I seriously had to pull over and catch my breath (and snap a photo) when I drove by the Roxy Theatre on Main Street in Northampton, PA – just north of Allentown. Even now my blood sugar levels are peaking just gazing at the photo of this fabulous vintage movie marquee and neon sign!
It is this type of unexpected, glorious find that makes road trippers and suburban archeologists like myself drive through unfamiliar hamlets and visit sleepy little downtowns.
When I saw the sign for the Roxy looming ahead of me, unlit in the late afternoon light, I was astounded. When I saw that the theatre was still open, I was hopeful. And when I saw that a movie was going to start in a little while, I called Retro Roadhusband and let him know I would not be home for dinner!
I futzed around the area until dusk and as I drove past the theatre I noticed that the sign was not lit, but there was a line of folks gathering to buy their tickets. I pulled into the free parking lot located right behind the theatre and headed up the alley towards the entrance. I was charmed to be behind an older couple, out on a hot date on a Saturday night, and bid them a good evening as I walked past them.
What a treat was waiting for me as I turned that corner!
The Neon was ablaze, not one light out, and the sign was in motion with flashing lights and neon. Oh how beautiful, especially at this dusky time of night. I could not stop myself from taking a jillion photos from every angle, across the street, right below it. I could not get enough.
Glorious neon sign, check. Free parking, check. How about the fact that the tickets are THREE DOLLARS, yes just $3.00 to see a first run movie on the big screen. I took my dollar coin change from the nice lady in the booth and handed my ticket to the uniformed usher in the lobby.
Once inside, thrilled that the interior was as lovingly well kept as the exterior, I admired the art deco design of the space, and promptly realized I needed to find the ladies room.
Little did I know that the dashing gentleman in the suit who directed me upstairs was in fact owner Richard Wolfe. He began kindly answering my questions, between greeting patrons, directing folks to the proper line at the snack bar, and selling gift certificates. When I told him a little about Retro Roadmap he was more than happy to allow me to snap some photos and gave me a wonderful history of the place.
Roxy Theatre
2004 Main St
Northampton, PA 18067-1314
(610) 262-7699
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Holy Frijole!! That GORGEOUS!!!
What a great time to be strolling up that alley, too
In addition to all of the great vintage finds … it’s photos like that which make me love your site all the more.
In fact, if I recall correctly, one the first posts that I saw when I found on your site was Nokomis Groves — and what charmed me most was the great shot you took of those cute little ladies eating ice cream.
The Roxy is certainly on my “to-do” list now!
I know, isn’t it the best? And the owner is taking such good care of the place, it really restores your faith in humanity!
Beth, I’ve known about this theater for a while (never been there). It certainly is one of the best! Glad you are doing something on this, you of all people can do it justice!
Thanks Larry, I’m heartened that other folks know about this place, but still love the “thrill of the find” when I come across places like this unannounced. The internet is great for finding places but also reduces the chance of surprises like this was.
The Roxy was featured on the cover of the Fall 2003 SCA Journal, which had “The Art of the Movie Theater,” an article featuring photographs by Stefanie Klavens (whose photo exhibit wraps up at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington, MA this weekend!)
Glenn – It was a total kismet when I was browsing through Stefanie’s online portfolio, to find her photo of the Roxy. That’s when I knew I had to make sure Retro Roadmap readers knew about both! Can’t let the SCA folks have all the fun
Looks like the only thing missing was the newsreel and the cartoon.
But you can’t miss this lady!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/modbetty/5076098225/in/set-72157625027030645/
She tells you all about shushing your cell phone before the show!
Hi, I’m Ron Lokay and Rich Wolfe is my best friend. Checkout these 2 sites to see what the Roxy Theater, Rich & I have teamed up to do for the Borough of Northampton Fire Dept. Utube Ron Lokay’s Roxy Photo Shoot & on Facebook Rediscover Northampton. Rich has lent his Roxy Marquee numerous times, plus the electric needed to run the lighting for the Photo Shoot at no cost to me or the Fire Dept. I guess you couldn’t find a better person than my friend Rich. It is nice to see that someone else has such nice remarks for this truly fine gentlemen.
Ron, how cool that you and Rich are good friends – thanks for checking out Retro Roadmap! I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought Rich was a truly fine gentleman! I’ve added the links to your places, in case other folks want to check ‘em out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv5l7ufKtVQ
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100000600063405&v=wall
Before I found and joined the Theatre Historical Society of America I too would be flabagasted and filled with joy in finding a “Roxy”. I had that happen to me in Ellsworth, Maine when I found the “Grand”. I have realized that there are people that set their own path in life and Richard Wolfe is a prime example. Thank you and to Richard for letting me see the “light” in a small Pennsylvania town of North Hampton. I know Richard and saw and witnessed his love of the movies and movie theaters. I sketch movie houses around the country and hold lectures to spread “survival”. If you see the “Magic of Main Street Movies” in your travels that’s “me” best joan lengyel
Joan, thanks for chiming in and knowing what I mean about the Roxy – I’ll be adding the Grand in Ellsworth ME to my ever growing list of places I want to check out! I’ll alsp be on the lookout for you and your Magic of Main Street Movies – keep me posted!
My Dear Retro Roadmap Readers –
In an effort to reduce comment spam by bots on my site, I’ve closed the comments on this post.
But the last thing I want to see happen is that it stops the conversation on this topic, especially if you have something you want to add!
So if you want to comment on this post all you have to do is email me at modbetty AT retroroadmap DOT com and let me know what you want to say and what post it goes with. I’ll make sure your info gets matched up and added to the conversation!
Thanks for understanding!
Your hostess, Mod Betty