Strand Theatre

Here is an update on recent happenings with the restoration effort. First, a shakeup in the board of directors has repositioned the organization for some new, dynamic leadership. Secondly, a fresh website is up and running at www.strandtheater.org The Strand has been helped substantially by U.S. Rep. Alan B. Mollohan, (D/WV), in acquiring substantive funding for several capital improvements. Through a charitable foundation established by the Congressman, Vandalia Heritage Foundation, www.vandalia.org, the Strand has received funding for a new roof and restoration of the exterior components of the building. The fused membrane roof is now in place and scaffolding currently is going up around the building for chemical cleaning of the brick exterior and repointing where needed. New windows, repairs to the stamped-metal cornices and new exit doors are also included in this phase of work. Pictures of the improvements may be viewed at the Strand website.

A custom-built replica marquee has been installed containing all the design elements of the original 1920 marquee. Period photos supplied by Tom James guided this process. The wooden entrance doors have been conserved and are fresh-looking with new brass pulls and kickplates. All windows have been replaced or repaired in a manner consistant with historic conservation and replica announcement boxes have been mounted under the marquee. The sole remaining steel/iron counterweighted fire escape has been restored and all exterior ornamental metalwork has been repaired and painted. The exterior of the building looks brand new again. Restoration of the interior spaces will now begin with an expected completion date of 2012.

Thank you Lost memory for the photos. 1981 was about the time I became a regular volunteer working for John Ramser to run the projectors and make popcorn. Mr. Ramser managed the Strand from 1976 until its closure in 1996. He also still operates the Plaza Theater in Weirton and the Glendale Drive In. He is a theater man of the old stripe. His presence at the Strand for 20-years insured that the lights were on at night and that there was always a new movie to watch. He sacrificed much during the video tape era when patronage at the Strand shrank annually, but his love of the place helped insure its integrity and make the Strand a cherished part of our shared collective conscience.

The correct address of the Strand Theatre is 811 5th Street (5th and Jefferson.) The related websites link still needs to be updated as well.

The Strand is happy to announce after years of restoration we officially had a “re-grand opening”! This past weekend we filled every seat for four nights straight with our summer musical. The excitement for the building to survive is higher than ever!!