The Hamburg Strand celebrates 100 years

The building that houses the Hamburg Strand Theater was built in 1799 and was one of the first properties to be built when the town of Hamburg was laid out. Located at 6 South 4th Street it was a Federal style house which was later turned into a restaurant before being converted to the theater in 1920. Owners David and Ella Schlear opened the Strand to the public on Christmas Day of 1920 showcasing their large screened theater with 500 seats. Their family home was located above the theater; the front section of the building was rented out as a barber shop. The Schlear’s son Ed took over ownership in 1935. It was Ed who added a new entryway, ticket booth, marquee and neon lights as well as the “modern” projection equipment and an updated interior. The concession stand and lobby were later built.

The first “talky” at the Strand was Untamed. Shown in March of 1930. Prior to that music was provided by pianists and later records were played during the silent film era. On Tuesday and Wednesday a “B picture” film was shown, Friday evening was cowboy night, and Saturday offered the more publicized films. During popular movies the kids sat in the aisle, otherwise the girls sat on the left and the boys on the right.

Our Town Foundation, owners of the theater since March of 2013, started planning for a 100-year anniversary event; however, when COVID hit and the theater was shut down, all planning ceased. The Foundation’s hope is to be back up and running in the beginning of 2021, with 100-year anniversary festivities throughout the year.

You can follow the theater on Facebook, or check their website, www.hamburgstrand.org for up to date information on reopening and current events.