Strand Theatre
1102 Main Street,
Hays,
KS
67601
1102 Main Street,
Hays,
KS
67601
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The 1918 Sanborn gives the capacity as 700. It was likely an estimate or perhaps reduced by new seating over the years.
Millard G. Kirkman launched the Strand with Marguerite Clark in “Snow White” on May 15, 1917. The theatre featured a mirror screen and movies from Paramount, Bluebird and K.E.S.E. (Kleine-Edison-Selig-Essanay) Service at its launch. The Strand was acquired by Fox Midwest in September of 1929 from Kirkman which added sound to the Strand to remain viable. Fox Midwest later closed it on April 11, 1950 with “Dear Wife” and “Thelma Jordan” as it opened its new Fox Theatre the next day.
Fox retained the lease on the Strand keeping it dark until a 1951 consent decree forced the Strand out of its portfolio. The venue reopened with widescreen films in 1953/4 operating on a ten year agreement. It closed permanently on April 7, 1963 with “Black Gold.” The space was converted for retail purposes with the Village Shop taking its place two months later.
The “Picture Theaters Projected” column in the December 30, 1916 issue of Moving Picture World had this item which must have been about the Strand: “HAYS, KAN. — Milliard Kirkman has plans by C. A. Smith, Salina, Kan., for a one-story moving picture theater, 50 by 80 feet.”
As of right now, the building stands gutted. The only things left are the floor, and the original tin ceiling. No balcony or any other remnants of a theatre are left. The front windows and entrance were reconstructed a few years ago. It sits empty awaiting future development in downtown Hays.
The Strand had a Reproduco organ.
There are five photos of the Strand Theatre at CinemaTour.
would love to go in there and see what is left of the theater itself….