Penniman-Allen Theatre
855 Penniman Avenue,
Plymouth,
MI
855 Penniman Avenue,
Plymouth,
MI
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Built for Kate Penniman-Allen in 1918 and commonly known as the P & A, this theater could seat around 600, but was equipped with everything a large movie palace would contain, including a large stage, orchestra pit, and an organ. Penniman-Allen also ran an adjancent dance hall.
In the early 20s, she raised the ire of many of the citizens of conservative Plymouth when she stated that she wanted to begin showing films on Sundays.
In the 40s, the P & A was operated by Harry Lush, who also operated another P & A in Northville, as well as the Penn, just down the street from the P & A in Plymouth. In the late 50s and early 60s, the Hohler family, which also owned the Farmington Civic, ran the P & A (and also the P & A in Northville).
Starting in the early 60s, it was known as the Plymouth Art, and screened foreign and industrial features.
In 1968, the theater was destroyed in a fire.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
Vintage photo of the P & A Theatre.
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The October 6, 1917,issue of The American Contractor had an item saying that contracts had been awarded for construction of a motion picture theater, hall, and office building to be built at Plymouth, Michigan, for Kate E. Allen. The projected cost for the two-story, 100x90-foot building was $30,000. The project had been designed by architect C. Howard Crane.
Hello, Yes the theater burned to the ground in 1968, and I was there watching the smoldering disaater. I also obtained a pair of seats from the theater that I have had stored in my basement for the last 43 years.
Picture attached. They are being offerd up for a good home. Make me an offer if interested. Pictures available on Ann Arbor Criagslist.