Strand Cinema
19 Court Street,
Skowhegan,
ME
04976
19 Court Street,
Skowhegan,
ME
04976
3 people
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It was a Lockwood/Gordon Theatre and then part of SBC Theatres out of Massachusetts (Doug Amos). It was managed for years by a couple named Ouellette who also lived in an apartment over the theatre. It was single screen until 2006.
Somerset Theatres, Inc. were the original operators of the Strand, according to an early 1930 issue of The Film Daily. The first manager was named Newall E. Ware.
The official website (http://www.narrowgaugecinema.net/strand.htm)has a nice photo gallery with interior photos.
The Strand is listed in the 1942-43 edition of the Motion Picture Almanac as part of Lockwood & Gordan theaters of Boston.
Did I hear that the “James Montgomery Blues Band” is going to be at the “Strand” this summer? Do tell is there a “Ghost ” of a chance?
I grew up in Skowhegan and visited the cinema every weekend growing up. Now I bring my two boys. We went to see Night at the Smithsonian battle of the museum. We got there a little eerie and no one was in the theater yet. We sat in the back row and ate our pop corn as we looked around. My three year old looked at the exit sign on the left side of the theater and asked me who that man was standing there. I asked him where. He pointed and then said he was gone. Chills went up my spine. I had heard the rumor of a ghost, but had never seen it. We have since been back and neither of my children has seen him since.
website http://www.narrowgaugecinema.net/
The Strand in Skowhegan, according to Theatre Historical Society of America info, opened on November 18, 1929, had 946 seats and was designed by Desmond & Lord.
I too am a skowheganite. I remember as a kid in the 70’s talk of the place being haunted..something about handprints on the screen and footsteps, etc..supposedly a child, I think. The old owners (the perrys) allegedly had some experiences too I believe when they lived upstairs? It’s a true treasure…one of the few gems in Skowhegan as the town has been steadily declining—getting more of a “mill town” look to it…too bad..maybe road repair would be a first step to cleaning it up?
Construction of the new screens is completed. Both new cinemas have a balcony, stage curtain, dolby digital with Klipsch, period reproductions, and a seating capacity of 175 per side. Architects for the project were Joy and Hamilton from Auburn Maine.
this is a beautiful theater built in 1929. the owner is currently renovating and add two more screens to the left side of the theater. this theater has a balcony which is limited to adults only. it has updated bathrooms, concession area and seats which go with the decor. a new screen and dolby digital sound with many surround sound speakers were added to the main theater 2 ½ years ago. the new additions are expecting to be done by the end of november 2005. it is a great family priced theater that i think everyone should visit atleast once to enjoy it.
Looking at the picture posted by lostmemory, there is now a second theatre to the left side. Starting in November, 2005 (tentative) the second theatre will be openning. This theatre, although rustic and classic on the outside, has new seating and concessions. The building is a classic opera theatre, with gorgeous fixtures.
Isn’t this theater now known as the Strand Cinema.
Web site is www.mainecinemas.com
Who in the world says the Skowhegan Cinema is haunted???????
NEITHER my husband nor myself (both “cradle Skowheganites”) has heard of anything so preposterous! “…one of the 50 most haunted places in America” INDEED!
C. A. Clement