Grand Theatre - TALKIES

"Grand Theatre - TALKIES - Matinee Daily"
Sign over Snyder Avenue entrance.
At some point, probably as the term grew out of fashion, "TALKIES" was painted over in black, to hide it in the (then) black background of the sign.



Additional signage on 7th, with some painted/boarded over.


Closeup of painted brick sign, facing east, on 7th.


"Grand Theatre - Direction"
Sign over 7th Street entrance.
Note GRAND painted over THEATRE.

The Grand was originally the Synder Avenue Baptist Church. As the neighborhood changed before WWI it became a hall and eventually was converted into a moviehouse in 1911. Silent films were joined by vaudeville. Another renovation, by architect W.H. Lee, took place in the 1930s. The Grand had 850 seats and one screen, and was able to charge more than other local theaters because it had air conditioning. A retail store took over by the 1960's. Recent tenants removed the white aluminum siding that had covered the structure for decades to reveal most original painted signage still intact.

More photos here. More information on this theater here.

7th and Snyder Avenue.
Thanks to everyone who sent this in, and to Anthony DiFlorio for allowing me to post some of his photos!