Park Ridge letter to the editor: Fond memories of the Pickwick

Updated: September 24, 2012 6:05AM

Today I received an article from my friend in Park Ridge about the overhaul at the Pickwick Theatre.

This brought wonderful memories to me, as I was raised in Park Ridge and the Pickwick was the place that my mother and grandmother went to on a regular basis. Especially on Wednesday evening when there were dishes given out and a drawing from a revolving large cage that was wheeled out on the stage during a intermission between films. I also remember the square section you entered first where the ticket man accepted your ticket and returned a torn-half back.

When you looked up to the ceiling, it continued all the way up to the underside of the beacon at the very top. At Christmas season a large tree (made up of several trees ) would be placed in the center to point up to the top. Years later (I don’t remember exactly when) a ceiling was erected, much lower, I think to conserve heat. Possibly during World War II or thereabouts. Anyway, the original very high, tower-like ceiling was so beautiful with the lights.

I worked there in 1947-48 as a candy girl at the small candy counter; the manager was a wonderful man named Mr. Giles. There were ushers in uniform at the inner aisle doors with white gloves and flashlights. The beautiful statue at the far end leading down to the men’s wash room was always lighted. It was like a family place, almost like home.

Thank you for taking care of this wonderful structure from a great talented artist, Mr. Iannelli. I am now 81 years old and this brought tears of joy and wonderful memories.

God Bless you all.

Margaret Geisler

Cape Cod, Mass.

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