GC47K50 (DCH) The Stratford Theatre (Traditional Cache) in Michigan, United States created by RayQix

GC47K50 ▼

A cache by RayQix Message this owner

Hidden : 3/14/2013

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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 movie and cinema-related items in the local area.

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

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

Detroit Cinema History:
The Stratford Theatre
4751 W Vernor Hwy - Detroit

OPEN: 1916 | CLOSED: 1985 | SEATS: 1200 (1916) - 600 (1985)

2000's picture of the Stratford

The Stratford opened in 1916, designed by Joseph P. Jogerst, and could seat 1137. At some point during the 30s, it received an elegant Art Deco facelift, with a cream and salmon colored terra-cotta facade, and new triangular marquee.

There was a Wurlitzer Hope-Jones Unit Orchestra Installed for the musical portion of the entertainment here. This was (and is) a massive pipe Theatre Organ that is still in-use today, albeit a few hundred miles away in the Soo Theatre in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

The beautiful Wurlitzer, Opus 86 that was installed in the Stratford.
The organ was moved a few years ago and is now enjoyed at the Soo Theatre in Sault Ste. Marie, MI

The Stratford was built at the cost of $100,000 and was billed as "House of the Highest Class Films" and the films were supposed to be "changed daily", to keep the features fresh and attractive for the movie-going public.

In fact, the popularity of the Stratford was such that many days there was a "Standing Room Only" sign posted out front.

The Auditorium, looking at the stage. 1910's

Part of a handout from the era when the Stratford was new:

Adam style architecture, done in blue medallions, old rose and pink.

Beautiful lobby and ladies' rest room.

Music furnished exclusively by a Wurlitzer Hope-Jones Unit Orchestra.

Style 3, and that it is well liked by the patrons is proven by the numerous requests that are handed in nightly for the playing of special overtures and selections.

The Dix Theatre Company, proprietors of the Stratford Theatre, are so pleased with their Wurlitzer Hope-Jones Unit Orchestra that they have pledged themselves to purchase another instrument for their new house which is now under construction.

As of 1972, this theater specialized in showing Spanish-language films only, according to its entry in the Free Press Movie Guide of that era.

March 12, 2013 view of the Stratford Theatre

After closing years earlier, the Stratford reopened in the summer of 1985 offering a free movie series. At this time, seating was reduced to about 600.

However, the theater was closed again at the end of that summer, and has not been used as a theatre since that time. The space has been used as retail space as well as storage.

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

Thank you.