After the original Strand burned in 1937, William Shriver hired Armand
Carroll of Philadelphia to design the new Strand for the location of 9th and
Boardwalk. The building opened on August 11, 1938 while a baby parade was
taking place outside. The electricians were still running some wires in
the projection booth that day, says Fred Rest, who was the projectionist on
opening day.
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9th St Carousel |
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A carousel occupies 9th and boardwalk with the original Strand slightly visible in the distance. This was probably shortly before the 1st Strand burned in 1937 |
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Setting the footings |
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Crane arrives |
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Concrete I-beams and rebar |
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Steel trusses |
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placed on steel frame |
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Roof decking |
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is placed on steel superstructure while passersby watch |
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Block walls go up |
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Balcony floor beams are visible |
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Entrance |
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The lobby and the round marque are built |
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View of lobby interior |
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and round marque |
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Exterior panels |
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Photo is tinted to show the blue panels originally on the Strand |
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Projectors |
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Simplex E-7 projector heads with Peerless Magnarc Lamps |
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Interior construction |
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Installing seats and stage equipment. Fifty years later, the seats were still in good condition and very comfortable |
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Opening Day |
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August 11, 1938 |
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Second picture |
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The second movie to play at the new theatre, August, 1938 |
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