The Old Fillmore East on 2nd Avenue to Receive Commemorative Plaque
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For a few short, yet culturally significant years, the Fillmore East buzzed the eardrums of rock fans. Bill Graham opened the historic theater in 1968 as the East Coast sister to San Francisco, and attracted a slew of legacy performers in their prime. Some artists who graced the stage, among others, were Pink Floyd, The Doors, Allman Brothers, Jefferson Airplane, etc.
Now the community is coming together to install a commemorative plaque onsite at 105 Second Avenue. The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, Two Boots Pizza, and Apple Bank are co-sponsoring the effort. The latter organization currently operates at this address. An unveiling event will transpire on Wednesday, October 29, and will include special speakers and entertainers yet to be announced; Two Boots pizza will be served (RSVP here).
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Built in 1925 as a Yiddish American vaudeville theater and film space called the Commodore Theatre, the building was designed by Harrison G. Wiseman. The inside housed Corinthian columns, painted murals, and proscenium arch. With 2,830 seats and a single screen, The Commodore became part of the famed Loew’s chain (never designated a Loew’s Wonder Theatre though that may have been a mistake) as the Loews Commodore, and later, the Village Theater.
After its Fillmore flirtation, Second Avenue became the gay nightclub The Saint. And then a bank – Emigrant followed by Apple Bank.
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Photo Credit: NYPL
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