LANDIS MEMORIES

_______________________________________

After a long run, the tired Lady Landis, she of tinsel and bright lights, ran down her curtain in 1987. The closing came fifty years after her grand opening in 1937, which was the result of the hard work and dedication of Vineland's citizens. It marked fifty years of movie firsts, family entertainment and sometimes, even a little necking in the back row!

In appreciation, The Marquee, the Landis Theater Redevelopment Association has dedicated this space to chronicle the memories people all over southern New Jersey have when they think of the Landis.

Many local citizens have fond memories of the Landis Theatre. Councilman Mike Pantelione and his wife, Terri, met while working there as teens.

Vineland resident Maria Perez has an especially poignant Landis memory. It was one of the few times her hard-working father was able to accompany his entire family on an outing. They watched "Davy Crockett."

Anthony Dellquilla, who served as usher and manager of the Landis in its heyday, remembers the time when ushers drilled in military precision. They were expected to come to work with their red jackets pressed and starched and ready to lead customers smartly to their seats.

"The theatre was held in such high esteem, boys wore a suit and tie when they went to see a movie," said Bob Mazzeo, Assistant Training Director for the I.B.E.W. Local 531.

Antoinette Mensone made a generous contribution to the Landis Theatre Redevelopment Association in memory of her late brother, Alfred Crudele. Mrs Mensone said Mr. Crudele was the doorman on Opening Night in 1937.

"He worked there for many, many years," recalled the Vineland resident fondly.

The Landis seems to inspire love. For instance, Henry and Jacqueline Harris met on Christmas Eve, 1985 at the theatre. They were married on May 16, 1987.

Ron and Tena Angelo met at the theatre when he was an usher and she, a cashier. That was in 1949. Tena Angelo said they have "many lovely memories of that time plus a 42 year marriage from that meeting.'

Frank Buscemi was walking his beat as a Vineland police officer when he met Donna Willis, who was working in the Landis ticket booth. The couple, married in 1988, has been together ever since.

Ivette Jimenez said she'll never forget her first movie at the Landis - it was also the first movie she ever saw after coming to America in 1967.

George "Duke" Luciano recently reminisced about his many dates at the Landis. He said when he was a younger man, he took a different girl to the movies every weekend.

Vineland Police Office Dan Fay recently visited the theatre and found his name on a Christmas stocking used when he worked there in 1987. Several stockings and ushers jackets were found behind the concession stand during a volunteer clean-up. Officer Fay is trying to contact the others whose names were on the stockings.

Sharondia McCarter, a writer for the Dally Journal, worked at the theatre when it closed. She remembers crying when the marquee lights went off for the last time.

Terry Smith of Millville often visted the theatre with his uncle, projectionist Gene Mathis. His job was to help the late Mr. Mathis re-wind the films. For his work, he got to see the movies from the projection room.