Photo by Sarah Andert

The Tivoli Theatre occupied this Broadmoor buiding from the time it was built in 1926 until the theater closed in the '60s. D.W. Rhodes Funeral home moved in after that and is repairing damages wrought by Katrina.

D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home has occupied the historic building at 3933 Washington Ave. for more than 35 years, and construction will begin soon to repair the damage caused by Katrina. The building was completed in 1927 and served as the Tivoli Theatre until its closure in the mid-'60s. It was subsequently purchased by the Rhodes family. The Rhodes family is trying to gather information about the impact of this historic building from 1927-1969 and would welcome any stories from people who remember the Tivoli Theatre (i.e. attending shows, its role in the community, first dates at the theater, etc.). On behalf of the Rhodes family, I am writing to request your assistance in locating people who remember this historic Broadmoor neighborhood theater. I would greatly appreciate it if you would ask your readers to share their stories with us. Responses can be emailed to tivoli@designtheplanet.com or mailed to: Design the Planet, Attn: Tivoli Stories, 3520 Gen. DeGaulle Drive, Suite 2100, New Orleans, LA 70114.

Julia Crenshaw-Smith

Dear Julia,

Old Blake just loves to do his bit for preservation. I'm sure there are lots of folks -- although fewer than before Hurricane Katrina -- who remember the Tivoli Theatre and will be eager to respond to your plea.

I remember when the grand theater opened: May 28, 1926 -- not 1927. Excitement like this had not been seen since the opening of the Loew's State Theater on Canal Street the previous month on Easter Saturday. The gala event was attended by Mayor O'Keefe and his wife, guest stars from the downtown theaters and radio personalities from WSMB. To begin the program, we sang "The Star-Spangled Banner." Robert McNamara played the magnificent Robert Morton organ. The mayor addressed the crowd with greetings from the city, and then the Sunny South Trio from WSMB entertained us. For our enlightenment, Elizabeth Werlein spoke on the educational and civic aspects of the motion picture.

The real entertainment began with the feature picture: Behind the Front with Wallace Berry. This was followed by songs and dances by the stars from other theaters. Then came an Our Gang comedy, Buried Treasure. My, how we laughed!

The delightful evening ended with an exit march, and the crowd emptied into the streets, everyone praising the theater and the entertainment.

The new Tivoli Theatre cost $200,000. It was proud of its amenities, and with good reason. There were Typhoon fans to cool the air and large, comfortable seats. The theater had ice-cooled and filtered-water fountains and luxuriously furnished restrooms. The interior was done in marble, and the walls were decorated in a combination of brown and gold. There was room enough for 1,800 folks, although some of them had to sit in the balcony.

Everyone who attended the grand opening went home to tell friends and family about the splendid new addition to Broadmoor.

Hey Blake,

I recently bought a cedar chest by H. Pukof, and I cannot find out any information about him. I was wondering if you have any additional information on this manufacturer.

Jason Kelley

Dear Jason,

Does the label inside your chest read "H. Pukof. The old reliable cedar chest manufacturer, 239 Dauphine Street"? That's what Mr. Pukof put inside to identify his work.

I can tell you that it was in 1915 that Pukof started making cedar chests in New Orleans, and his business was located at 239 Dauphine St. in 1920. For at least 25 years, Pukof continued to supply his customers with handmade chests and wardrobes, and in 1945 he added another shop a few blocks away at 531 Dauphine St. The original shop was gone by 1960, and the business itself continued for approximately another 10 years.