Pat's Theatre

The Washington Theatre opened in vibrant Southeast Saginaw in 1910. The marketing of the venue suggests that it may have had extended periods of operating exclusively for African American audiences though that is not confirmed. The building housing the theatre dated back to the 19th Century and was used as a cleaners, barber shop and was raided as a gambling operation.

It is established as a silent movie house briefly known as the Washington Theatre. In 1911, the building received an annex to provide additional services when it was renamed the Sanford Theatre. The neighboring and perhaps adjoining livery were converted to a billiards hall. The Sanford Theatre soon reverted to the Washington Theatre moniker and was converted to sound to remain viable.

The Washington Theatre becomes a general audience theatre from 1935 to 1953. On January 20, 1950, the venue is operated by Alex and George Ballosh who renamed it as Pat’s Theater with John Wayne in “Wake of the Red Witch” and Penny Singleton in “Blondies Big Deal” supported by a cartoon.

Pat’s Theatre closed on April 5, 1953 with Clark Gable in “Across the Wide Missouri” supported by a cartoon. The building becomes a financial institution and is later demolished with most of the remaining buildings. As of the 2020’s, it appears that just two of the original buildings in the business district remain.

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