Fowler Theatre

225 N. Main Street,
Fowler, MI 48835

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Independent Exhibitors Theater Services

Firms: Johnson Construction Co.

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Fowler Theatre

This short-lived theatre was erected shortly after World War II, and was operated by Independent Exhibitors Theater Services. It was dismantled in 1951. The theatre’s seats were moved to the Howell Theatre in Howell. Today the building serves as offices and a meeting room for the Village of Fowler.

Contributed by Joe Vogel

Recent comments (view all 2 comments)

graymatters
graymatters on April 17, 2021 at 4:42 pm

Albert S. “Al” Johnson, my grandfather, built the Fowler Theatre in 1947. I’ve just uploaded several of Kodachrome slide images that he took in 1948 and 1949.

In an exterior view of the theater, taken in May 1948, a Roy Rogers movie “The Gay Ranchero” is listed on the marquee. The marquee/sign itself is rather modest in size and design.

Although the front of the theater lacks a wall-to-wall porcelain enamel finish, it still features red accents and two pairs of half-moon glass doors. My grandfather was said to have held a patent on this style (called “Johnson doors”), and they were found on several of his theaters built between the 1930s and 1950s.

Several slides with interior views of the theater - including a rare view of a concession area - were dated May and September 1949.

graymatters
graymatters on April 17, 2021 at 4:56 pm

One more comment: the overview above says that after the Fowler Theatre closed, the theater’s seats were moved to the Howell Theatre. The Howell Theatre is another Michigan movie house that my grandfather Al Johnson remodeled - we think in 1938 according to family records - and it’s still open today.

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