Family Theatre - Birmingham MI

Address: 229 N Old Woodward Ave
City: Birmingham
State: MI
Zip: 48009
County: Oakland
Open: 1913
Capacity: 286
Owner History:
Theater Type: Neighborhood House
Number of visits to this page: 3823
Disclaimer:

Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance, features, addresses, phone numbers, or contact names of the attraction. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. We ask you consult the propietor for current information.

General Information:

Birmingham's first movie house, known as the FAMILY THEATER, opened February 12, 1913. The architect was John Buckborough who lived near the northwest corner of Adams and Big Beaver Roads. The contractor was O.A. Young. Panels were decorated by Carl Gibson who at one time was employed by the DETROIT SCENERY CO. which had its studio on the west side of the Rouge Valley, a little north of Willits.

The stenciling was done by Robert Purdy of Birmingham. Gibson also painted the curtain which, according to the BIRMINGHAM ECCENTRIC showed that he was an artist in his own right. 300 People attended the opening performance. (Every one of the 286 seats must have been filled!) A minstrel show was presented which included comic songs, new jokes and funny sayings. The admission price was 10 cents.

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 Photos:4
Family Theatre - Either One Of These Are Possibilities
Either One Of These Are Possibilities
Family Theatre - Old Shot Of The Family
Old Shot Of The Family
Family Theatre - Old Shot Of The Family
Old Shot Of The Family
Family Theatre - Another Old Pic
Another Old Pic
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