We recently had the really amazing opportunity to take an, in-depth tour through The Strand theatre in Shelbyville. Restoration hero Steve Frazee kindly took us through and showed us every nook and cranny of the 1916 treasure. This landmark has been lovingly restored through the efforts of a core group of volunteers with the aid of what seems like a great percentage of the Shelbyville community. Pictures here include the 1938 seats that are in the balcony, gorgeous long Art Deco lights, the adorable ladies room sign, and the glass block aisle lights. We got a little chill when Steve ushered us in and said "Welcome to The Strand". What struck us most through our tour was the love and dedication that Steve and the other volunteers have brought to this theatre. There clearly has been an untold amount of blood, sweat, and tears that has gone into this project and there is a deserved pride in what it has become. Live shows and business conferences can be held here and, this very week, a movie screen is being installed so classic movies will be in the future. As old movie buffs, we are unspeakably excited about that. We are really humbled and inspired by all of the work, dedication, and love that has been brought to this place. This is clearly a community that is doing things right. Shelbyville is a quick, easy drive for Indianapolis residents so we encourage you to watch The Strand's website for upcoming events.
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7 comments:
Thank you so much for posting this - it's glorious!
Aren't old movie palaces and little theaters wonderful? Growing up, my obsession with old Hollywood glamour extended to these lovely little gems of American cultural history. When I was 13, my big sister and her boyfriend took me to a Little Rascals film festival (complete with some old, now-big rascals in attendance)in an old theater in Akron, OH. That theater had an old wurlitzer organ, ceilings painted like the sky, and a beautiful balcony.
I can't wait to visit the Strand now!
Oh Kirsten, we are so glad that you are excited about The Strand. Everyone there just could not have been nicer. They have worked so hard! They swooped in and kept the whole historic block from becoming a Walgreen's!!! We love the old movie houses too along with old movies so we are waiting with bated breath to see what flicks will come there.
Walgreens and CVS are awful. People complain about Wal-Mart (rightly so, IMO), but for demolishing historic downtowns, those two identical competitors are about the worst.
Yes, there is a CVS right across the street from the theatre (where former old downtown buildings once stood). That is why Walgreen's wanted The Strand's spot.
I read The Shelbyville News online as often as I can. I grew up in Shelbyville and I'm excited you discovered Shelbyville and The Strand. I remember walking to that 'theater' many nights when I was younger, back when there were 3 screens, soda dried on the floor, broken springs on and gum stuck to the seats! I have yet to get back to see it restored, but I know it's being done right. The folks involved are top notch.
I live in Florida now, but grew up north of Rays Crossing, east of Shelbyville. One of the memories I treasure about growing up in rural Shelby County some 50+ years ago were my occasional trips to the Strand. When the tri-plex closed, I was a strong advocate of their restoring the theatre to its original condition. I now see that the right people became involved. The Strand is just as beautiful as I remember its being in the '50s and '60s. Thank you for the loving attention you have given to Shelbyville and the Strand Theatre.
Thank you JD for advocating its restoration. It is a gem. Hopefully you can get back to the Shelbyville area to see it sometime.
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