Photo: P. L. Sperr, March 13, 1932
Opened by Charles Steiner, in 1914, the Palace replaced an earlier theatre on the site.
The Evening Telegram, January 18, 1908:
“Plans have also been filed… for remodeling the stable at No. 333 Essex street for occupancy as a moving picture exhibition, the change to be made for Markowitz & Elliot. L. C. Maurer and Steiner & Weiss are the architects.”
The Evening Post, September 1, 1908:
“Plans have been filed for remodeling the moving picture amusement show at 133 Essex street into a concert hall with a stage. The change of occupancy being made for Steiner & Weiss, lessees, and D. Felix Towns, as owner.”
Beyond the Screen: Institutions, Networks, and Publics of Early Cinema, 2016
“A pivotal figure in this M & S circuit was Charles Steiner, who had started out in 1908 around the corner from Golden Rule Hall. In 1914, his old Essex Street nickelodeon gave way to the brand-new Palace Theatre (133-135) Essex) which seated six hundred.”
Despite what appears to be posters in the above photo, the marquee advertises Loyal Furniture (“Shop Here!”).
In 1959, the building became the first Kosher-Chinese restaurant in New York, Bernstein-on-Essex Street, “where kashrut is king and quality reigns.”
New York World Telegram and Sun, April 22, 1966
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.
Walks also available at Local Expeditions
Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.
The first two chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.
Editing and updating the third edition of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, Volume I.
