GC3MZ63 (DCH) The Great Lakes Theatre (Traditional Cache) in Michigan, United States created by RayQix

GC3MZ63 ▼

A cache by RayQix Message this owner

Hidden : 2/23/2014

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Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

The Detroit Cinema History (DCH)
caches are dedicated to the local creation,
viewing, or enjoyment of cinema-related
items in the local area.

This can include, and is not limited to, people, places, and things
relating to Cinema or both past-and-present.

This series is a companion to
the Michigan Cinema History (MCH) and
the Ontario Cinema History (OCH) series.

Detroit Cinema History:
The Great Lakes Theatre
14832 Grand River Ave - Detroit, MI

OPEN: 1927 | CLOSED: 1968 | SEATS: 1795

1980 view of the Great Lakes

Opened in 1927, the Great Lakes could seat over 1795, and was host to both live stage shows and movies in its first few years of operation, though it was operated as a movie house for the majority of its existence. It was designed by George Mason, who was responsible for the Gem Theatre in Downtown Detroit and the Oriole Theatre on Linwood as well.

1970 image from the east side of the theatre

After it closed as a movie house in the late 60s, it became home to the Vest Pocket theater company from 1969 to 1972. During the time of the Vest Pocket, they had a live production of the musical "Hair".

Nederlanders (of the Fisher Theatre) operated the Great Lakes as the Vest Pocket Theatre in the later '70s. The Vest Pocket was showing plays and musicals largely from the African-American community of the day such as "No Place to Be Somebody" and "Ceremonies in Dark Old Men".

Its been said that it was both fun and strange to work there on shows after knowing it as a movie house because of the stage behind the movie screen. There was a grid with rigging and linesets for hanging scenery and lighting. Its thought that it must have been a legitimate vaudeville house back before going to movies.

After it's life as a movie house and live-stage venue, the building was used for a number of years as a church.

Mid 1990's view from across the street

The theater then stood for a long time vacant, vandalized and falling apart, making quite an eye-catching ruin along Grand River Avenue, especially its rusty, semi-intact blade marquee that spelled out the words "EAT LAKES".

The Great Lakes was demolished in 1999.

Those that remember this classic theatre do so with warm
memories and fondness that will live-on for a long time to come.

This theatre was a wonderful part of
Metro Detroit...and was a beautiful
sight to behold in its day.

This is what makes it part of
Detroit Cinema History.

IF you have any more information or
details on this theatre, please email me
and i will include it in the description.

Thank you.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Fgbc! va gur Anzr bs Pnpur!

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)