Strand Theater
3100 Boardwalk,
Wildwood,
NJ
08260
3100 Boardwalk,
Wildwood,
NJ
08260
3 people
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The auditorium is used for storage and all the walls and seats are removed and small business now occupy the space. SIGH
The marquee is still in tact, but now displays “Giovanna’s Goodies” Offering everything from empanadas to hot dogs. There is a Mr Softee in one of the storefronts further down, which plays that haunting melody as you walk by.
Hopefully the chain that reopened the Ventnor and is now working on the Moorlyn in Ocean City will reopen this theater.
More photos for Strand Theatre..
https://www.bridgeandtunnelclub.com/bigmap/outoftown/newjersey/capemaycounty/wildwood/strand/index.htm
I’m sure if you go to the wildwood town hall of records they should have info on who owns it. I would love to see this place back up and running.
does anybody know who owns the strand theatre building now ? would love to contact them please
Was in Wildwood yesterday for the first time in many years. The Strand is closed. All retail now. Same for the Ocean Theatre a few blocks down. There is this big water slide attraction where the Shore Theatre once stood. Its so sad. I remember in the 80’s going to all those theatres.
staceygreenspan’s memory is confirmed by another CT member. Thehillsarealive’s comment on the Ocean Theatre page recalls the MMC cast members appearing at a Wildwood theater one fall day, and also says that the Hunt circuit always closed all the theaters in Wildwood except those on Atlantic Avenue after the tourist season ended. As the Strand was on Boardwalk and the Shore on Atlantic Avenue, it must have been the Shore where the cast appeared.
Sorry, but I remember meeting the Mickey Mouse Club members the day they came to town to promote a movie and it was the Shore theater, not the strand, unless they went there too, but I doubt it.
Yes, it is closed. See the mentions here:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g46931-d1885419-Reviews-The_Strand_Movie_Theater-Wildwood_New_Jersey.html
Has this theater closed also? The posting on the Sea Theater which is now closed said it was the last operating theater in Wildwood.Wildwood had great theaters when I was growing up. UGH If so update status to closed.
Here is a 1982 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/y9so4gl
Hunt Theatre Enterprises intended to build their new Strand Theatre on the same site as their previous Strand, according to an item in Boxoffice Magazine of October 13, 1945. The architect’s rendering of the facade of the proposed house published in the magazine matches the photos linked above quite closely. The architect of the new Strand was William H. Lee, of Philadelphia.
Here is a 1947 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/2sba98
1973 program:
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Listed as part of Hunt’s Theatres, Inc. in the 1970 FDY & 1976 International Motion Picture Almanac.
Two old postcards:
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When this theatre was rebuilt in 1947, it was the largest theatre constructed in the US since World War II began.
In 1952, 20th Century Fox selected the Strand for the world premiere of “What Price Glory” starring James Cagney. In 1958, the Mickey Mouse Club visited the theatre.
In 1953, Hunt spent $25000 to purchase the first stereophonic sound system in NJ and the first RCA Synchro Panoramic screen in the world for the Strand.
But the Shore 4 also!
Was in Wildwood this past weekend. Actually i’m there a lot since i have a place in Diamond Beach. Anyway, we stopped at our friends restraunt on Pacific ave. just around the corner from both the Strand and The Shore 4. While discussing all the “changes” in regards to realestate, new construction and the overall rebirth of Wildwood it was brought up by “long time” buisness owners of Wildwood that the MOREY’S and for those of you who don’t know, the Morey’s are to amusements along with too much to list other “intrest” in Wildwood like Trump is to New York City and Atlantic City. Get it? Anyway, word is they the Morey’s are on a buying spree and on the list is THE STRAND and no not for knocking down and making condo’s but restoring back into its original theatre size…Atillis Gym will be gone however. So keep em crossed and lets hope for the best not just for The Strand but The Shore 4
Small current photo at this link:
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I already listed the others, except for the Ocean, which didn’t have a history narrative yet.
History & old photos:
http://www.funchase.com/Images/Theatres/Strand.htm
Mr. Bender has some nice photos of the theater on his website:
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For those familiar with New Jersey, these pictures depict a very typcial boardwalk (love it or hate it) at night.
The Frank theater chain ruined this theater like they did so many by chopping it up. Using the beautiful front as an arcade sucks.