Strand Theatre
NE 9th Street and Spring Street,
Reading,
PA
19610
NE 9th Street and Spring Street,
Reading,
PA
19610
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The Strand Theatre at NE 9th Street and Spring Street in Reading PA, was opened prior to 1941. It was owned and operated by Goldman Theatres of Philadelphia. It was a fairly large theatre with a balcony and huge wrap around neon marquee. For years it was a neighborhood double feature second run house. In around 1968, Goldman converted it into first run single feature format. I remember seeing "Goodbye Columbus" there in 1969.
The Strand Theatre was heavily damaged in a 1970 fire which occurred about the same time as the fire that destroyed the Embassy Theatre in downtown Reading. The property itself was sold in 1972 to the Budco chain from Philadelphia but I don’t believe that the theatre ever reopened after the fire.
Contributed by
Jonathan M. Crist
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Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
It would be appreciated if you able to recover any photos from the city library or city hall to post on this link?
Please note that if you click on the map icon behind the address for the theatre at the top of the page, it will take you to the wrong location. The indicator shows 9th & Spring Streets in Wyomissing, not Reading. Wyomissing is a suburb to the west of the city.
If you drag the map to the east (moving to the right)you will cross the river into the city of Reading. Continue dragging as the streets will be labeled Front, 1st, 2nd. etc. continue until you get to 9th Street, then drag north a few blocks to Spring. The location of the Strand was the northeast corner of 9th & Spring.
About 1960, I was working as an usher at the Astor Theatre in Reading, which was also operated by Goldman. I was one of several ushers who were asked to help out at the Strand. They were cleaning up backstage and painting the dressing rooms with the hope of starting live stage productions. The manager at that time was Clayton Evans, who later became manager at the Astor. I don’t believe that they ever did any live shows, unless you count leasing the place for kiddies Christmas parties.
It never reopened after the 1970 fire. It was torn down and replaced with a restaurant.