Fowler Theatre
225 N. Main Street,
Fowler,
MI
48835
225 N. Main Street,
Fowler,
MI
48835
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Independent Exhibitors Theater Services
Firms: Johnson Construction Co.
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This short-lived theatre was erected shortly after World War II, and was operated by Independent Exhibitors Theater Services. It was dismantled in 1951. The theatre’s seats were moved to the Howell Theatre in Howell. Today the building serves as offices and a meeting room for the Village of Fowler.
Contributed by
Joe Vogel
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Recent comments (view all 2 comments)
Albert S. “Al” Johnson, my grandfather, built the Fowler Theatre in 1947. I’ve just uploaded several of Kodachrome slide images that he took in 1948 and 1949.
In an exterior view of the theater, taken in May 1948, a Roy Rogers movie “The Gay Ranchero” is listed on the marquee. The marquee/sign itself is rather modest in size and design.
Although the front of the theater lacks a wall-to-wall porcelain enamel finish, it still features red accents and two pairs of half-moon glass doors. My grandfather was said to have held a patent on this style (called “Johnson doors”), and they were found on several of his theaters built between the 1930s and 1950s.
Several slides with interior views of the theater - including a rare view of a concession area - were dated May and September 1949.
One more comment: the overview above says that after the Fowler Theatre closed, the theater’s seats were moved to the Howell Theatre. The Howell Theatre is another Michigan movie house that my grandfather Al Johnson remodeled - we think in 1938 according to family records - and it’s still open today.