Flushing in Queens in Queens County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Former RKO Keith's Theatre
Flushing Freedom Mile
The RKO Keith's Flushing Theatre opened on Christmas Day, 1928, as the Keith-Albee Vaudeville Theatre. In its heyday, performers such as Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Roy Rogers, Jack Benny, Mae West and the Marx Brothers graced its stage.
Designed by world-renowned theater architect Thomas Lamb, RKO Keith's was built in the grand tradition of movie palaces. It had a fountain in the lobby, an organ, and an elaborate décor complete with moving clouds, twinkling stars, and ornate plasterwork designed to create the illusion of being in a Spanish courtyard.
Over the years the theater fell into disrepair, and it closed in the mid-1980s. The ticket lobby and grand foyer have been designated as New York City landmarks.
[Captions:]
The program from Opening Night at the Keith-Albee Theater. The show that evening consisted of vaudeville and musical acts, plus several short films. (below)
The design of the main lobby of RKO Keith's was typical of many movie houses built in the 1920s. (right)
Erected by Queens Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment
this page online
Location. 40° 45.794′ N, 73° 49.92′ W. Marker is in Queens, New York, in Queens County. It is in Flushing. Marker is at the intersection of Northern Boulevard (New York State Route 25A) and Main Street, on the right when traveling west on Northern Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 135-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing NY 11354, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Daniel Carter Beard Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Hon. Alfred J. Kennedy (within shouting distance of this marker); Quaker Meeting House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Friends Meeting House (about 400 feet away); Flushing Civil War Monument (about 500 feet away); Flushing Town Hall (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Flushing Town Hall (about 600 feet away); World War I Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Queens.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 177 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 11, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
