Strand Theatre
205 E. Front Street,
Plainfield,
NJ
07060
205 E. Front Street,
Plainfield,
NJ
07060
3 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Walter Reade Theatres
Functions: Furniture Showroom
Nearby Theaters
Originally opened April 15, 1921, this neighborhood house once played end of the run double features. Seating was provided on a stadium plan, with a raised stepped section at the rear rather than an overhanging balcony.
In the 1970’s it switched to adult films. It finally showed East Indian movies and closed in the early-2000’s. By 2024 it was in use as a furniture store.
Contributed by
Robert R
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Recent comments (view all 29 comments)
A small story in Monday, Jan 14 Star Ledger said that over the weekend the heavy winds blew part of the marquee onto the street below. No further info provided.
Sadly, the Strand now seems beyond the reach of renovation or restoration. Its new owner has completely stripped the interior seating, demolished and stage and eliminated the interior lobby where the candy stand had been, leaving an enormous whitewashed interior which, word has it, he plans to outfit as retail space. That would have to have zoning board approval and may not meet muster. In any event, it is sad that the town officials have not done more to use it as an anchor in the downtown redevelopment plans (unlike Montclair, where the Wellmont Theatre looks likely to become a performance venue that will helpt their downtown handily).
See my posts below. Dan Damon, Plainfield Today
I have posted two items recently on the fate of the Strand Theater ( make sure to get the entire URL in your browser address bar)—
View link
and
View link
This is a shame. Its too bad it couldn’t have been saved like the Ritz in Elizabeth.
Since the store next door is boasting “the widest selection of Atari cartridges,” the 1982 date on this picture may well be correct.
I am thinking this photo is from the late 50’s…definitely not 1982. The newest car I see is a 1959 Ford wagon. Look at the styles too. I don’t see Atari in the pic, and doubt that it even existed when this was taken. I went to the Strand for many Saturday kid matinees …bought candy at Sav-On Drugs which is also visible in the picture.
Apologies, i just saw your picture. What a change from the 50’s to the 80’s. Sad!
April 15th, 1921 grand opening ad in the photo section.
As of 2022, the Strand was a furniture store. The building is in good shape. The marquee is gone.
Wonderama process world premiere on March 5th. 1964.
Wonderama process world premiere 05 Mar 1964, Thu The Courier-News (Bridgewater, New Jersey) Newspapers.com
Wonderama info: https://www.in70mm.com/presents/1962_mcs_70/1962_flying_clipper/clipper/uk/index.htm