Bronson Theater

To dafna62, My son-in-law is the grandson of Fred E Pennell, Eugene’s brother. Please contact me at

Described in this 1949 trade article: boxofficemagazine

My Grandfather, Eugene Jacob Pennell, built this theater. The interior was beautiful. It had red velvet curtains and very ornate carpeting. It was used for stage shows as well as motion pictures. My Grandfather would always show a cartoon prior to the movie. The ceiling in the auditorium sparkled as if you were out under the stars at a drive in. Well done, Grandpa!

1983 Photo

The October 15, 1949, issue of Boxoffice Magazine published an article about the new Bronson Theatre, with three small photos. The pitched roof in recent photos is an addition. The original facade was pure streamlined Art Moderne. The interiors were also streamlined, with indirect lighting from round ceiling domes in the lobby and one large oval covering the auditorium. There is very little decorative detail visible in the magazine photos, but the carpet was fairly ornate.

The 606 seat Bronson Theatre was the eighth Michigan house to be operated by E.J. Pennell, and was a replacement for the smaller Coliseum Theatre.

There is another photo of the Bronson Theater at this website. I don’t know how recent that photo is but the theater appears to be open.

Here is a modern photo of the former Bronson theater.