Ramona Mainstage Theatre

626 Main Street,
Ramona, CA 92065

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rivest266
rivest266 on May 2, 2024 at 1:30 pm

Held an opening or reopening on June 13th, 1947. Grand opening ad posted.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on April 27, 2014 at 6:28 pm

The January 14, 1937, issue of The Film Daily lists a Ramona Theatre in Ramona, California, as a new house. It appears in the 1938 FDY with 150 seats, but is not consistent in later editions. In 1939 it is up to 200 seats, in 1943 it reaches 296, then in 1949 it is back down to 230, and in 1956 it is still in operation but with 235 seats.

Why the seating capacity was so variable is as much a mystery as why it had a grand opening in 1947. Perhaps it was reopening after a major renovation that year, or a rebuilding after a fire, or after being taken over by new owners. I think the current theater is the one from 1937, though. Had it been built new as late as 1947 it would most likely have been a freestanding building with its own parking lot. Parking was not yet crucial in the 1930s, but it certainly was in the post-war period, especially in California.

Ramona Mainstage has a web site The “About” page has a photo of the 1947 event, though it is small and doesn’t show much detail. There’s definitely a post-war car parked in front of the theater though (a 1946 or 47 Chevrolet Aero sedan, if I’m not mistaken.)

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on February 19, 2010 at 5:21 pm

Here is an updated link for the current occupant:
http://www.ramonamainstage.com/

Kibitz
Kibitz on March 6, 2004 at 4:55 pm

Do you have the current movies posted anywhere?
Linda

CherylDay
CherylDay on September 6, 2002 at 10:10 pm

Hello, My husband and I purchased the Ramona Twin Cinemas this year and are in the middle of remodeling the now “Ramona Mainstage Theatre” The theatre will reopen in March of 2003.

I have photos of the theatres original grand opening in March of 1947. If you are interested in more information on the theatre, please contact me.