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Walking Memory Lane: The lost theaters of Jackson, MI
posted by
CSWalczak
on
March 15, 2010 at 2:45 pm
JACKSON, MI — For a town the size of Jackson, a look back at its cinema history reveals that it once had a significant number of theaters. A recent article looks back at them with a special focus on the lost Capitol Theatre.
It stung when The Capitol closed in 1973, but the article and their memory of that night out spurred the Ahronheim brothers to try and save the building two years later when it was purchased by Jackson County and slated for demolition to create a parking lot for employees at the Tower Building next door.
Though they were unsuccessful and the building came down in September 1975, the brothers rallied about 40 people in the Save the Capitol Theatre Committee, which wanted to preserve the building as an arts and cultural center. One of the members was Jackson’s Gerry Blanchard, a director, drama teacher and active member of the Jackson Civic Theater, Clark Lake Players and Rosier Players.
The article, from MLive is here.
Comments (3)
It would be interesting to chat with the Chuck Ahronheim who is mentioned in the MLive article. Even though Chuck and a brother failed in their attempt to save the Capitol their efforts are to be applauded!
I have posted the MLive article on the Capitol link and hope to contact Charles Ahronheim. Many of the theatres listed in the MLive article aren’t included on CT such as the Rex.
Thanks Patsy.