Strand Theatre Construction, Records of

Series

Strand Theatre Construction, Records of

• 1916 (Creation)

Quantity: 1 – 10 ½ x 15 ½ blue-gray box

Barcode: 32661002107374

Arrangement: see below

Background Note: George Mart first arrived in Grinnell in 1892. Subsequent to his employment at the Spaulding Buggy Works, he purchased the Bijou Theatre in 1909, while his son, William H., was employed in the management of the Lyric Theatre. In 1913 the Marts operated the Star Theatre, which closed when the Strand opened in December 1916. The Marts acquired the property on Main St. in early 1916, and construction of the of theatre building was placed “in the hands” of Nick
Wiltamuth and his son Ralph. The December 5, 1916 issue of the Grinnell Herald reports the grand opening with the showing of “Still Waters” with Marguerite Clarke.

The collection consists of correspondence and financial records related to the construction of the theatre. (It is especially interesting to note the involvement of many local businesses.) The records were discovered when the Strand (Cinema) Theatre was renovated in 2003-04 and were moved to the Grinnell Salvage Depot, where they were identified by the
donors. The Kleinschmidt paper is included to provide background information.

Container List:
Folder #1 – Correspondence (chronological)
Folder #2 – Workmen’s Compensation
Folder #3 – Financial Records
Folder #4 – Invoices (A-L)
Folder #5 – Invoices (M-End)
Folder #6 – Order Blank – Famous Players-Lasky Corporation (copy)
Folder #7 – Kleinschmidt, John R. A “Strand” in Grinnell’s Fabric

Envelope #1 – Freight Bills
Envelope #2 – Checks
Envelope #3 – Order Blank – Famous Players-Lasky Corporation (original)

Donated by: Cheryl Neubert, Dan Tindall, J.R. Paulson

Name of Preparer: D. Lalonde; C. Davis, L. Cabelli
Date of Preparation: 6/16/09; 3/12/2019