LOL! No! We were with friends and they were kind enough to drive by and let me go inside to say hello to the kids behind the counter and tell them they are lucky to have this theatre in their hometown. Not sure if they appreciated what I was telling them, but maybe they will….someday!
I wonder if this theatre is still showing monthly Hitchcock classics? I’ve been told ordering classic movies in today’s world can be expensive due to shipping costs. I tried the theatre phone number (716-649-2295), but wasn’t able to leave a message though did hear what is being featured for the coming week!
Lost: Thanks for the 3 photos from American Classic Images, but I wonder if this theatre had a set of original doors before the modern ones were installed. My guess is…yes. I hope to contact the current new owner, Jay Ruof.
Don’t believe the Grand was demolished in 1994, but rather in the Spring of 1992. But one thing for sure is that it was “sadly demolished”. Still hoping to hear from David Stear who originally added this theatre to Cinema Treasures.
Oddly enough there is a theatre in western NY in Jamestown NY called the Winter Garden Theatre. It is still standing, but has been closed for a very long time and nobody knows what its future is though I would like to see it retored. Thought I had a buyer from Chicago, but it fell through. It’s listed on CT, too.
And I’ve read differing seat numbers so need to know the official number if not 748 as listed above when the theatre opened on July 17, 1941. I was told the number changed through the years as seat cushions wore out in the back of the auditorium and were replaced with seats from the front row ends.
Joe: Are you personally familiar with the Grand that stood in CA as I see on your profile page that you are in CA? Please email me at as you might be of great help to me in regards to my Grand research project. Thanks.
This link shows the West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland PA. It has the same entrance doors as the Grand once had and it is described as art deco rather than as art moderne. What is the main difference(s) between the 2 designs?
Joe: Is there any way I could acquire a copy of this magazine article via the internet? At first I thought you might be referring to a different Grand Theatre as many were called Grand, but with the mention of Kenneth Blakely I quickly realized that it was my hometown theatre as that name has appeared in my extensive research for a hometown project involving the Grand and its history. Please contact me at
After reading the posts on this link I see there are 2 members named “Java” and “Christian”. If you are in the Modesto area, I hope you can attend the May 30th event. I know “Lost Memory” is not in the Modesto area, but not sure about “ken mc”.
There will be a concert at this theatre on May 30th at 3:30 in memory of the Borden Twins, Marilyn and Roz Borden who played Teensy and Weensy in the I Love Lucy episode with Tennessee Ernie Ford entitled Tennessee Bound. I knew Marilyn and wish I were closer to Modesto to attend this event for 2 very talented entertainers. “The world has the Borden Twins, but Modesto had Marilyn”. Come and celebrate her amazing life!
Below is the official invitation from Marilyn and Roz' sister, Barbara:
Featured vocalists will be: Shirley Hausner and Elsie Merenda (2 of the Senior Divas), Barbara Borden, Michele Richardson and Jon Corbin. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
I look forward to being with you as we share tears and laughter—-mostly the latter—-food and friends and always music, music, music.
LOL! No! We were with friends and they were kind enough to drive by and let me go inside to say hello to the kids behind the counter and tell them they are lucky to have this theatre in their hometown. Not sure if they appreciated what I was telling them, but maybe they will….someday!
I wonder if this theatre is still showing monthly Hitchcock classics? I’ve been told ordering classic movies in today’s world can be expensive due to shipping costs. I tried the theatre phone number (716-649-2295), but wasn’t able to leave a message though did hear what is being featured for the coming week!
Lost: Thanks for the 3 photos from American Classic Images, but I wonder if this theatre had a set of original doors before the modern ones were installed. My guess is…yes. I hope to contact the current new owner, Jay Ruof.
Below is an article entitled Theater is a Palace for New Owner.
View link
I’ve been to this theatre, but only in the lobby…will check it out this summer!
Joe: Quite the interior photo! Thanks. BTW……in a book entitled Lucy A to Z by Michael Karol there is mention of this theatre on page 114.
“This is the Hollywood Boulevard theater in which Desi Arnaz and his band played for Bob Hope’s radio show in 1947.”
Plus I recently read this theatre originally had 850 seats!
And perhaps it should just read “demolished” rather than “closed/demolished”?
Don’t believe the Grand was demolished in 1994, but rather in the Spring of 1992. But one thing for sure is that it was “sadly demolished”. Still hoping to hear from David Stear who originally added this theatre to Cinema Treasures.
Joe: Thanks for the information. Do I actually type in “issuu.com”. I would think it would be “issue.com” though will try it.
Lost: Thank you, again my friend and CT member whom I so appreciate! :)
Oddly enough there is a theatre in western NY in Jamestown NY called the Winter Garden Theatre. It is still standing, but has been closed for a very long time and nobody knows what its future is though I would like to see it retored. Thought I had a buyer from Chicago, but it fell through. It’s listed on CT, too.
I think I’ve answered my own question above….do believe the doors are still in place! Wise decision New Cumberland!
Does this theatre still have the entrance doors with the round windows? Hope so!
And I’ve read differing seat numbers so need to know the official number if not 748 as listed above when the theatre opened on July 17, 1941. I was told the number changed through the years as seat cushions wore out in the back of the auditorium and were replaced with seats from the front row ends.
Joe: Are you personally familiar with the Grand that stood in CA as I see on your profile page that you are in CA? Please email me at as you might be of great help to me in regards to my Grand research project. Thanks.
This link shows the West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland PA. It has the same entrance doors as the Grand once had and it is described as art deco rather than as art moderne. What is the main difference(s) between the 2 designs?
http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/6938.html
Lost: Thanks for this photo and I’m trying to see interior photos for comparison sake. Help!
Joe: Is there any way I could acquire a copy of this magazine article via the internet? At first I thought you might be referring to a different Grand Theatre as many were called Grand, but with the mention of Kenneth Blakely I quickly realized that it was my hometown theatre as that name has appeared in my extensive research for a hometown project involving the Grand and its history. Please contact me at
Tom DeLay: What other information can you give me in regards to the Wurlitzer that was once in the Strand?
Even urban renewal found its way to downtown Modesto according to the historical information at the top of this link.
Sad photo and it had a Wurlitzer organ! Haven’t read the posts so don’t know if the Wurlitzer was saved.
After reading the posts on this link I see there are 2 members named “Java” and “Christian”. If you are in the Modesto area, I hope you can attend the May 30th event. I know “Lost Memory” is not in the Modesto area, but not sure about “ken mc”.
There will be a concert at this theatre on May 30th at 3:30 in memory of the Borden Twins, Marilyn and Roz Borden who played Teensy and Weensy in the I Love Lucy episode with Tennessee Ernie Ford entitled Tennessee Bound. I knew Marilyn and wish I were closer to Modesto to attend this event for 2 very talented entertainers. “The world has the Borden Twins, but Modesto had Marilyn”. Come and celebrate her amazing life!
Below is the official invitation from Marilyn and Roz' sister, Barbara:
Dear Friends—-
Join us in remembering and celebrating the lives of Marilyn Borden and The Borden Twins on what would have been their 77th birthday weekend. For those who would like to continue celebrating, there will be a short musical procession to The Barking Dog Café, 940 11th Street for An Evening of Music provided by the John Wyatt Trio and Ernie Bucio’s Little Big Band including songs that Marilyn and The Borden Twins loved to sing.
Featured vocalists will be: Shirley Hausner and Elsie Merenda (2 of the Senior Divas), Barbara Borden, Michele Richardson and Jon Corbin. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
I look forward to being with you as we share tears and laughter—-mostly the latter—-food and friends and always music, music, music.
Love,
Barbara
The first movie to play at the Grand was Love Crazy with William Powell and Myrna Loy on July 17, 1941.