Majestic Theatre and Bar

Vue d'ensemble

The Majestic Theater was built in 1907 by the Klein Amusement Company. The architect was William H. McElfatrick. The first feature film shown at the theater was D.W. Griffith's film "The Birth of a Nation" in 1915. The Majestic closed as a theater in the 1950s.

Over the years, the building was used as a factory, a warehouse and a church. The building was going to be renovated but in 1995 the roof collapsed and the building was demolished. Before it was demolished, the front lobby was saved and it serves as the Majestic Bar on Grove Street.

The Majestic Theatre is referenced in Helene Stapinski's book "5 Finger Discount" where she mentions performers such as Bing Crosby and Mae West. Also Groucho Marx is reliably named as appearing too . Perhaps more frequently referenced by Stapinski, but from a wholely different perspective, was the original Majestic Bar from which as a young girl she would extract various members of her family.

Jersey City NJ
updated 03/2012 by Jersey City NJ