The Albany theater’s marquee is long gone, but the memories aren’t. This photo on the Facebook “Vintage Albany” page produced a discussion about the downtown theatres — the Albany, the State, the Liberty, the Claire and the Ritz – and the memories they produced. Current and former Albany residents discussed how they saw the “Bridge Over the River Kwai,” “The Spirit of St. Louis,” “Robinson Caruso” at the Albany; horror flicks like the “Creature from the Black Lagoon” at the State; and low-budget Westerns and B-grade movies like “Bucket of Blood” at the Liberty and Claire. Admission was 25 cents and a Red Charms sucker was just a nickel; all of the movies, of course, were preceded by cartoons. Sometimes a nearby Jimmy’s hot dog would be part of the pre- or post-movie experience. There were bike racks in front of the theaters — or mothers would pick up the kids after doing some downtown shopping. Many new movies would only show for two or three days, a strategy that kept the theatres crowded, while some children’s shows like ”Davy Crockett”, “Old Yeller” and ”The Lady and the Tramp” would stay in town a week or more to give youngsters from throughout the region the opportunity to pay admission. Inside the Albany’s entrance were Dr. Tisdale’s and Dr. Greenway’s offices, and across the street was the Philmon Barber & Beauty Shop.