Old timers say the old Clark Theater had a substantial size theater pipe organ which had been removed. They also say that an organist from the San Francisco Fox Theater often played there (Everett Nourse?) Any idea where this organ is now located or its specifications?
The picture is incorrect – the Strand was located on Market Street. It was open in the early 1950’s but closed for repairs. After it re-opened, it was only open for a short while and abruptly closed. Some say it was the result of structural problems. Nice theater which showed recent films. The building is now demolished.
Went there when I was in grade school. It was a small theater (couple hunderd seats?) and mostly showed western movies. It always seemed to have a lot of people in attendance and was popular with young and old alike.
I went to this theater which showed mostly 2nd run movies several times while in college in the early 1950’s, Unusual theater design in which the audience entered the auditorium from behind the screen. The theater organ was no longer there.
Happy to see a picture of the Wurlitzer which was originally in the San Francisco Fox Theater. Looks like it has been totally restored!
Plan to visit and hopefully hear the organ next time I am in the area.
Robert Simpson
I attended movies at the Hippodrome Theater in summers of 1953 and 1954 while attending college and working summer jobs in Cleveland. They had continuous showings and the house lights were never on. I can attest that it was a really big place. I don’t remember the balconies other than looking up and seeing at least one balcony. And, yes, it was very well air-conditioned. Too bad that there are no photographs readily available.
Robert Simpson
When residing in El Past from 1958 to 1960, I volunteered as part of the team to restore the Wurlitzer organ. A lot of work by many dedicated people – but well worth the effort. I hope to one day see this organ when it is re-installed in the Plaza Theater.
Old timers say the old Clark Theater had a substantial size theater pipe organ which had been removed. They also say that an organist from the San Francisco Fox Theater often played there (Everett Nourse?) Any idea where this organ is now located or its specifications?
The picture is incorrect – the Strand was located on Market Street. It was open in the early 1950’s but closed for repairs. After it re-opened, it was only open for a short while and abruptly closed. Some say it was the result of structural problems. Nice theater which showed recent films. The building is now demolished.
Went there when I was in grade school. It was a small theater (couple hunderd seats?) and mostly showed western movies. It always seemed to have a lot of people in attendance and was popular with young and old alike.
I went to this theater which showed mostly 2nd run movies several times while in college in the early 1950’s, Unusual theater design in which the audience entered the auditorium from behind the screen. The theater organ was no longer there.
Is the organ is still there? Sounds like quite a large instrument for what appears to be a relatively small theater in the picture.
Happy to see a picture of the Wurlitzer which was originally in the San Francisco Fox Theater. Looks like it has been totally restored!
Plan to visit and hopefully hear the organ next time I am in the area.
Robert Simpson
I attended movies at the Hippodrome Theater in summers of 1953 and 1954 while attending college and working summer jobs in Cleveland. They had continuous showings and the house lights were never on. I can attest that it was a really big place. I don’t remember the balconies other than looking up and seeing at least one balcony. And, yes, it was very well air-conditioned. Too bad that there are no photographs readily available.
Robert Simpson
When residing in El Past from 1958 to 1960, I volunteered as part of the team to restore the Wurlitzer organ. A lot of work by many dedicated people – but well worth the effort. I hope to one day see this organ when it is re-installed in the Plaza Theater.