An incredible photograph of the Keith & Proctor’s Theater at 209 West 125th Street in Central Harlem – the image looks amazing real time. Keith & Proctor’s Theater was part of a chain of opera houses and vaudeville theaters around the city and 125th Street was the place to stroll.
(Hand colored postcard of the b/w photograph above)
Entertainment was serious business back in the day, like it is today with swag and soul.
In a 1906 New York Times article entitled “Keith & Proctor’s 125th Street Manager Held for Assault” the story reports that:
“Shortell said he went to the theatre on Thursday night, accompanied by his wife, and paid $2 for two box seats. He says he was unable to find a seat and demanded of Brunelle either seats or tickets for another night. Brunelle, he said, called him a rowdy and had him arrested after pushing him up against the wall.”
The balconies in the photographs above on the left belong to the Winthrop Hotel. Courtesy NYHS (source).
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