Fox Theater
831 Avenue G,
Fort Madison,
IA
52627
831 Avenue G,
Fort Madison,
IA
52627
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Eisentraut Theatres (Official)
Additional Info
Operated by: Eisentraut Theatres
Previously operated by: Fox Circuit
Architects: Samuel W. Bihr, Jr.
Functions: Movies (First Run)
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Previous Names: Strand Theater
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
319.372.2474
Nearby Theaters
News About This Theater
- Nov 15, 2010 — AMC closing the Plaza 3 in Keokuk
The Strand Theater was opened on July 1, 1919. By the early-1930’s it was another Fox owned and operated theater. Seating was listed at 816. It was a bit larger than its sister theater across and down the street (Orpheum Theater). It was remodeled and reopened on April 12, 1951.
Closed in 1955, it was later re-named Fox Theater. It closed in June 2008, but was re-opened in April 2009. It had closed again by May 2010. It was reopened March 3, 2017 by Eisentraut Theatres.
Contributed by
Chuck
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Recent comments (view all 19 comments)
The monthly Stone & Webster Journal had the following item in the Fort Madison section of its July, 1919 issue:
The August 11, 1928, issue of Motion Picture Times published remarks from the manager and publicity director of the Strand and Orpheum Theatres in Fort Madison, accompanied by a small photo of the entrance to the Strand looking as though it had been decorated to publicize a particular movie.Joe, thanks for the information. I will add that to all of the history materials that we have for the Strand/Fox.
The article Tinseltoes linked to has the name of the architect for the conversion of the Strand into the Fox, but the scan doesn’t show a few letters at the beginning of each line in the left column of the page, so the architect’s surname is missing. He was Samuel W. (something short) Jr..
I’m thinking it must have been Samuel W. Bihr, Jr., who was a contract architect for Fox Midwest in the early 1950s, designing everything from minor remodeling jobs to entirely new theaters. His designs of the period were typically transitional Streamline Modern/Midcentury Modern, which fits the Fort Madison Fox.
From 2012 a photo of the Fox Theater in Madison
Probably the worst thing they did was twinning the thing. But I believe it could be successful as a twin. It all depends on how it’s booked. I don’t think live performances would work. Thw auditoriums are now too small and it does not appear to have fly screens.
Currently considering going back to one screen. Still working on keeping the building solid and sound. New roof project completed this summer. For those of you that still show an interest in the Fox, THANKS!
This theatre re-opened on March 3, 2017. Operated by Eisentraut Theatres of Hillsboro Illinois.
Congratulations to Eisentraut Theaters! Best wishes to you in the future.
Per Andy Andrews on Facebook: “Lot of stories about old Strand/Fox theatre - opened July 1, 1919 as Strand Theatre and in winter 1951 a complete remodeling with grand opening April 12, 1951 - Many of us old timer’s remember H. L. "Chub” Golladay & Daisy that managed the theatre 1940 to 1946 and returned again after the remodel to manage the theatre - in interim Ralph Wallace managed it."
I wonder when this theater was twinned…