![An Apollo Hall was founded in the mid-1800s by former Civil War General Edward Ferrero as a dance hall and ballroom. Upon the expiration of his lease in 1872, the building was converted to a theater, which closed shortly before the turn of the century.
However, the name “Apollo Theater” lived on. In 1913[2] or 1914,[3] a new building, designed by the architect George Keister,[4]and who also patterned the First Baptist Church in the City of New York, opened at 253 West 125th Street as Hurtig and Seamon’s New (Burlesque) Theater,[2] operated by noted burlesque producers Jules Hurtig and Harry Seamon, who obtained a 30-year lease.[4] It remained in operation until 1928, when Bill Minsky took over.[citation needed] The song “I May Be Wrong (But I Think You’re Wonderful)” by Harry Sullivan and Harry Ruskin, written in 1929, became the theme song of the theater.](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kwgyhnyqaF1qajey3o1_500.jpg)
An Apollo Hall was founded in the mid-1800s by former Civil War General Edward Ferrero as a dance hall and ballroom. Upon the expiration of his lease in 1872, the building was converted to a theater, which closed shortly before the turn of the century.
However, the name “Apollo Theater” lived on. In 1913[2] or 1914,[3] a new building, designed by the architect George Keister,[4]and who also patterned the First Baptist Church in the City of New York, opened at 253 West 125th Street as Hurtig and Seamon’s New (Burlesque) Theater,[2] operated by noted burlesque producers Jules Hurtig and Harry Seamon, who obtained a 30-year lease.[4] It remained in operation until 1928, when Bill Minsky took over.[citation needed] The song “I May Be Wrong (But I Think You’re Wonderful)” by Harry Sullivan and Harry Ruskin, written in 1929, became the theme song of the theater.
