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DEL.ICIO.USMemories of the Strand Theatre?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Erin Deebel (from left), Emily Greenwell and Rachael Krempasky of the Dance Stop Company pose at the grand opening of the newly renovated Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta. Photo by Allen Sullivan/aesullivan@ajc.com
After years of fund-raising by civic leaders and community members, the 1930s-era Earl Smith Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square has been exquisitely restored.
The new performance home of the Atlanta Lyric Theatre, which staged its first production last month, the Strand welcomed hundreds for its grand opening gala on Saturday night.
The evening began with a seated dinner by Carriage House, followed by a montage of movie clips and live performances by the Lyric and the Pebblebrook High School’s performing arts program.
“People asked me, ‘What big names are going to be at the grand opening gala?’ ” executive director Earl Reece told the sold-out crowd. “The big names are in the audience. With your support and your friendship, you’re the reason the Strand Theatre was rebuilt and reborn.”
He led the crowd in what he billed as the Strand’s “first singalong” to wish happy birthday to Earl Smith, who as board chairman has led the movement to bring the historic theater back to life.
“This has been a journey we’ve been traveling a long time,” Smith said. “A lot of fun along the way, and some difficulties.”
The Strand was built in 13 months for $150,000 and was renovated in 17 months for $4 million.
“You have demonstrated what this means to Marietta, Cobb County and Atlanta,” Smith told guests.
Also enjoying the evening were Lyric general manager Brandt Blocker, reminding everyone that “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” begins Jan. 16; and Junior League of Cobb-Marietta president Carey Merritt, talking up the April 18 Diamond Ball, honoring past presidents and benefiting the League’s charitable partners.
And Lexie and Greg Amaden, Billie and Mickey Blackwell, Lillian and Buddy Darden, Mary Margaret and Clem Doyle, Michelle and Will Goodman, Spain and Scott Gregory, Theresa and Lon Jenkins, Mary Lou and Dan Stephens and the Rev. Sam and Carolyn Storey.
Following the performance, patrons gathered for a dessert and champagne reception, and shared their memories of attending movies at the Strand years ago. Pat Chilton remembered taking in shoot ‘em up westerns. Nelah Gabler recalled seeing Disney movies as a child, and later had her first date there.
What are your memories of the Strand Theatre?
Comments
By STYLE NETWORK
January 12, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this
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By Joann
January 12, 2009 7:57 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe my sister in law has not been contacted as of yet. She painted the original horse mural back in the seventies. It no longer exists but there are a few newspaper articles documenting her progress. Her name is Rebecca Redmond. She was a teenager then. It was a beautiful and fantastic mural.
By Joann
January 12, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe my sister in law has not been contacted as of yet. She painted the original horse mural back in the seventies. It no longer exists but there are a few newspaper articles documenting her progress. Her name is Rebecca Redmond. She was a teenager then. It was a beautiful and fantastic mural.
By Joann
January 12, 2009 7:59 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe my sister in law has not been contacted as of yet. She painted the original horse mural back in the seventies. It no longer exists but there are a few newspaper articles documenting her progress. Her name is Rebecca Redmond. She was a teenager then. It was a beautiful and fantastic mural.
By Jennifer Brett
January 12, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this
Joann: Do you have any photos of the mural?
Style Network: Buzz off. You’ve been posting this same come on to every blog on ajc.com for a month. Surely you have a messy house by now.
By MerryMary
January 12, 2009 9:49 PM | Link to this
When I saw “memories of the Strand”, my thoughts went immediately to Myrtle Beach…the Grand Strand. That’s where I spent my youth at the Bowery and such and later took my kids as they came along. Now the Pavillion and the carnival area is gone. Last time I was there not an ear of boiled corn was to be found. Sadly the fun parts I remember are gone.
By Steve Disney
January 12, 2009 10:00 PM | Link to this
My earliest memories of the Strand was my very first movie in the early 60’ “Old Yeller”! Vivid memories of Saturday horror matineess that actually included “monsters” that would venture out into the audience with candy and other surprises. And of course the price for double feature was less than a small soda nowadays. I’m starting to sound like my parents! Glad to see that it has been restored and look forward to taking my kids.
By Jim Warren
January 13, 2009 11:46 AM | Link to this
THis was just a great event in a beautiful theatre. Marietta, its’ businesses and citizens really stepped up to the plate…and hit it out of the park! I am even more proud to be a new citizen of Marietta.
By Berrie Smith
January 14, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this
When I was 12 yrs old and lived in East Marietta, we would collect coke bottles for 2 cents and many of the kids in the neighborhood would get rides to go to the movies.Great place to see the movies. I remember the two waters fountains, two different men bath rooms and weren’t allowed to go view the movie from Balcony. As times changed and I got older yes One men bath room and yes we could sit in the balcony. The smell of the pop corn as you entered the movies. What a treat. I saw many Walt Disney movies and yes even many other movies. I remember main floor to be on an angle so you could see well and the maroon seats. One thing I remember the Goldsteins owned the movie theater and Jo Ann Woodard played a big part in saving the Strand in the later Years. One place to remember for sure.
Thanks for the memories
Berrie Smith bbmw@bellsouth.net