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It is with great sadness I share that my friend Bob Endres has made the ultimate change over. My hope is that Bob finds a screening room in the next venue. May he drink martinis while playing his favorite content for his audience of stars and angels. Lord knows he is the best of the best in a projection room.
I met Bob when he visited the Majestic Theatre in Streator Illinois. I had been asked by Steve Bell to open the theatre for his daytime visit. Bob came to visit me and the Majestic several times. Each time our friendship grew stronger. I am forever grateful to have spent time in his company. Bob was kind, generous, and the ultimate gentleman. He was supportive during my darkest hours with the Majestic. I will never forget his kindness.
We will miss you Bob, until we meet again. I am confident you will show me signs of your presence watching over me. Guiding me.
With much affection I grieve the loss of your physical presence, Katie
Link to on line Obituary for Robert Endres 06 24 2024
https://gannonfuneralhome.com/tribute-ajax/print-obituary.html?id=1663
Robert O Endres
“Class of '57”
Robert O. Endres, a pioneering figure in the world of film projection and a cherished member of the Radio City Music Hall legacy, passed away on June 25. Robert was born to Oral and Dorothy Endres in 1939 and raised in Streator, Illinois. He attended high school in Streator where he became interested in broadcasting as well as motion-picture projection. Bob's first job in his teen years was as a combination janitor and disc jockey at the local radio station. He first developed a love for film at the Plumb and Majestic Theaters in downtown Streator. As Bob recalled in the collaborative online project Planetary Projection
“I was around nine years old when I first entered a projection booth. I had been given a 16mm hand-cranked projector
by my uncle and, already a movie fan, I was fascinated by it. I attended a Saturday matinee at the Majestic
Theatre in my hometown of Streator, Illinois. I was seated in the balcony right in front of the projection booth
and stood on the arm rests of two of the theater seats to peer through the projection port. Not seeing as much as
I’d like, I went around to the booth door and was peeking through the keyhole when a manager caught me and
ushered me into the booth. I was scared at being caught but fascinated by the equipment. By the time I was twelve, I was being taught how to thread one of those machines by one of the projectionists.”
Following his graduation from Streator High in 1957 he attended the University of Illinois, receiving a bachelor
of arts in journalism in 1962, and then went on to work for Streator’s WIZZ radio station. In 1963, he received a
master’s degree in radio and television, then, while pursuing his doctoral degree, worked at the local radio
station from 1963-1967. While in Streator, Endres became a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Motion Picture Machine Operators union (I.A.T.S.E.) and worked as a relief projectionist
at local theaters. He next accepted a job as head projectionist at the Kankakee Theater, where he would remain
until 1974. From Kankakee, Mr. Endres moved to New York City and fulfilled a lifelong dream; he became Head
Projectionist at Radio City Music Hall, a position he retained for 25 years. As he noted in Planetary
Projection “When I was seventeen, I was in Radio City Music Hall for the first time. I had read about it and had
always wanted to see it. My parents and I were visiting relatives in New Jersey when we took a side trip to New York City and I was able to see the film High Society and the stage show, which included Undersea Ballet (with both front and rear projection effects). I was blown away.”
In 1999, Endres left Radio City for a job as Projection Technician in Dolby's New York City screening room. He also worked several projection side jobs though the union, including for advertising agencies, film laboratories
and movie studios, and acted as background projectionist for CBS on the television shows Search for
Tomorrow, As the World Turns and Captain Kangaroo. His career highlights include Abel
Gance’s Napoleon, with its three-screen triptych at Radio City; the 25th anniversary celebration of the Metropolitan Opera; running ‘dailies’ screenings for Sydney Lumet on seven of his pictures, including his last; and working for director Otto Preminger in his home screening room in Manhattan. Bob was a member of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (S.M.P.T.E.) and held an FCC First Class Radiotelephone Operator License for operating broadcast stations. He was also a proud member of I.A.T.S.E. Union Locals 193 and 306. Bob Endres has made several generous donations to enterprises in his hometown, supporting both the Streator Public Library and the Majestic Theater. He also made generous donations to his alma mater, The University of Illinois. When asked about his work, Mr. Endres said that he saw his job as making the best production he could with the equipment provided. Two of his favorite quips about work was “Ya ain’t been booed ‘til you’ve been booed by 6000 people” referring to his projection work at Radio
City Music Hall which seats nearly 6000, and "I tell people I’ve been hanging around projection booths from B.C. to A.D.: Before CinemaScope to After Digital”.
Bob was an avid New York Times crossword worker and film lover. He thoroughly enjoyed living in New York
and rarely traveled far from his Midtown Manhattan home but always stayed connected with his friends and
colleagues in Streator and Galesburg, Illinois. Bob’s musical tastes were wide and varied but one of his favorite songs was The Class of ’57 by the Statler Brothers. Many thanks to his neighbors Jeremiah and Norma Hawkins
and Bob's in-house healthcare team for caring for Bob In his final days on the planet
Bring the Majestic back to life!
Proceeds from the sale of our product line go to support historic restoration efforts for the Majestic. The Majestic hosted performances by several well-known stars, such as Groucho Marx, Jack Benny, Ed Wynn, Eddie Cantor, Sophie Tucker and Eva Tanguay. Your contribution will help us bring the Majestic lights back on.
On the corner of Hickory and Vermillion sits a chance to make Streator, Illinois a destination for artists and entertainment again.
A new Majestic Theater could and will revive downtown Streator and acknowledge 105 years of history.
Did you know a German Opera House once stood in Streator? The cultural legacy may not be forgotten but once the structure was leveled it could never again truly remind the City of it’s rich heritage, nor provide the City another cultural gem it could be renowned for.
While there is yet time we need to act to restore the Majestic and keep history and live stage entertainment alive and flourishing for Streator.
Regarding Facebook Posts and the Petition:
Robert Endres
Since I've been mentioned frequently in this thread I'd like to comment. I was the largest contributor to getting the Majestic projectors. Working at Dolby Laboratories in New York at the time I was able to secure some discounts for the projectors and the associated Dolby equipment. I also paid to have our two best installation engineers in New York come out to install the equipment. I was shocked when Katie's partner who owned the building called cursing me out and ordering me to get "my" projectors out of the building as I had given him what so many other independent theatres at the time were seeking - a way to convert from film to digital projection. The Majestic had one of the best digital installations around at the time of its closure. Katie did not board the theatre up, but I was glad that she was able to get the projectors out as they would have been sold. She always planned to reinstall them and reopen the theatre but as she has noted a long list of obstacles has thwarted her plan. The Majestic is one of Streator's few remaining links to the its past. There is value in preserving a town's history and many small town theatres have done that. See for example the Fischer Theatre in Danville. The last time I was in it it was in worse shape than the Majestic with large holes in the roof and ceiling. Now it's a beautifully restored performing arts and civic center. It can be done! It's time Katie got some help and encouragement from the community - not vilification.
Water Color Painting of
Majestic Theatre
by local artist Carol Halm
(May 2020)
Prints, Posters, products are now available to support the restoration efforts of the Majestic Theatre.
Carol Halm was born, raised and still lives in a quaint town called Ottawa in Illinois. She has worked in watercolors for over 45 years and has spent 25 years in colored pencil. She has worked on many commissions as well as licensing. She attended at Illinois Valley Community College and has spent countless hours perfecting her craft. She works in various styles such from realism to whimsical and had completed several projects for companies such as Current, Dayspring and PCCrafter. Three dimensional works, murals, kitchen products and clothing have also been among her accomplishments. Besides spending time with her daughter and her family, she loves spending her time creating.
Groucho played the Majestic as a vaudeville act.
You may remember Gonzales Gonzales from John Wayne movies. He provided comedy in Rio Bravo, Hellfighters, and other John Wayne flicks.
Here is where he got his start as an actor when he appeared as a contestant on 'You Bet Your Life'. Groucho Marx takes advantage of the situation based upon the audience laughter.
John Wayne saw the show and put Gonzales in his movies.
Please click the link below:
I own two historic theater The Majestic Theater in Streator IL and the Will Rogers Theater in Charleston IL. Both are in dire need of restoration. Estimated costs are a million dollars each. The Majestic hosted performances by several well-known stars, such as Groucho Marx, Jack Benny, Ed Wynn, Eddie Cantor, Sophie Tucker and Eva Tanguay. The Will Rogers is on the National Historic Register.
I am seeking funding for both projects.
My business plan calls for working with the non profit organization Here and Again Inc., an organization dedicated to promoting the arts and entertainment industry as a way to educate and create employment in the entertainment industry.
My Corporation, Summer House Entertainment Inc will operate the theater as a for profit. We will attract clients from a 50 plus mile radius of each venue hosting live National Acts opened by local artists who perform in a Here and Again Inc program called Song + Story. We will also be able to host film festivals and local events as well as first run movies.
The National acts that play the theaters are an economic boom to the communities. Patrons who attend events will often spend the night (or two) at local hotels, buy gas, and eat in restaurants.
Raising the quality of life with a vibrant theater attracts employers who want their employees to be happy in the communities in which they live. This is classic economic development.
Mixing Song + Story participants with National Entertainers gives local up and coming talent the opportunity to network with entertainers who have been successful, giving them more opportunity for success in the entertainment industry.
I am hopeful you see the benefits that I am proposing and help me find a way to fund the projects.
The Majestic is in an Opportunity Zone 17099964300, TIF and Enterprise Zone and the Will Rogers is also in an Opportunity zone track 17029000500, TIF and Enterprise Zone.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I will look forward to hearing any suggestions or opportunities you may have to offer.
I may be reached at
Katie Troccoli katiet1@sbcglobal.net of call or text 815-228-2058