Proctor’s Palace Theater, Newark NJ ~ Welcome to the Show 🎥

We literally stumble into the ruins of this ornate and historic Newark theatre known as Proctor’s Palace. Join us we discover the past and time trip down memory lane. Welcome to the show and as always.. Happy Exploring 🍃
Opened on Thanksgiving Day - November 25, 1915. Proctor’s Palace Theatre in downtown Newark was one of the rare “double decker” theatres. Designed by architect John W. Merrow, the eight-story complex had a large 2,800-seat theatre at ground level with seating on orchestra & 2 balcony levels and a smaller ‘roof garden’ theatre of about 1,400 seats occupying the top four floors beneath the roof. That gives a total of 4,200 seats in the two auditoriums.
The 10-story high facade of the fairly narrow building contained only the 40-foot high lobby of the larger theatre, which had its auditorium behind it, and offices above. A series of murals in the lobbies were by painter William de Leftwich Dodge.
There were 35 fire escapes to allow egress from the building.
Very little has been reported about the operation of the upstairs ‘roof garden’ theatre (an early newspaper reviewer stated that “Mr Proctor prefers to keep quiet about the policy of it” It was apparently seldom used until the summer of 1961, when it was renovated for the presentation of foreign films as the Penthouse Cinema, opening with Ingmar Bergman’s “Secrets of Women” (Though a Glass Darkly).
The main theatre, with its cavernous two balconies, was always one of Newark’s leaders, first with vaudeville only and eventually, by 1926, taken over by movies exclusively. A Wurlitzer 2 manual, 10 rank organ had been installed. The projection booth was at the rear of the second balcony. When all of F.F. Proctor’s theatres were acquired by Radio Keith Orpheum, it became known as RKO Proctor’s Theatre.
By 1931 the seating capacity had been reduced to 2,309. The theatre eventually fell victim to the urban decline of Newark and to RKO’s merger with Stanley-Warner, which operated the nearby and larger Branford Theatre. The new management decided to close Proctor’s Theatre in 1968. Sadly, it has been standing more or less derelict ever since.
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Explore with me, Marlo C.
P.O. Box 1014
Pembroke, Ma. 02359
#abandoned #abandonednewjersey #urbex

[@cindyjofaithful4469]

Almost brought me to tears! I am so sentimental lately 🙄

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

It’s sad to see such a beautiful place go to sh**. :-((

[@nannajaysadventures]

Darker Images TV said it perfectly.... "beautiful Disaster"! Loved your intro as well

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Thank you. A beautiful disaster 🖤

[@nannajaysadventures]

@@ExplorewithmeMarloC absolutely stunning...am still watching now :D

[@iSnags]

The crazy thing is I’m 27 now and for the first 21 years of my life I would walk past that building almost everyday not knowing what it was at all lol thank you

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Your welcome, lol. Lost history rotting away over there.

[@mallaholicretailadventures]

Great find. Such a shame how this went to waste. Over 50 years of decay. You don't see decor like that anymore. Great explore.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Agree 1,000 % So sad to see this in such disrepair. Simply beautiful though. Thank you so much.

[@mdh8448]

Just WOW❤

[@cindyjofaithful4469]

I'm # 23👍 watching now!

[@JME-TV]

Amazing location ❤️

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Agreed 😄

[@nannajaysadventures]

Thank goodness you and Darker Image Tv are there to document such a place. It is a real shame that it was not maintained/restored.... so sad.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

It’s an actual historic landmark. Nice huh? Just left to decay and fall apart. Very sad. Im grateful for the opportunity to have seen it.

[@hamerhead2]

great explore everywhere you look something in some form of decay. had to have been kinda scary going over the piles of rubble. And i bet there are still people living there. that place closed same year i was born and is still standing thanks for sharing your adventures stay safe.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

It was such an awesome and amazing place to explore. Definitely risky walking around in there, some places felt like we were going to fall right through. Thank you so much for checking it out.

[@georginastoliker3358]

Amazing, stuck like glue watching. From the dressing rooms to the fill containers and the detailed work of it all ..so nice to sit back and enjoy this gem while you young people explore for us ,safely. Brovo 👏👏👏👏👏

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Thank YOU so much my friend. Who are these young people you speak of? 😂 too kind... thank you. This was an amazing experience and im glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏻

[@jaygentile5202]

I've never heard or seen a double theater pretty awesome find I liked the 2nd one a little more great history those places are known for activity the place was sketchy safety wise you are brave.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Ya the 2nd theater was a sight for sure. Sketchy at best walking around in here.

[@nannajaysadventures]

OMG 8:26 ... serious photo moment just there

[@UrbexSniperHunter]

Great Video my friend! Like is done! Have a nice day!

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Thank you so much and right back atcha ☺️

[@UrbexSniperHunter]

@@ExplorewithmeMarloC thanks my friend 🙂

[@stevexray6253]

Everything was ornate back then and long lasting.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Agreed. Nothing built today can compare to hand craftsmanship.

[@lcexplores6222]

OH MY GOSH!! I gotta see this! Great exploration

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Definitely. Go check it out before it literally crumbles in on itself.

[@lcexplores6222]

@@ExplorewithmeMarloC I sure will

[@mrjinx2024]

Very interesting adventure I like seeing all the old decaying stuff but also love the graffiti .

[@eileenmoyer6239]

Newark wow that town has really gone downhill fast but an amazing explore marlo theaters are so stunning the architecture just speaks volumes stay safe my friend

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

This particular area of Newark is extremely run down. We basically explored a blown out high rise building. Death trap in some areas but worth seeing non the less. You could really get a grasp of how it was to be there and see a show. It was like stepping back in time. Sad it just rots.

[@diggindiggenit6540]

started getting real good past the half way point, that place is Huge, very neat

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

It was a real fun explore. Stepping back in time. You can get lost in there.

[@journeywithjay]

Awesome video Marlo!!!! Such a cool location, crazy that just sits there rotting all these decades.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Thank you. It amazes me that this place still stands. It’s so fragile and decayed. Gorgeous theater.

[@nannajaysadventures]

15:25 Another incredible photo moment....what a crazy place. Love it! (I am doing your trick, lots of comments from me haha)

[@nannajaysadventures]

16:09 Another photo there lol

[@nannajaysadventures]

the whole place is one big photo haha

[@mrdave777]

No. That was a stick of dynamite! Great video!

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Thank you

[@mrdave777]

@@ExplorewithmeMarloC Thanks! Would you please explain one item? From what I gather. One theatre is on top of the other? Please elaborate.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

@@mrdave777 Opened on Thanksgiving Day - November 25, 1915, Proctor’s Palace Theatre in downtown Newark was one of the rare “double decker” theatres. Designed by architect John W. Merrow, the eight-story complex had a large 2,800-seat theatre at ground level with seating on orchestra & 2 balcony levels and a smaller ‘roof garden’ theatre of about 1,400 seats occupying the top four floors beneath the roof. That gives a total of 4,200 seats in the two auditoriums.

[@CyberDocUSA]

Your video mesmerized me. Have been to Newark many times & thankfully never lived there. There was a constant threat of avalanches throughout your video, collapses, etc. Excellent & daring work, guys!

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Thank YOU so much, yup.. this area is sadly already declined. Total deathtrap in here yet worth it. Appreciated muchly. Muchly?? Lol. Anywho....

[@CyberDocUSA]

@@ExplorewithmeMarloC, yeah, _muchly_ works and so does a good pair of shoes and a concealed firearm in that area. I was born in Camden, NJ, and if you get down that way you might check out the Walt Whitman Theater or some of the others. Definitely gotta watch your 6's in Camden, though. Some great antiques that someone should liberate from this theater you explored. It's going to be buried forever otherwise.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

@@CyberDocUSA lol.. yeah right?? True story.. very bad area. Thank you on that tip for those other theaters. I 100% used to be of the mind... NEVER TAKE A THING. But I do. If there’s old paperwork on the floor i take it & frame it as a momento. I took a couple of original movie tickets that were on the floor from over 60 years ago. If that pisses people off... oh well. This theater sits in rot and is a day shy of collapsing.

[@CyberDocUSA]

@@ExplorewithmeMarloC, if that pisses people off? F-' em. Shit's gonna be fossil fuel in 10 million years anyway so why not have a trinket/souvenir/momento and a slice-o-preserved history for others to see & appreciate who can never make it into such venues. Peace.

[@bobtk2352]

I've watched several explores of this theatre, and this is definitely the best.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Honored & humbled by the comment, thank you very much. It was amazing to see & document.

[@notrightjohnnydetectingjun8028]

Present and accounted for

[@tresannrn8454]

What beautiful dual theater 🎥....you did such a great job filming such a beautifully massive building. I would have loved to have ventured in to this theater in its hay day!! I was stoked to see that the peni-artistry hadn't hit there..at least in your coverage of this iconic rarity! LMAO.. Thanks again Friend for always taking chances to live your passion and for taking us along!!✌🙂❄❤

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Hi Tres Ann, thank you. I loved this theater so much. A nice change. The closest I’ve been to a theater like this was this place we had here in Boston. It was called the Orpheum and it had such grandeur like this one but on a smaller scale. Never noticed any anatomy graffiti and I’m glad for once 😅 always appreciate you my friend. Have an awesome week.

[@tresannrn8454]

@@ExplorewithmeMarloC ❤

[@spiderreed350]

Very cool,I found that lighted clipboard so cool.I know your probably not permitted to take items but that clipboard would have been coming home with me,sorry,lol..I have never saw one.they needed that in the film room because you couldn't turn on a light while a film was running. So cool,excellent adventure Marlo,great job,very enjoyable, thumbs up!

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

I didn’t know that about the clipboard, thank you. I took some original movie tickets i found and I don’t feel bad about it. So much to see here. this theater was amazing.

[@edde333]

Great explore! And should I say elephant free viewing. ☺️🤭 Love when you guy's link up. Stay safe mama. 🙏

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Lol. Thank you. No elephants were spotted here 😉 appreciated, thank you Edde.

[@trollingtime1234]

Just imagine how it would look like when it gets restored though i doubt it will ever be sadly.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Sadly it will not ever be restored. It’s been sitting abandoned for over 50+ years.

[@nannajaysadventures]

I know I am going on and on, my apologies, look up Regent Theatre, Dunedin and Civic Theatre Auckland...both theatres are these types of theatres and are restored. Would give you an idea of how a place like this would truly look like in its day

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

These old theaters are gems. Sad yo see them fade away. Nice you still have theaters like this and they restored them.

[@thenaturemanadventures]

Absolutely a gem in the rough 😲 Yesteryear brought entertainment to life in such a special way. This theater is simply (no words can express) the grandeur. All the intricate details show the pride in craftsmanship back in the day. If only these amazing places would return today 🥺 Absolutely incredible explore Marlo 😲 enjoyed every second my dear friend ☺️🌲

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Key word. Craftsmanship. There were walls that had hand painted designs.. hand carved moldings... pride in their work. They do not build them quite like this anymore. Was a blessing to see this before it’s gone forever. Thank you my friend. ☺️

[@jcripp7974]

Those green lights are old time foot lights. Ever hear of the term "limelight"? Well, there you go. This is great walking around in here. " Showbiz" love it

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Oh wow.. never even put that together. Should of realized YOU would know that 🖤 Thank you Dad. Love you.

[@HauntedRamblings]

Wow how beautiful!! I would have loved to have been there... i would have had to gone with an old gown tucked in my clothes just for some awesome photos! Thank you Marlo!

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Ooooh wow. I can picture that photo shoot 🤩 that would be amazing. This theater was so good. Decaying beauty, ornate details.. i fell in love with the place. 🖤 thank you ☺️

[@NaomisAdventures]

That place is awesome

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

An Urbexers paradise. So overwhelming to see 😜🖤

[@xplorerllttfparanormalurba490]

This place is so awesome. I didnt even know there was another on top floor blew me away

[@JamesSmith-si7ts]

Downtown Newark. At one time it’s rivaled nyc for entertainment in the 40s Newark had massive amounts of theatres. Downtown and through out the wards. They were all beautiful. Too.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

This theater reflects that. Beautiful to see.

[@rockintetster]

At the very end of the video, you might’ve noticed a store called “Gentlemens Quarters.” That is the lobby of yet another abandoned theater called the Adams. Not quite as large but just as beautiful and just as Dilapidated. There is also the abandoned Paramount theater further down on market Street. A Larger theater called the Branford was also on the block. It was demolished in the 1980s

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

I’m familiar with the Paramount but not the others you mentioned. I hope I can get out there again in spring, I’d love to see the Adams. These old theaters are gems. Thank you so much.

[@ExploringWithBonnie13]

Awesome explore. Really cool place. So much decay just love it. Stay safe out there. That theater was beautiful. So sad that it cant be repaired. That architecture there is fantastic.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Thank you.. late to respond because notifications here sometimes do not notify. Ya, this place was a gem for sure 😀

[@ExploringWithBonnie13]

@@ExplorewithmeMarloC that's ok I'm kinda late watching since I work and explore.

[@notrightjohnnydetectingjun8028]

Do you know what would be a good idea to let someone that you trust have tracking permission on your phone if you ever get in a situation somebody will know where you are. Might save you from a coyote escape

[@JMExplorations]

Man I wish we would have checked this out when we did the jail but we ran out of time!! We will definitely put this on our list! WOW.....breathtaking view at 15:33. Looks similar to the theater we did in East St Louis, Illinois. LOVE the details in the seating and railings and the building itself! Just beautiful! Thank you for the tour and stay safe! :)

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

It was ahhh mazin. 😉 Natural decay, the beautiful, dangerous disaster of it all was incredible and the history interesting. Definitely get here & check it out. Thank you so much and stay safe as well ☺️

[@asapcornerstone7851]

It’s located 44 branford place newark nj . You’re going to see a red brick wall and a opening. You’re welcome people .

[@YourTubeVideoss]

Marlo . You Must Remember Back On Those Days Women Did NOT wear " Trashy " JEANS going To The Theater Or In Every Day Life , Even In My Days 1970's Women Did Wear DRESSES .. Personally To Me This World Has Gone To Hell ( nothing personal ) .. TODAY i Think It Looks BAD when I See a Woman In Pants , Slacks Is Just An Excuse Not To Wear a Pretty Dress

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

People used to have pride in the way they looked when headed out to the theaters. Men wore suits and ladies wore dresses. It was a night out. Back then it was a luxury to go to the shows.. not an everyday thing.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

🤔 hmmmm. Exploration in a gown.... video idea?? Lol.. thank you for stopping by.

[@chris.agony.]

really wanna go see this place, but im a bit scared. is it dangerous?

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

You watched it right? Yes.. it’s extremely dangerous and falling apart as you can see. The place is amazing. I hear it’s boarded up now but that is just what i heard. If you get the chance to check it out., definitely do ☺️

[@chris.agony.]

@@ExplorewithmeMarloC thanks, maybe i'll rally the courage eventually

[@chris.agony.]

@@ExplorewithmeMarloC finally build the courage up, went this morning, and it was fenced off. lovely..

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

@@chris.agony. can you still see a way in?

[@chris.agony.]

@@ExplorewithmeMarloC yeah, I'll probably have to go early or late when the police aren't around to hop the fence

[@burg256]

is it still there?

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Yes

[@bryanrodriguez9226]

I tried to do this and couldn’t find a way to get in

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

There’s a hole on the side of the building .

[@bryanrodriguez9226]

@@ExplorewithmeMarloC thank you I’ll try one day once again

[@toms776]

What about the lobby?

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

What about it

[@JElNative]

Sadly the city let's these historic buildings rot for new generic developments.

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Extremely sad. This theater should of been saved. History… lost. It’s shameful. I’m glad i got to visit this amazing location.