Sun Theater
150 W. Grand River Avenue,
Williamston,
MI
48895
150 W. Grand River Avenue,
Williamston,
MI
48895
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Dick Montgomery indeed operated the Sun Theater during my youthful days in Williamston (1963 – 1971); he also drove a school bus with a no-nonsense policy! A wonderful experience growing up pre-MPAA codes where Dick would screen entrants based on suitability to watch the movie showing. “Do your parents approve viewing this?” was asked as we bought tickets (25 cents) to view “Alfie”?
Chris Goetz worked the popcorn machine; what a treat.
Dick ensured he saw each film he booked prior to showing in the Sun. He’d go to Detroit to do such, usually once or twice a month. The marque was under the neon sign; no longer used. And the picture posters were always displayed; outside was the current film while inside were coming attractions. Now there’s nothing but cardboard letter cut-outs – oh well.
Many a date was our Friday / Saturday night at the Sun. Always two shows; 7 & 9 p.m. No platter projector but instead the “ding-ding” ten seconds before the reel ended to start the next – and the quick focus check by the operator (one of the Horstman twins as I recall).
We even had previews & cartoons – Marc, Dave & I would laugh ourselves silly with WB (Road Runner) Looney Tunes!
So happy this small piece of Americana has survived. Thanks to all that have operated the Sun since the 1940’s!
The new Sun Theatre was opened on June 28, 1946, according to Boxoffice Magazine of July 13 that year. The item said that the new Sun replaced the old theater in Williamston, owned by the same operator, B.W. Montgomery.
The July 20 issue of Boxoffice said “Equipment from their old Sun Theatre was removed to the new house.” It sounds like the old theater might have continued operating up until the time the new one was completed, so would have had a different address.
The July 20 item names the owners as S.A. and R.J. Montgomery. I wonder what became of B.W. during that few weeks? The July 13, 1964, issue of Boxoffice mentions a Dick Montgomery being the operator of the Sun. They had an abundance of Montgomerys in Williamston, I guess.
Interesting. How often do you see a marquee that doesn’t have space for the title of the current feature?