Oh, almost forgot. The Cinema & Drafthouse in Coconut Creek was the same type of theater. There you may have had the teenager issue because Coconut Creek is somewhat of a family area, but there are also a lot of seniors that live in the surrounding condos.
The Cinema Cafe was also named Cinema & Drafthouse. These were a combination of movie theater, and restaurant. The one on 17th Street was pretty cool. It was a dollar theater, so there no first run movies.
In these theaters you sat at a table, and there were waitresses. Not sure why this type of theater did not survive. It was a great place to watch a movie and grab a bite to eat at the same time. Very enjoyable, and comfortable. The only thing was that the screens were not full sized screens, so it was sort of watching a movie on a big screen TV, but it was viewable, I had no issues with it.
Given the structure of the theater auditorium, it definitely wasn’t a teenage kissy kissy type of place. Unless you wanted to kissy kissy with hamburger breath. Maybe this is the reason why it failed. Given the location, I would say that it wasn’t in an area where a lot of teenagers would frequent, but I may have it all wrong!
They could have used the old marquee, that would make perfect sense, because I saw that marquee on several occasions. I am very sure of it being west of 95. My uncle used to deliver beer to a store that was on the corner, and each time we went I was always looking up to see if a car would come off the highway, back in those days, you could hear cars & trucks buzzing by, used to freak me out, so the memory is pretty vivid! It may have very well been 14th St. The street is vague, somehow it felt further south, but maybe not.
I went to WTVJ channel 4 on a few occasions, last time was right after Andrew. If the original Capitol was there, they built all the way around it. Every time I went to channel 4, it was always around the rear entrance. I was involved with a couple of TV news spots over the years. The last one we did was a comparison of blood pressures and heart rates after driving from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami. It was an interesting piece! On the last visit I saw “the bunker” where they broadcasted throughout hurricane Andrew. That was an awesome visit, and my last one.
Al, I may have it confused, but I could swear that the Capitol theater was west of 95. I thought the old building was still there, but did a Google scan and the building I remember is gone, all new apt. buildings are in those areas. I want to say that the Capital was somewhere between NW 8th Street & NW 4th Street off 3rd Ct. which is the street that runs parallel to I-95 on the west side. As a kid I was there, just never went in the theater, but I remember it. It was already dilapidated when I saw it, maybe even closed. What sticks out in my mind is the marquee, which is the same one I see every time I see a picture of the Capitol.
As far as the I-95 project goes, I think they did not plan any of these expressways right. 836 ran right through some of the most valuable properties in Miami. A good portion of the homes that were there had canals & docks that would allow you to have a boat, access the river as well as ocean access. All of those canals had to be diverted or cut in half and filled. Pretty much ruined that entire area. With regards to 95, I don’t think they had too many options, given the downtown area. I assume that both 836 and 112 were put there to allow airport access because each of those arteries borders the airport, same as the Palmetto. Seems like their goal was access to the airport more so than anything else. I-95 on the other hand, appears to be an alternative to US-1 and 441, which were the roads traveled to go north to Ft. Lauderdale, or south to the Keys. The Palmetto & turnpike came much later than 441 & US-1.
I remember the Capitol Theater being west of 95. I want to say it was off 3rd Ct. somewhere between NW 8th Street and 3rd St. Wish I could remember the exact street. The other address off 14th Street had a theater there, but I don’t think it was the original Capitol. Channel 4 was east of 95.
Al, any idea what year they renamed it? Interestingly, the building where the Capitol was is still there. My uncle used to sell “Schlitz Beer”, he used to deliver to a little market that was on the corner to the east of the theater. At the time I was maybe 10 or 11 yrs old, and the area was going down. That whole area where I-95 went through, deteriorated exponentially.
There was a Carver Theater on NW 7th Avenue close to the old Shell’s City Supermarket. This theater was circa 62nd Street. I believe the building is still there, but it has been re-done, and there is nothing left of the original building. During the time the theater was operating, the 62nd Street & NW 7th Avenue area was mostly white, so I don’t think this was an African American movie house. It suffered the same fate as the Capitol Theater. The Capitol was in a white neighborhood when it opened. Once I-95 was built, the Capitol, Carver, and The Strand, all went through a transition, eventually closing. From what I hear, the Capitol was a very nice theater.
Almost forgot. The theater was at one time called the Strand Stag Theater. In 1970 the company that owned the theater, Little Beaver Inc. was taken to court on obscenity charges. Back then a XXX rating got you in court. Apparently some films were confiscated and the owners went to court to get them back. A google search will reveal some of the case synopsis for those who are interested.
Well after several years of research I finally was able to locate some pictures of the inside of the Strand Theater. The theater is now a church, however pictures were taken during the renovation process. The good news is, the old theater floor plan has remained unchanged, for the most part. The lobby appears to be the section that had more extensive renovations.
I am hoping to someday find a picture of the original facade of the theater. I have posted on many “old Miami” websites asking for pictures. Hopefully someone has one somewhere. It would be nice to have an original exterior picture of the theater so it will be available for all to enjoy.
I think you may find the movie list through the Miami Herald newspaper. I know that the Strand when it was part of Wometco advertised in the newspaper, I would suspect that this wouldn’t be too difficult to obtain. During the 50s it was named Strand, during the earlier years it was once known as the 7th Ave Theater.
Like you, I was tempted to contact the church that is there now to try to get some pictures of the inside. The problem is their hours are somewhat difficult for me. I live in Pompano Beach, which is about an hour north. When I am in the Miami area, this church is never open. I imagine you saw the gate and the church doors they added to the entrance. I was elated to find that the movie poster cases are still where they always were.
Given the way the building is laid out from the outside. I have to assume that the theater seats either faced north or south, the building’s larger diameter is north south, where the east west is not as big. When you enter the theater through the doors you are heading in an easterly direction, so once in, I assume the patron had to either turn right or left to get into the area where the movies played.
Yes this is quite a different looking movie house. I think it is very unique inside. I noticed the wood benches! Wow, never seen anything like that. I have to wonder how long folks sat there without getting up to give their backs a rest!
Funny you mention that. I got the reply on the Miami Theater thread yesterday and saw the Google newspaper archive search. First thing I did was look up the Strand, and like you did not find too much on it. I did see the open air theatre, and the North Miami Avenue address as well. Amazing 3 Strand Theaters in Miami.
I will try doing some searches with the name 7th Avenue theater and see what I come up with. I was hoping to find a picture. I have been searching for a picture of the Strand for quite some time, but haven’t had any luck.
The building that housed the first Miami (silent house/postcard) must have been torn down and replaced by the larger building that extended east,and eliminated the extra street seen in Miami Guy’s map. This would have been the 2nd Miami theater built in 1937, which was later renamed the Town in 1946. So there were three Miami theatres, the original silent house, the rebuilt one that later became the Town, and finally the one we are posting on here, which wasn’t built until 1947.
What is funny about the years when the theaters were rebuilt is that they all coincide with years where major hurricanes hit Miami, circa 1926 and 1936. At one point after the 26 hurricanes is when they filled in what is now Bayfront Park / Bayside. So that whole area grew to the east when that portion of the bay was filled in, which explains the loss and additions of streets some of which are on Miami Guy’s map.
Al your brother is absolutely correct. The Town and the latter Miami Theaters were in two totally different locations. The picture above that Woody took is recent, and it is a picture of the latter of the old theaters name “Miami”. The Town was east of the Paramount on Flagler Street, very close to Biscayne Blvd.
According to the pictures and the map that Miami Guy placed links to, there was a Miami Theatre on or about the location of where the Town was. That theater was the original Miami Theater, which must have been closed, torn down and rebuilt. It appeared to be part of a much larger building, probably some type of hotel. There is no question there were two Miami Theaters, Miami Guy’s map and the picture of the original Miami Theater I think pretty much proves that point. It would be nice to find out what year the Town was built, that should give us an idea of the time when this took place. Wouldn’t be surprised if a hurricane had something to do with the demise of the original Miami.
Great to hear from you. I had not been on the site for quite some time. The information you posted is fabulous. Do you remember if there was a stage at The Strand? Are you familiar with Dexter’s Roller rink that was next door? If so, what side of the Strand was it on as you face the theatre? Was the 5&10 across the street open at the time you were living there?
If you guys will note that on that same 1941 ad there is a Center Theatre, and the old Parkway, which hasn’t been listed yet. Never heard of the Center, but the Parkway was around for quite sometime.
I just took a closer look and noticed that on the link that has the ad for “Weekend in Havana” that was playing at The Strand, there is also mention of a Center Theatre, the address is NW 1st Avenue, but it looks like the address is 6055, can’t really tell very well. Never heard of that one.
Also, the ad you have there was for 1941, it shows a Miami Theatre on E. Flagler and 3rd, very close to where the Miami that was built in 1947 was located. Not sure if you saw that. The map that Miami Guy posted showed a Miami Theatre, but if I remember correctly it was by the Town Theatre. The other long forgotten one was the Parkway on Coral Way, there is also an ad for that one too. The Parkway was around for quite a while, don’t know anything about it, but I do remember the name. If you have info on those theatres, perhaps they might be worth posting. I would, but have no clue what to put on there, maybe one of those movie year books you have may shed some light!
I have to wonder if this is why the Strand on NW 7th Avenue had the Seventh Avenue Theatre name for a few years. I wonder if the years coincide? This theatre must have been around in 1926 after the hurricane. According to your research, the Strand did not have that name for 12 years, and it was changed back to Strand in 38. Very possible this other “strand” was around at that time.
The address is North Miami Avenue and 1st street, so I have to assume it was NE 1st, or NW 1st? Funny it wasn’t on Flagler Street eh?
Wow! I am so happy that they changed the name on this URL to Strand Theatre! Finally! I was originally disappointed when they used the Sun Sun name, instead of the Strand. At the time when I first posted this theatre, I did not know how the theatres were listed. I was so thrilled when I was able to get the picture showing the name Strand, I always hoped that the name would be changed to The Strand instead of Sun Sun. Sun Sun was so short lived, and most who would search for this theatre would not use the Sun Sun name. I think that given the time this building has been around, keeping it’s original name, gives it the respect it deserves.
Al, I love your research. I am always nothing short of impressed with your information. I have learned much, and I am very appreciative of your efforts. I am glad that I happened to visit this website and found you. I think that you, Lost Memory, and Miami Guy post outstanding information. I have learned much, and I am very grateful. Thank you! Memories of days gone by are always happy thoughts, and all of you have brought me much happiness!
This is yet another fantabulous post. Did you notice that there is an ad for The Strand Theatre for “Moonlight in Havana” a 1942 film. I also noted that it was general ad for Wometco, and it was a double feature to boot! Good stuff, very good. I love it. Thanks!!!!!
This is priceless! Your research is fantabulous!!!! I also noted the ad for the Tivoli. That is the first ad ever that I have seen advertising the Tivoli. Good stuff, very good stuff!
I remember when this theatre was the Coral Way 97th! This was a great hangout. Lots of girls, this theatre reminds me a lot of the old Village Theatre in Hialeah.
I think the Star theatre was located close to where Woolco opened a store back in the late 60s or early 70s. This was west of the Northside Shopping Center, very close to the Peoples Commerce Bank, which amazingly enough is still there. I remember that there was a small mall type shopping center built there, but I don’t think it did very well. The Frank & Bun was more towards the corner of 79th Street & 27th Avenue. I don’t remember the Frank & Bun, however I have seen it’s location on Don’s website. At the time Woolco was there, the Frank & Bun was not. An amusement park, Funland Park was on that corner too, kind of like behind the Royal Castle, which is still there.
Oh, almost forgot. The Cinema & Drafthouse in Coconut Creek was the same type of theater. There you may have had the teenager issue because Coconut Creek is somewhat of a family area, but there are also a lot of seniors that live in the surrounding condos.
Al,
The Cinema Cafe was also named Cinema & Drafthouse. These were a combination of movie theater, and restaurant. The one on 17th Street was pretty cool. It was a dollar theater, so there no first run movies.
In these theaters you sat at a table, and there were waitresses. Not sure why this type of theater did not survive. It was a great place to watch a movie and grab a bite to eat at the same time. Very enjoyable, and comfortable. The only thing was that the screens were not full sized screens, so it was sort of watching a movie on a big screen TV, but it was viewable, I had no issues with it.
Given the structure of the theater auditorium, it definitely wasn’t a teenage kissy kissy type of place. Unless you wanted to kissy kissy with hamburger breath. Maybe this is the reason why it failed. Given the location, I would say that it wasn’t in an area where a lot of teenagers would frequent, but I may have it all wrong!
They could have used the old marquee, that would make perfect sense, because I saw that marquee on several occasions. I am very sure of it being west of 95. My uncle used to deliver beer to a store that was on the corner, and each time we went I was always looking up to see if a car would come off the highway, back in those days, you could hear cars & trucks buzzing by, used to freak me out, so the memory is pretty vivid! It may have very well been 14th St. The street is vague, somehow it felt further south, but maybe not.
I went to WTVJ channel 4 on a few occasions, last time was right after Andrew. If the original Capitol was there, they built all the way around it. Every time I went to channel 4, it was always around the rear entrance. I was involved with a couple of TV news spots over the years. The last one we did was a comparison of blood pressures and heart rates after driving from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami. It was an interesting piece! On the last visit I saw “the bunker” where they broadcasted throughout hurricane Andrew. That was an awesome visit, and my last one.
Al, I may have it confused, but I could swear that the Capitol theater was west of 95. I thought the old building was still there, but did a Google scan and the building I remember is gone, all new apt. buildings are in those areas. I want to say that the Capital was somewhere between NW 8th Street & NW 4th Street off 3rd Ct. which is the street that runs parallel to I-95 on the west side. As a kid I was there, just never went in the theater, but I remember it. It was already dilapidated when I saw it, maybe even closed. What sticks out in my mind is the marquee, which is the same one I see every time I see a picture of the Capitol.
As far as the I-95 project goes, I think they did not plan any of these expressways right. 836 ran right through some of the most valuable properties in Miami. A good portion of the homes that were there had canals & docks that would allow you to have a boat, access the river as well as ocean access. All of those canals had to be diverted or cut in half and filled. Pretty much ruined that entire area. With regards to 95, I don’t think they had too many options, given the downtown area. I assume that both 836 and 112 were put there to allow airport access because each of those arteries borders the airport, same as the Palmetto. Seems like their goal was access to the airport more so than anything else. I-95 on the other hand, appears to be an alternative to US-1 and 441, which were the roads traveled to go north to Ft. Lauderdale, or south to the Keys. The Palmetto & turnpike came much later than 441 & US-1.
I remember the Capitol Theater being west of 95. I want to say it was off 3rd Ct. somewhere between NW 8th Street and 3rd St. Wish I could remember the exact street. The other address off 14th Street had a theater there, but I don’t think it was the original Capitol. Channel 4 was east of 95.
Al, any idea what year they renamed it? Interestingly, the building where the Capitol was is still there. My uncle used to sell “Schlitz Beer”, he used to deliver to a little market that was on the corner to the east of the theater. At the time I was maybe 10 or 11 yrs old, and the area was going down. That whole area where I-95 went through, deteriorated exponentially.
Al,
There was a Carver Theater on NW 7th Avenue close to the old Shell’s City Supermarket. This theater was circa 62nd Street. I believe the building is still there, but it has been re-done, and there is nothing left of the original building. During the time the theater was operating, the 62nd Street & NW 7th Avenue area was mostly white, so I don’t think this was an African American movie house. It suffered the same fate as the Capitol Theater. The Capitol was in a white neighborhood when it opened. Once I-95 was built, the Capitol, Carver, and The Strand, all went through a transition, eventually closing. From what I hear, the Capitol was a very nice theater.
Almost forgot. The theater was at one time called the Strand Stag Theater. In 1970 the company that owned the theater, Little Beaver Inc. was taken to court on obscenity charges. Back then a XXX rating got you in court. Apparently some films were confiscated and the owners went to court to get them back. A google search will reveal some of the case synopsis for those who are interested.
Well after several years of research I finally was able to locate some pictures of the inside of the Strand Theater. The theater is now a church, however pictures were taken during the renovation process. The good news is, the old theater floor plan has remained unchanged, for the most part. The lobby appears to be the section that had more extensive renovations.
I am hoping to someday find a picture of the original facade of the theater. I have posted on many “old Miami” websites asking for pictures. Hopefully someone has one somewhere. It would be nice to have an original exterior picture of the theater so it will be available for all to enjoy.
Glad you posted!
I think you may find the movie list through the Miami Herald newspaper. I know that the Strand when it was part of Wometco advertised in the newspaper, I would suspect that this wouldn’t be too difficult to obtain. During the 50s it was named Strand, during the earlier years it was once known as the 7th Ave Theater.
Like you, I was tempted to contact the church that is there now to try to get some pictures of the inside. The problem is their hours are somewhat difficult for me. I live in Pompano Beach, which is about an hour north. When I am in the Miami area, this church is never open. I imagine you saw the gate and the church doors they added to the entrance. I was elated to find that the movie poster cases are still where they always were.
Given the way the building is laid out from the outside. I have to assume that the theater seats either faced north or south, the building’s larger diameter is north south, where the east west is not as big. When you enter the theater through the doors you are heading in an easterly direction, so once in, I assume the patron had to either turn right or left to get into the area where the movies played.
Al,
You always find the most interesting Miami pictures/facts I have ever seen. You are a master at research.
Yes this is quite a different looking movie house. I think it is very unique inside. I noticed the wood benches! Wow, never seen anything like that. I have to wonder how long folks sat there without getting up to give their backs a rest!
Al,
Funny you mention that. I got the reply on the Miami Theater thread yesterday and saw the Google newspaper archive search. First thing I did was look up the Strand, and like you did not find too much on it. I did see the open air theatre, and the North Miami Avenue address as well. Amazing 3 Strand Theaters in Miami.
I will try doing some searches with the name 7th Avenue theater and see what I come up with. I was hoping to find a picture. I have been searching for a picture of the Strand for quite some time, but haven’t had any luck.
The building that housed the first Miami (silent house/postcard) must have been torn down and replaced by the larger building that extended east,and eliminated the extra street seen in Miami Guy’s map. This would have been the 2nd Miami theater built in 1937, which was later renamed the Town in 1946. So there were three Miami theatres, the original silent house, the rebuilt one that later became the Town, and finally the one we are posting on here, which wasn’t built until 1947.
What is funny about the years when the theaters were rebuilt is that they all coincide with years where major hurricanes hit Miami, circa 1926 and 1936. At one point after the 26 hurricanes is when they filled in what is now Bayfront Park / Bayside. So that whole area grew to the east when that portion of the bay was filled in, which explains the loss and additions of streets some of which are on Miami Guy’s map.
Al your brother is absolutely correct. The Town and the latter Miami Theaters were in two totally different locations. The picture above that Woody took is recent, and it is a picture of the latter of the old theaters name “Miami”. The Town was east of the Paramount on Flagler Street, very close to Biscayne Blvd.
According to the pictures and the map that Miami Guy placed links to, there was a Miami Theatre on or about the location of where the Town was. That theater was the original Miami Theater, which must have been closed, torn down and rebuilt. It appeared to be part of a much larger building, probably some type of hotel. There is no question there were two Miami Theaters, Miami Guy’s map and the picture of the original Miami Theater I think pretty much proves that point. It would be nice to find out what year the Town was built, that should give us an idea of the time when this took place. Wouldn’t be surprised if a hurricane had something to do with the demise of the original Miami.
Fermin,
Great to hear from you. I had not been on the site for quite some time. The information you posted is fabulous. Do you remember if there was a stage at The Strand? Are you familiar with Dexter’s Roller rink that was next door? If so, what side of the Strand was it on as you face the theatre? Was the 5&10 across the street open at the time you were living there?
Here is something interesting. This link to one of Al’s wonderful research work:
View link
shows a Miami Theatre on E. Flagler and 3rd, year? 1941. I guess this is the Miami Theatre that shows up on the map that Miami Guy posted:
View link
This Miami Theatre later became the Town.
If you guys will note that on that same 1941 ad there is a Center Theatre, and the old Parkway, which hasn’t been listed yet. Never heard of the Center, but the Parkway was around for quite sometime.
Al,
I just took a closer look and noticed that on the link that has the ad for “Weekend in Havana” that was playing at The Strand, there is also mention of a Center Theatre, the address is NW 1st Avenue, but it looks like the address is 6055, can’t really tell very well. Never heard of that one.
Also, the ad you have there was for 1941, it shows a Miami Theatre on E. Flagler and 3rd, very close to where the Miami that was built in 1947 was located. Not sure if you saw that. The map that Miami Guy posted showed a Miami Theatre, but if I remember correctly it was by the Town Theatre. The other long forgotten one was the Parkway on Coral Way, there is also an ad for that one too. The Parkway was around for quite a while, don’t know anything about it, but I do remember the name. If you have info on those theatres, perhaps they might be worth posting. I would, but have no clue what to put on there, maybe one of those movie year books you have may shed some light!
Al,
I have to wonder if this is why the Strand on NW 7th Avenue had the Seventh Avenue Theatre name for a few years. I wonder if the years coincide? This theatre must have been around in 1926 after the hurricane. According to your research, the Strand did not have that name for 12 years, and it was changed back to Strand in 38. Very possible this other “strand” was around at that time.
The address is North Miami Avenue and 1st street, so I have to assume it was NE 1st, or NW 1st? Funny it wasn’t on Flagler Street eh?
Al,
Wow! I am so happy that they changed the name on this URL to Strand Theatre! Finally! I was originally disappointed when they used the Sun Sun name, instead of the Strand. At the time when I first posted this theatre, I did not know how the theatres were listed. I was so thrilled when I was able to get the picture showing the name Strand, I always hoped that the name would be changed to The Strand instead of Sun Sun. Sun Sun was so short lived, and most who would search for this theatre would not use the Sun Sun name. I think that given the time this building has been around, keeping it’s original name, gives it the respect it deserves.
Al, I love your research. I am always nothing short of impressed with your information. I have learned much, and I am very appreciative of your efforts. I am glad that I happened to visit this website and found you. I think that you, Lost Memory, and Miami Guy post outstanding information. I have learned much, and I am very grateful. Thank you! Memories of days gone by are always happy thoughts, and all of you have brought me much happiness!
Al,
This is yet another fantabulous post. Did you notice that there is an ad for The Strand Theatre for “Moonlight in Havana” a 1942 film. I also noted that it was general ad for Wometco, and it was a double feature to boot! Good stuff, very good. I love it. Thanks!!!!!
Al,
This is priceless! Your research is fantabulous!!!! I also noted the ad for the Tivoli. That is the first ad ever that I have seen advertising the Tivoli. Good stuff, very good stuff!
Al,
I think I am going to take a Friday and head down to the library and look around. Where is the Miami Library these days?
I remember when this theatre was the Coral Way 97th! This was a great hangout. Lots of girls, this theatre reminds me a lot of the old Village Theatre in Hialeah.
I think the Star theatre was located close to where Woolco opened a store back in the late 60s or early 70s. This was west of the Northside Shopping Center, very close to the Peoples Commerce Bank, which amazingly enough is still there. I remember that there was a small mall type shopping center built there, but I don’t think it did very well. The Frank & Bun was more towards the corner of 79th Street & 27th Avenue. I don’t remember the Frank & Bun, however I have seen it’s location on Don’s website. At the time Woolco was there, the Frank & Bun was not. An amusement park, Funland Park was on that corner too, kind of like behind the Royal Castle, which is still there.