Lakewood Lore

Cinema's history recognized on ornament

The world of yesteryear for some of us old-timers is spiced with movie memories, many of which relate to the neighborhood cinemas we used to frequent.

Detroit Theater was one of those places. Opened in 1924 and still alive and kicking today as the last of its breed in Lakewood, the Detroit will get a degree of recognition with the forthcoming annual Christmas wreath sale, conducted by the Women's Board of the Lakewood Historical Society.

"We will make available for purchase a supply of tiny-scale wooden reproductions of the theater's original facade to be to be attached as an ornament for the wreath," Brenda DeWitt, first vice president of the board, reported last week.

"The miniature replica will depict the theater -- entrance and marquee -- as they first were. Added to the scene will be a 1923 Lakewood-built Templar roadster, parked at curbside."

Pleased with the historical tie-in, theater owner Norman M. Barr pointed out that, except for three of the World War II years (1943-45), the Detroit (at Detroit and Woodward) has been operating continuously for 73 years.

"There have been changes in the industry through the years, but we are still a neighborhood institution, offering friendly personalized service," Barr said.

A major renovation took place in 1989 when the the interior, by means of a partition, was split into two separate viewing auditoriums, each provided with 425 seats and its own wide screen.

Two years later, a new art deco-styled marquee was completed to return the front entrance to its original appearance, while, last year, a format switch was made, upscaling from second-run to first-run movies.

"More recently, the parking was resurfaced, and we are now in the process of installing stereo sound, an improvement that should be ready by the end of this month," Barr recounted.

Commenting on theater attendance, Barr contended that patrons still represent a wide cross-section, and that, contrary to general belief, today's business has gotten stronger despite TV.

"The advertising on TV appears to have drawn more patrons to the movies," he explained.

The Saturday cliff-hanger serials we remember from the old days are long gone, but that has opened the way for sequels, such as the James Bond, Rocky and Star Wars pictures, Barr said.

"Children still can get unruly at times, but the early ushers, who sometimes served as bouncers, are no longer needed. Instead, doorman and management are always on hand to maintain discipline."

"Kids are much more sophisticated today, having been exposed to TV, videos, computers and the Internet. They want to see special effects.

"Also, former gimmicks, such as bank nights and dish promotions, are no longer necessary. If you got the pictures, the patrons will come," Barr added.

Regarding food fare, theater manager John Conway remarked that, while cheese nachos have been added to the concession stand, the old standby popcorn is still preferred, together with soft drinks.

"Our corn is popped every day because, that way, it is always fresh, and the aroma continually permeates the lobby to entice appetites," Conway said.

The miniature replicas of the theater will be the 12th in a historical series. Featured last year was Sts. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, 12711 Madison Avenue.

The replicas are being hand-painted by Lakewood artist Sara Cantlin in a limited addition of only 325 pieces. Meanwhile, the wreaths will be hand-crafted by Woman's Board members, using fragrant fresh-green Maine balsam boughs that will be decorated with sheer red metallic bows and spiny gum-ball from sweet gum trees.

The wreaths will be 24-26 inches in diameter, or slightly larger than last year's. They will cost $35 with the replica, or $25 without. The replica separately will sell for $16.

The sale is an annual fund-raiser to benefit restoration programs of the Historical Society, according to DeWitt.

Order forms can be obtained at leading stores in Lakewood and Rocky River, or by phoning the historical society at (21) 221-7343. Pickup time is Dec. 4-5 at the Skate House behind the Oldest Stone House Museum in Lakewood Park, 14710 Lake Ave.

This article by Dan Chabek appeared in the Lakewood Sun Post November 13, 1997. Reprinted with permission.

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