Brayton Theatre

In January 1967, the Long Beach Independent reported that a teen theater troupe would use the Brayton for performances:

The Magnolia Theater has completed ts subscription series and does not plan to resume activities until fall; The New Theater, a Teen Post operation of the Office of Economic Opportunities, has opened in the old Brayton Theater on Atlantic.

My mother took me to the Brayton Theater in the late 1940’s( around 1947 or 1948) We lived a half a block away from it. My recollection is it may have closed as early as 1949. For years it sat vacant. Then in 1966 it opened as a Teen Post. My mother was assistant director there serving under Bob Hunt who was the director. During the summers of 1966 and 1967, I hung out there. One staff member who I only knew as “Brownie” sold pills from there. It was, however, by then in terrible shape. I recall seeing old man Brayton coming by in the summer of 1966 to look things over. The demolition date given above is not correct. I recall that taking place in the earliest during 1975 and at the latest by 1977. As far as the church goes, at first it was African-American, then, by the late 1990’s, Hispanic and only by the turn of the century did it become Phillipino. During the last two years everything on the eastside of Atlantic Avenue from 20th Street to Hill Street was demolished to make way for some units.

I see that Jacob already posted the links in July 2008, so thanks to him for the program.

I’m currently going through several Long Beach newspapers that are on microfilm. The period I have access to covers 1938-1977. I found the “newly opened” Brayton Theatre advertising from approximately Aug 6, 1969 through approximately Sep 16, 1969. At that period of time they were charging adults 99 cents and kids 49 cents. During this short run, they went from family friendly double features to adult only double features and apparently closed down for awhile. Found more advertising running from November 13, 1970 through mid February 1971. Any seat, any time 49 cents, mostly family friendly double features and kid shows on Saturdays that included 10 cartoons. Will post again if I find anything further.

This opened on July 30th, 1925. Brayton theatre opening 29 Jul 1925, Wed Press-Telegram (Long Beach, California) Newspapers.com