Brooklyn Apollo, 1531 Fulton Street

 New York Recorder, August 13, 1966:
Questions and answers from the “Escapading with Tommy Watkins” column,
“Q. Did the Brooklyn Apollo Theatre ever have it mandatory that Negros sit in the balcony?
A. Yes but picketlines broke this practice in the early 1930s.”

 

From original photo, New York Public Library

New York Recorder, March 31, 1964

Excerpts from the “Escapading with Tommy Watkins” column, New York Recorder, September 24, 1977:
“I passed Fulton St. and Throop Ave in Brooklyn the other day and the well-known Brooklyn Apollo has been torn down and construction men are busying themselves building a fast food spot. While the famous Harlem Apollo Theatre stole practically all the thunder during the 1940s and 1950s, stars were being born at the Brooklyn Apollo.”

“During recent years, with the advent of TV, the once proud Brooklyn Apollo dwindled to almost nothing—only a decaying structure was remaining.  So I was not too surprised to learn that it is no more, but with its passing goes many memories that old Brooklynites will not forget for a long time to come.”

 

 

Since 1997 theatre historian, Cezar Del Valle, has conducted a popular series of  theatre talks and walks, available for  historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc. Private walks also available.

Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.

Currently seeking funding for “Editing & Formatting” the first three volumes of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, 3rd Edition

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