted the Carolina Theatre and its associated land to the Foundation for $1 in 2023. The Foundation then spent 12 years painstakingly restoring the beloved theatre to its original glory while adding contemporary touches and technology.

🎟 

After many unsuccessful attempts to renovate and revive the theatre, the City of Charlotte acquired the building in 1986 and sold it to Foundation for the Carolinas in April 2013.  The renovation restored historical touches such as the iconic wall murals to replicate the original 1927 atmosphere as much as possible.

Construction on the restoration began in 2017.  The Carolina is part of a larger Civic Campus called Belk Place. Programming focuses on community gatherings, films, concerts and more. The ribbon cutting ceremony occurred March 24, 2025.  The first performance was March 28, 2025 featuring soprano Renee Fleming joined by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra for a performance billed as "A Homecoming". 

A Wide Angle View from the Stage

.. Congratulations .. 

🎟 

🎟 

 🌟 a beautiful sight to behold. 🌟 

 

 
Carolina Theatre

Part I

Carolina Theatre 

Opening Night

Circa 1927

Charles Christian Hook, Architect

(1870-1938)

and

Robert E.  Hall & Co., Designer 

New York City

Circa 1927

The Carolina Theatre originally opened as a silent movie palace.  After several decades of showing both live entertainment and films, the theatre closed in 1978.  Sadly, it remained closed for nearly 50 years before reopening in March 2025.  

The Carolina Theatre opened March 7, 1927, as part of Paramount Picture's Publix Theatre chain managed by Warren Ervin of the Publix Theatres Corporation. The Carolina welcomed a large audience who came to see the silent movie, A Kiss In A Taxi.*  Originally, movies ran for three days and vaudeville performers were on stage Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  In 1938, the theatre was renovated to accommodate sound films with the original murals replaced with acoustic tiles.  On February 10, 1956 the theatre played host to a performance by Elvis Presley.  

🎶 

🎶 

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra debuted on the Carolina Theatre stage March 20, 1932.  Perhaps most notably, Elvis Presley appeared on stage February 10, 1956 where he "shook, rattled and nearly rolled off the stage". In the 1960s, the Carolina Theatre saw a record-breaking 79-week run of the movie, The Sound of Music, which played to nearly 400,000 people (more than the population of Charlotte at the time).  The Carolina Theatre also holds the distinction of having been the first air-conditioned building in Charlotte. 

In 1953, the Carolina Theatre installed a panoramic screen to accommodate CinemaScope films.  In 1961, it was further renovated to accommodate Cinerama films.  The Sound of Music would premiere at the Carolina on March 31, 1965 and run a record 79 weeks! The 398,201 people who saw the movie were more than the population of Charlotte, at the time. 

With rising competition from suburban multiplexes, the Carolina Theatre closed on November 27, 1978 with a showing of Bruce Lee's Fists of Fury which was released September 9, 1972.

🎟 

The Carolina Theatre opened with great fanfare on March 7, 1927 welcoming a large audience to see the silent film comedy, A Kiss in a Taxi.*  The theatre was built for $750,000 and originally seated 1,450 people .. 900 in the orchestra level and 550 in the balcony level. According to a Charlotte Observer, at the time, the Carolina Theatre awed moviegoers with its wrought iron chandeliers and intricate murals. 

*A Kiss In A Taxi was a 1927 American silent comedy film starring Bebe Daniels and directed by Clarence Badger.  It was based on a French play produced on Broadway in 1925.  Paramount Pictures distributed the film.  The release date was February 22, 1927.

🎟 

"For sheer splendor and luxury, it is a creation that will provoke admiration throughout the theatrical world".

Charlotte Observer