Strand Theatre
Rumford,
ME
04276
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Previously operated by: Paramount Pictures Inc.
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The Strand Theatre served the western part of Maine for many wonderful years in the small town of Rumford. It was a Maine and New Hampshire Theatre which was affiliated with AB-Paramount Theatres.
The Strand Theatre was operating prior to 1941, and continued until at least 1950.
Contributed by
MikeRogers
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Recent comments (view all 10 comments)
Open ~1930-~1955 approximate? Can anyone verify the exact dates?
Owner 1930-1955 Maine & New Hampshire Theaters Co. of Boston, J.J. Ford, General Manager, they had 7 theaters in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont in 1967.
Need an address, more info and photos.
In the “Theatre Circuits” list in the 1942-43 Motion Picture Almanac, the Strand in Rumford is listed in 2 places. It’s listed as part of the Maine & New Hampshire Theatres Co., 260 Tremont St. in Boston. George W. Lane was Pres. and JJ Ford was Gen. Mgr. It’s also listed under Paramount Theatres, unit 30, John Ford.
Thanks Guys.
The Theatre Historical Society on-line archive has the MGM Theatre Report for the Strand; it’s Card # 440. Address is “Main St.” There is an exterior photo dated May 1941. Condition is Fair. The report says it’s over 15 years old, was showing MGM films, and had 812 seats. Competing theaters were the Arcadia and the Opera House. 1940 population was 10,200. But no MGM reports were made for the Arcadia and the Opera House.
Ron, if the Arcadia and Opera House were in Rumford, neither are on CT.
Rob- Yes, I know that the 2 theaters do not have pages here in CT. I learned that the name was “Acadia”, not “Arcadia” and that it still exists as a fraternal hall. I don’t know anything about the Rumford O.H. – yet!
Perhaps this information will help you with your research. The “opera house” that you are referring to was most likely the Cheney Opera House aka the Cheney Theatre on Exchange Street.
JohnnyC- thanks for the info. Found it. It was never called the “Rumford Opera House”, but was called either Cheney Opera House or just plain “Opera House”. Had stage shows at first, then movies. It made it into the 1946 FDY which implies that it was still open then.
You are very welcome. I have found a web page with some information about the Cheney Opera House. I can’t vouch for its accuracy but it might be helpful none the less. Cinema Data Project
JohnnyC- Yes, I know about the Cinema Data Project. It has extensive lists of theaters in Maine, NH and VT. I have gleaned a great deal of info, mostly accurate, from it. Thanks.