Grand Theater
405 S. Main Street,
Rocky Ford,
CO
81067
405 S. Main Street,
Rocky Ford,
CO
81067
1 person
favorited this theater
Related Websites
Grand Theater Rocky Ford (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Gibraltar Enterprises Inc., United Artists Theater Circuit Inc.
Functions: Live Performances, Movies, Movies (First Run)
Styles: Art Deco
Previous Names: Grand Opera House
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
719.254.6006
Manager:
719.254.6006
Nearby Theaters
The Grand Opera House opened in 1901 on Rocky Ford’s Main Street. It started showing movies in 1926. After a blaze caused heavy damage to the building, it was rebuilt in 1935 as the Grand Theater. It remained in operation until 1985 when it closed due to dwindling business.
In 1990, a group of residents presented the city council with a plan to operate the theater themselves if the city would purchase the Grand Theatre, which it did, from the United Artists chain. The Grand Theater was reopened on April 28, 1990. In addition to movies, the Grand Theatre occasionally presents live entertainment.
Contributed by
Bryan
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Recent comments (view all 8 comments)
My wife and I visited this theatre last week. Although the theatre is in need of restoration in many areas, it is still quite impressive. The exterior features a large neon v shaped marquee and Grand is spelled out horizonally in script above the v. The lobby area displays interesting information about the Grand’s past. As one enters the theater, two staircases leading to the balcony rise on either side of a grand deep red curtain. The entry into the main auditorium is a half wall with seating on either side and in front. The walls are decorated with beautiful murals in an art deco leaf type design in colors of burgandy, salmon, blue and yellow. In addition, the stage is crowned with the a swirling, ribbon like decoration in the same hues. The theatre currently has its 1946 era seats which are suprisingly comfortable. However, the community is trying to raise money to replace the seats since many of them are not in good condition. The Grand is suffering from the same ills as other theaters and businesses in general in this area including depopulation due to the decline of agriculture and a rapidly aging community. This theatre is running on volunteer labor only at this
point. The volunteers were very friendly and and eager to share their love for their theatre. It certainly lives up to the name “Grand”. I have pictures to post as soon as possible.
A 1985 view of the Grand Theater in Rocky Ford.
Here are photos from 1983 and 1984:
http://tinyurl.com/qq326h
http://tinyurl.com/onvh98
http://tinyurl.com/p636jl
Back in 71/72 or so, I was the 13 year old that climbed the rickety old wood ladder to stand on the slick metal surface and change the marquee. I’d go back stage behind the screen and look at all the people watching the movie and try and spot trouble makers. there was a treasure trove of old movie posters in the basement where the old dressing rooms were. there were autographs and initials written and carved into the walls. They should be scheduling tours back stage, that’s where you see The Grand!
Looks like it was remodeled again in the early to mid ‘50s judging by the cars in the photos.
The Grand’s official website has gone blank, but the house is still showing movies on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays according to thier Facebook page.
Current website: http://www.rfgrandtheater.com/