Early interior view, Louis XIV style, probably circa 1915 shortly after it opened. Modeled after London's West End (later Rialto) theater near Leicester Square.
Interior view after remodeling circa 1926. Members of the "Parkway Orchestra" can be seen in the pit with the WurliTzer Opus #1421 console on the stage-left side. Courtesy UMBC.
On this page will be shown vintage views of the Parkway's interior. Many of the images were taken just before and just after the 1926 restyling of the theatre undertaken when it was acquired by the Loews organization. Comparisons show the substantially same vantage point "Before" and "After" the work was accomplished. Image source credit is given where known.
As above from a different angle. Courtesy UMBC.
"Rose Girl" painting (see
"Contempory Views" page).
Looking forward from under the balcony (before). Courtesy UMBC.
Looking forward from under the balcony (after). Oddly, even though the "Royal Boxes" in the balcony have been removed, their lower contours are still in place. The time of the eventual removal of those features is unknown. The console of Wurlitzer Opus #1421 is clearly visible in the stage left area of the pit. Courtesy UMBC.
Looking to the rear (before). Projection Room portals have already been cut through in the rear balcony. A lighted orchestra music stand is visible in the center front. Courtesy UMBC.
Looking to the rear (after). Interestingly, seating capacity appears to have been reduced, not increased. Courtesy UMBC.
Outer lobby looking West (before). The sign beside the ticket cage shows prices of 30, 50 and 60 cents. Courtesy UMBC.
Outer lobby (after). Note position of ticket booth is now on the right, facing the street, front and center of the lobby. Courtesy UMBC.
Inner lobby facing West (before). Note gas sconces above lobby doors to right. Stairs lead to upper lobby and balcony. Courtesy UMBC.
Inner lobby (after). Gas sconces survive the make-over. Floor is now either bare wood or badly worn carpet. Courtesy UMBC.
Balcony facing North-East (before). First row center appears to be configured for VIPs. Oval "picture frames" appear to be empty. Courtesy UMBC.
Balcony (after). Courtesy UMBC.
Upper lobby facing East (before). Note telephone on wall at left. Enlargement reveals it to be a pay phone. Courtesy UMBC.
Upper lobby (after). Red circled item is probably a gas illumination sconce. Courtesy UMBC.
A different aspect.
Courtesy UMBC.
