Rapids Theatre - Eaton Rapids MI 

Address: 111 W. Hamlin Street
City: Eaton Rapids
State: MI
Zip: 49284
County: Eaton
Open: Feb 28, 1950
Capacity: 612
Owner History: Cash Beechler
Theater Type: Small Town Movie Palace
Number of visits to this page: 6478
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:

Source: Box Office Magazine

The Rapids, which opened February 28, 1950, is a modern two-story building of brick and cinder block construction. The front as well as the marquee is finished in colored porcelain enamel. Walls of the modernistic lobby are covered with plywood and decorated with green shades. These blend with the multi-colored tile floor and natural finish colors to the foyer. Carpeting is rose-red with an attractive leaf motif. At either side of the lobby are entrances to the all-tile rest rooms. A staircase leads up to an unseated auditorium balcony and cry room.

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Info Updates:
3/16/2021 - Andy Gray

The Cinema Treasures website says: "The Rapids Theatre opened on February 28, 1950. Designed by architect Talmage C. Hughs, with Albert S. Johnson as theatre consultant. The façade is finished in a porcelain enamel. Inside the auditorium, seating was provided in orchestra and balcony levels, and there was a cry room at the rear left hand side of the balcony. The decorative treatment comprised of free hand drawings on the side walls and front of the balcony which consisted of curves and swirls."

This is one of a couple instances in which I've read that my grandfather served as a "theatre consultant" while also being the general contractor. Some of the "free hand drawings" mentioned in the article can be seen in two of my grandfather's 1950 interior images below.

The six color 35 mm slides that I've posted below were taken by Al Johnson in 1950. They include four images of the entrance at different times, and two of the interior. The building is no longer in use as a theater.

3/1/2021 - Bob
This old theater is now a Bank in downtown Eaton Rapids. The building is located at 111 W. Hamlin St. in Eaton Rapids. It is currently the: Homestead Saving Bank.
 Photos:15
Rapids Theatre - From American Classic Images
From American Classic Images
Rapids Theatre - From Al Johnson
From Al Johnson
Rapids Theatre - From Al Johnson
From Al Johnson
Rapids Theatre - From Al Johnson
From Al Johnson
Rapids Theatre - From Al Johnson
From Al Johnson
Rapids Theatre - From Al Johnson
From Al Johnson
Rapids Theatre - From Al Johnson
From Al Johnson
Rapids Theatre - Fall 2006 From Ron Gross
Fall 2006 From Ron Gross
Rapids Theatre - From Ron Gross
From Ron Gross
Rapids Theatre - From Ron Gross
From Ron Gross
Rapids Theatre - From Ron Gross
From Ron Gross
Rapids Theatre - From Ron Gross
From Ron Gross
Rapids Theatre - From American Classic Images
From American Classic Images
Rapids Theatre - From Ron Gross
From Ron Gross
Rapids Theatre - 2023
2023
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