(MCH) The Ferndale Theatre Traditional Geocache
(MCH) The Ferndale Theatre
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Michigan Cinema History:
The Ferndale Theatre
22920 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, MI 48220
aka: the Magic Bag, Studio North
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OPENED: 1921 | CLOSED (as a theatre): 1989 | SEATS: 425
1938 view of the Ferndale
Opened in 1921 as the Ferndale, this 425-seat theater was renamed the Studio North in 1961 and shortly thereafter, also changed the type of entertainment it provided to the local area. It was known as one of the few theaters in the Detroit area where you could see foreign films, avant-garde films, and some classic films.
In short, it would be one of the few places that would show films that were not produced from the larger Hollywood studios, and sometimes had a more in-depth storyline than some of the major blockbusters of the day. The Studio North also had a bit more "sophisticated feeling" to it for those patrons that would attend the various film showings there and that seemed to keep folks coming back for more.
The Ferndale Theatre - 1949
The Studio North would show adult films, which put it at-odds with the government of the city of Ferndale, as well as the Oakland County government. Many legal battles were fought and charges of supposed illegal-activities were brought as well to the management and customers of the theatre.
Interior view of the Ferndale (unknown date)
The talk of illicit activities never really did die-down as the management had hoped it would. Police were called for a variety of small-time issues, and some bigger ones too. But nothing seemed to be able to keep business from booming for this little spot along Woodward, just north of 9 mile road. Finally after many, many court battles and legal-proceedings, the City of Ferndale finally succeeded in getting the Studio North shut down for good in 1989. However, the theatre would not sit idle or empty for long.
1980's view of the theatre as the Studio North
A short two-years later, in 1991, it would reopen after an extensive renovation and remodeling. This remodel reduced the theatre's seating to 300 (from the original 425) and it would reopen as more of a mixture of "concert venue and theatre" facility. This mixture of entertainment would feature concerts as well as "brew-n-view"-style movie screenings as well as some concerts.
The theatre had an ownership change and remodel in April 1996 and was remodeled once again in 2005. The 2005 remodel expanded the lobby, remade and expanded the bar area and remade and expanded the bathrooms.
Mid-2000's view
For some folks, this is and was a very special place for many reasons. Maybe because of the shows or maybe the ambiance, or just the whole experience altogether. It's hard to say...but it most-definitely is and was a wonderful part of Metro Detroit.
The "Theatre" is more of a full-bar and concert-venue than anything else now, with most of the theatre-seats having been removed in the last remodel. However, it's roots are firmly seated here in entertainment and that's what makes it part of Michigan Cinema History.
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If you have any more information or
details on this theatre, please email
me and i will include it in the description.
Thank you.
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