California Theatre
5741 Dunsmuir Avenue,
Dunsmuir,
CA
96025
5741 Dunsmuir Avenue,
Dunsmuir,
CA
96025
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From the UC Davis collection:
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Clarification: The CALIFORNIA vertical sign was one of a number of identical or near-identical signs made for many theatres under the T&D banner which were named “California.” The example in Dunsmuir is identical in design to that of the 1927 California Theatre in San Jose, a sign which was originally applied to the 1912 T&D Theatre DeLuxe when it was renamed California, and then later moved over to the new 1927 namesake. The DeLuxe/California of 1912 date was then renamed the Mission, and was torn down in 1953.
The Dunsmuir California vertical was indeed studied in detail in recent years, so that a replica could be made by Wagner Electric Sign Co. for the restored California in San Jose.
Fantastic theatre in a neat town. I was in it a few years ago when there was talk to reopen it. Mr. Naify did a great job keeping it open and alive. Good luck and congrats! Have you thought about doing a real Murder Mystery in there? I would be happy to work on it! (630) 480-3345.
The opening on June 26 was a fantastic time for all who attended. The “Boyz Nite Out” gave the audience a chance to dance and conga around the theater. Kerrie and Carter and all the wonderful volunteers of Dunmuir are to be applauded for such a great job of putting “life” back into the old city of Pusher. Miles Richmond
Written in the third party by Don Kirk
On Thursday June 3, 2005, Director Kerrie Wilson appointed former Redding/LA Radio & Tv broadcaster and event promoter Don Kirk as General Manager of Media at the theater. Don’s job at the California Theater will be to license, set-up and run both an FM radio station and a UHF TV station; with the main broadcast studio’s and offices in the theater. Don will also oversee the set-up and operation of both audio and video recording studios in the California Theater. Don expects that many of the events held at the California theater will be audio, or video, or audio & Video recorded; and broadcast live or by tape, on the theater’s radio & TV stations.
Don is currently setting up his office (temporarily on the 3rd. floor) at the theater; and Don has already begun the radio station’s licensing process.
As an independent, Don will also be renting parts of the theater for one and two day events, promoting, producing and hosting many events held in the California Theater.
Anyone wanting to contact Don to help set-up the broadcasting, or recording aspects, or to help operate them, once completed, or to work in one of his events (actor, musician, stage hand), can email Don at , or call Don at (530) 515-2119. Don currently lives in Redding and will be commuting 2 or 3 days per week, to his office at the California Theater.
The theatre is now occupied by the American Institute for Arts and Communities. Please view our website at www.institutearts.org for more information. Kerrie Wilson, Director
The History of the California Theatre has been completed by Miles Richmond and a copy is in the office of the California Theatre, Dunsmuir
I lived in Dunsmuir from 1934-1954 and lived the evolution of the California Theatre. I have written a chapter about the theatre and the culture that was created by the patrons in my book entitled MY STORY. I would be glad to give a bried 30 minute lecture on the Theatre any time if anyone was interessted. I am a retired school administrator and live in Gold River, Ca. Miles Richmond