Exterior of the Kramer Theatre around the time it opened in 1920
A large, ornate, neighborhood theater, seating over 1700, the Kramer was designed by the prolific C. Howard Crane. It was opened in 1920 as being the most modern and updated facility of its kind.
1940's View
The Kramer Theatre was so-named for Herman Kramer, Sr., who was the founder of the Herman Kramer Furniture Company, which was well-known around Michigan at the time. Kramer Sr. was a real-estate investor and owner of much "improved realty" around Detroit along with owning the Kramer Theatre. Herman Kramer, Jr., was a partner with his father and both Kramers were known for "displaying initiative in introducing new and effective methods for further business progress and success."
View of the Box Office of the Kramer (1930's)
The Kramer was first managed by Mason S. Bailey, who had managed other Theatres such as the Countess Theatre, which was located at 1370 West Fort street, in Detroit, and then the Drury Lane Theatre on Woodward, across from the David Whitney Building.
1960's view
A widening of Michigan Avenue undertaken in 1938 made it necessary to demolish a considerable portion of the Kramer Theatre building, including a small corner of the auditorium, and the house was closed for the better part of a year. This event accounts for the drastic change in the theater’s architectural style, from Renaissance Revival to Streamline Modern. The rebuilt house reopened on February 11, 1939.
Feb 28, 1969 Ad that included the Kramer and several others.
Like most venues of the time, they had many Saturday Matinees such as the "Pleasure Seekers" and "Mary Poppins" as well as other features that were usually around a quarter or so, which would give a patron the ability to enjoy shows all-day-long for little money.
The Elvis movie "Jailhouse Rock" played there in 1958 and it's said that the girls in the audience were screaming and carrying on, all while wearing white/black shoes.
Concert Poster from Auguest 10, 1977
As time went on and the public moved out to the suburbs, many of the theatres that dotted the landscape of the City of Detroit would decline in business and eventually close.
In 1975, the Kramer would convert it's facilities to a Concert venue, hosting various musical acts including the local favorite "MC5", The Sillies, Tommy Kilowatt, Sheila Tirikos, Steve Sortor, Michael Profane and Robert Mulrooney.
Tommy Kilowatt at The Kramer Theater, June 1978
Eventually, the end would finally come for The Kramer and it would close its doors for the last time, most likely in the early 1980's. Just why the Kramer closed, is a mystery. The closure could have been due to lease problems, building maintenance, the limited parking available, or a host of other reasons. Whatever the reason was, it would never see life as a theatre again.
The Kramer Building and surrounding retail buildings were eventually razed to make way for a new office space building, which currently occupies the space.
The Kramer will long live-on in the memories of those that remember it, or saw a Saturday Afternoon Matinee there.