This same building is now occupied by the Rapids Brewing Company. The building directly next door (to the right) was once the “Grand Theater”, owned and operated by Frank Gumm, father to Judy Garland. The New Grand closed the day before the Rialto opened. Rapids Brewing Company is a popular spot for the locals (and tourists) to gather, visit and have a good time. I’m hoping that they acknowledge (and embrace) their Rialto past, including the fact that Judy Garland appeared there when she returned to her hometown after the filming of the “Wizard of Oz”. It was the last time that she came home to Grand Rapids. If you look at the picture above, and compare it to pictures of it today, the visual proof is there, as well.
This same building is now occupied by the Rapids Brewing Company. The building directly next door (to the right) was once the “Grand Theater”, owned and operated by Frank Gumm, father to Judy Garland. The New Grand closed the day before the Rialto opened. Rapids Brewing Company is a popular spot for the locals (and tourists) to gather, visit and have a good time. I’m hoping that they acknowledge (and embrace) their Rialto past, including the fact that Judy Garland appeared there when she returned to her hometown after the filming of the “Wizard of Oz”. It was the last time that she came home to Grand Rapids. If you look at the picture above, and compare it to pictures of it today, the visual proof is there, as well.