Town Theatre - Chesaning MI

Address: 135 N. Front Street
City: Chesaning
State: MI
Zip: 48616
County: Saginaw
Open: 1948
Capacity:
Owner History:
Theater Type: Small Town Movie Palace
Number of visits to this page: 6528
Disclaimer:

Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance, features, addresses, phone numbers, or contact names of the attraction. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. We ask you consult the propietor for current information.

General Information:

The February 28, 1948 issue of Boxoffice said that the new Town Theatre in Chesaning was slated to open on March 3. The house was to be booked by Ashmun Bros. of Caro, Michigan, for the owner, Vera Graham. The 45x117 foot cinder block building with white porcelain front had cost $75,000 to build and equip, according to Boxoffice.

Mrs. Graham and her late husband Fred had earlier operated another theater in Chesaning, which was probably the one call called the Crystal, which had gone into operation by 1918. Their sons Bill and Don Graham later took over the Town, and when the movie business ceased to be viable converted the building into a bowling alley.

The earliest mention I’ve found of a movie theater in Chesaning was a house called the Vaudette, which was listed in the 1914-1915 American Motion Picture Directory. [Cinema Treasures - Joe Vogel]

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Info Updates:
2/22/2021 - Andy Gray
Today I'm sharing images of two Michigan theaters, taken in 1948 by my grandfather A.S. "Al" Johnson. The first theatre is the Town Theatre at 135 N. Front Street in Chesaning. Al's son listed this Johnson Construction Co. job as a 1948 project. Al's slide, below, shows the characteristic "art moderne" style "Johnson doors" in a natural color and with semi-round glass. "Angels' Alley," a film released in 1948, appears on the marquee. The cinder block building construction suggests that the 1948 project was a new theater rather than a remodeling job.
8/19/2013 - Brian Devereaux
After talking with family members this weekend we came to the conclusion that the Town Theater closed mid sixties. My older brother said the last time he went there was to see a horror show about 62-63. My mom mentioned that there was another theater in Chesaning called the Chrystal, I think near Broad and Chapman, if I find out anymore I'll post information on it.
11/12/2006 - WaterWinterWonderland
This theater was brought to my attention by Ron Gross at MichiganDriveIns The car out front is 70's vintage so it was open at least until then. The building looks more like a bowling alley then a theater, with the marquee sort of tacked on over the entrance.
 Photos:12
Town Theatre - May 2020 Photo
May 2020 Photo
Town Theatre - From Al Johnson
From Al Johnson
Town Theatre - Old Photo From Ron Gross
Old Photo From Ron Gross
Town Theatre - Summer 2007
Summer 2007
Town Theatre - Summer 2007
Summer 2007
Town Theatre - 02-29-1948 Opening Article
02-29-1948 Opening Article
Town Theatre - 1958-03-27 The Chesaning Argus
1958-03-27 The Chesaning Argus
Town Theatre - Ashmun Ad From Yearbook
Ashmun Ad From Yearbook
Town Theatre - Chesaning Argus May 1954
Chesaning Argus May 1954
Town Theatre - Feb 1948
Feb 1948
Town Theatre - June 1947
June 1947
Town Theatre - Town Closed On March 1 1960
Town Closed On March 1 1960
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