Old Michigan Theatre
811 Ludington Street,
Escanaba,
MI
49829
811 Ludington Street,
Escanaba,
MI
49829
2 people
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Related Websites
Old Michigan (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Delft Theaters Inc.
Functions: Movies (Classic), Special Events
Styles: Art Deco
Previous Names: Strand Theater, Michigan Theatre
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
906.287.6574
Nearby Theaters
Replacing the Strand Theatre which had opened in 1913 and closed in 1929. It was rebuilt by Delft Theaters chain and the 624-seat Michigan Theatre was opened on December 2, 1930. It was closed on November 24, 1962 with Anthony Franciosa in “Period of Adjustment”. It reopened on October 2, 1963 with John Wane in “The Longest Day”. Delft Theaters operated the Michigan Theatre until 1975 when it was taken over by Melcorp Theaters who operated it until 1985. It was taken over by an independent operator and closed in 1994. It then operated as a church and then a clothing store before becoming derelict sitting empty and rotting.
A local couple walking by one evening in 2018 decided to inquire about the theater, and they bought it for $65,000. They embarked on a renovation/restoration project. In July 2024 it had reopened in use as a 300-seat movie theater, renamed Old Michigan Theatre screening classic movies.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 3 comments)
I called this number, 906-786-7941, that was listed on the internet for the Michigan theater. The answering machine belonged to the church, which has moved to another address. As of now the function is unknown, but according to LM’s photo a theater may be on the way.
The 624-seat Michigan Theatre reopened its doors after almost a whole year of closure on October 2, 1963 with John Wayne in “The Longest Day”. Charles E. Schuvier was the one who reopened it, who was also the same manager of the nearby Delft Theatre. Delft Theatres held ownership of the Michigan Theatre until 1975, while Melcorp Theaters took over afterward and operated the Michigan until 1985. The Michigan Theatre was still open as a movie theater in 1990, most likely under independent ownership.
Both the Delft and the Michigan Theatres most likely closed as movie theaters in 1994 when the Willow Creek Cinema 8 opened. The former Michigan Theatre then operated as a church and then a clothing store before becoming derelict sitting empty. It wasn’t until 2018 when renovations and restorations took place.
The Michigan Theatre reopened its doors in July 2024 back as a movie theater under the name “Old Michigan Theatre”, screening classic movies as well as a vintage arcade. It now housed around 300 seats.
Its already reopened. The status needs to be changed to open and showing movies.