Strand Theatre

205 E. Front Street,
Plainfield, NJ 07060

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Walter Reade Theatres

Functions: Furniture Showroom

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Strand Theatre

Originally opened April 15, 1921, this neighborhood house once played end of the run double features. Seating was provided on a stadium plan, with a raised stepped section at the rear rather than an overhanging balcony.

In the 1970’s it switched to adult films. It finally showed East Indian movies and closed in the early-2000’s. By 2024 it was in use as a furniture store.

Contributed by Robert R

Recent comments (view all 27 comments)

Cannibaleyes
Cannibaleyes on January 14, 2008 at 1:08 pm

It looks like it’s last call at this theater. See attached article:

View link

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on January 14, 2008 at 1:14 pm

The theater has been closed for a few years, apparently.

markp
markp on January 17, 2008 at 2:41 pm

A small story in Monday, Jan 14 Star Ledger said that over the weekend the heavy winds blew part of the marquee onto the street below. No further info provided.

dandamon
dandamon on February 13, 2008 at 9:06 am

Sadly, the Strand now seems beyond the reach of renovation or restoration. Its new owner has completely stripped the interior seating, demolished and stage and eliminated the interior lobby where the candy stand had been, leaving an enormous whitewashed interior which, word has it, he plans to outfit as retail space. That would have to have zoning board approval and may not meet muster. In any event, it is sad that the town officials have not done more to use it as an anchor in the downtown redevelopment plans (unlike Montclair, where the Wellmont Theatre looks likely to become a performance venue that will helpt their downtown handily).
See my posts below. Dan Damon, Plainfield Today

I have posted two items recently on the fate of the Strand Theater ( make sure to get the entire URL in your browser address bar)—

View link
and
View link

markp
markp on April 7, 2009 at 8:23 pm

This is a shame. Its too bad it couldn’t have been saved like the Ritz in Elizabeth.

RickB
RickB on April 23, 2009 at 5:56 pm

Since the store next door is boasting “the widest selection of Atari cartridges,” the 1982 date on this picture may well be correct.

Jamestow
Jamestow on May 9, 2013 at 10:10 am

I am thinking this photo is from the late 50’s…definitely not 1982. The newest car I see is a 1959 Ford wagon. Look at the styles too. I don’t see Atari in the pic, and doubt that it even existed when this was taken. I went to the Strand for many Saturday kid matinees …bought candy at Sav-On Drugs which is also visible in the picture.

Jamestow
Jamestow on May 9, 2013 at 10:17 am

Apologies, i just saw your picture. What a change from the 50’s to the 80’s. Sad!

rivest266
rivest266 on October 14, 2016 at 4:50 pm

April 15th, 1921 grand opening ad in the photo section.

hondo
hondo on September 18, 2024 at 12:13 pm

As of 2022, the Strand was a furniture store. The building is in good shape. The marquee is gone.

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