The Strand Theatre, is a movie theater located at 28 East Winter Street in downtown Delaware, Ohio, near the campus of Ohio Wesleyan University. Opened on April 10, 1916, The Strand is the tenth longest operating movie theater in the United States.
Video Strand Theatre (Delaware, Ohio)
History
The theatre opened on April 10, 1916. It was first owned by Henry Bieberson. The building was originally the New York Cash Store, a department store built in 1908. Near the exit of the theatre, one can see the original opening announcement from The Journal Herald, printed on April 8, 1916. The Strand has never been closed since its opening.
Schine Theatres was a chain of theatres run out of Gloversville, NY. The chain had operated 170 movie theatres in 6 different states during their operation. In 1971 a previous Schine manager and his wife, George and Cindy Johnson, bought the single screen theatre. Under their ownership they brought a renovation which included adding two more screens. In 1982 the second screen was added in the adjoining storefront, and then in 1986 the original balcony was blocked off and turned into the third screen. Eventually, George and Cindy eventually retired back to Greece, then selling The Strand to the Amato's in 1994.
Cathy and Jerry Amato bought The Strand from the Johnson's on February 11, 1994, and kept it running until Ohio Wesleyan University bought it in 2002. The Amato's kept the theatre running during a rough time in its history. This was an effort to preserve its place in the community of Delaware city and in history. When OWU took ownership, they helped create the Strand Theatre and Cultural Arts Association, a 501 (c) 3 Non-profit board that currently owns the Strand.
On February 12, 2009 the Strand Theater & Cultural Arts Associate received an award for the renovations made to the concession area, and the restoration of the second floor windows. The Strand manager, Kara (McVay) Long, also received an award recognizing her efforts to promote the community and causes.
In 2010, the Strand announced plans for $5 million in renovations. The renovations plan to add digital projectors, add three more screens, a blade with the Strand's name on the marquee, and a back entrance within the next three years. The Strand requested $50,000 in economic development funds each from Delaware County and the City of Delaware for new seats and wall coverings. On October 4, 2010, Delaware County commissioners granted $175,000 for renovations to the Strand. The theatre continued showing a mix of digital and film movies until 2012. The last film movie shown there was The Dark Knight Rises, all movies since have been digital.
In 2016, The Strand celebrated a 'Century of Cinema', due to its being open for 100 years and never closing its doors. There is a strip of dedicated stars out front of the doors leading to the marquis. This as well as a plaque inside indicates the donors over the restoration years (~2010-2016). This as well as a documentary on the history of the theatre highlight where The Strand has been and where the next century will take them.
Presently, The Strand is still running as a non-profit. They partner with local businesses and community members to sustain the theatre as an icon of the city. They consistently run first-run films as well as host community events.
Maps Strand Theatre (Delaware, Ohio)
References
External links
- Official website of the Strand Theatre
- Delaware Strand Theatre within knowledge base
Source of article : Wikipedia
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