Stocking Avenue Theatre - Grand Rapids MI

Address: 634 Stocking Ave NW # 36
City: Grand Rapids
State: MI
Zip: 49504
County: Kent
Open:
Capacity:
Owner History:
Theater Type: Neighborhood House
Number of visits to this page: 12342
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:

AKA: Browns Stocking Avenue, Stocking

Source: Doug Taylor

This ample neighborhood theater was opened, owned, and operated by Edward N. Brown as the Stocking Avenue Theater in 1916. Already before 1922 it was known as Brown's Stocking Avenue Theater, and eventually as Brown's Stocking Theater, and was operated by Mr. Brown's wife, apparently with connections to Fleser and Callaghan. Edward Brown died prior to 1936, leaving the theater to (his son and daughter-in-law?) Walter and Marie M. Brown. After a time, they sold the theater to Howard T. Reynolds, one of the sons-in-law of Joseph Poisson.

Herbert R. Boshoven acquired the theater, along with the Family and the Vogue, in 1946, and operated it into the mid-1950's. It closed its doors forever about 1957. Mrs. Marie M. Brown Clark of 211 Mount Vernon N. W. was still the owner in 1958-59 when the building was for sale for $16,900. The soundproof brick theater had two gas-fueled heating plants, and was air conditioned with a well.

The irregular lot is approximately 47' x 115', with a land area of 5400 square feet and approximately 4500 square feet of floor space. Two small restrooms are positioned on the north side of the lobby. The building was sold to Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuaries, and has for many years been used as the Guest House, for banquets and funeral receptions. Information gathered from Father Dennis Morrow.

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Info Updates:
4/6/2011 - Ken
I went to that theater back in the 50's with my mother and I can remember they had the best popcorn in town and I believe the price for a bag of popcorn was ten cents a big change from today. They also gave away dishes on Friday nights to all ladies attending that evening, that was a big drawing card back then. Now the building is known as the Guest House used for weddings, birthday and funeral celebrations.
5/28/2003 - WaterWinterWonderland
This theatre appears to have closed long ago. It now is the home of Marc Stewarts Guest House.
 Photos:4
Stocking Avenue Theatre - Old Photo From Doug Taylor
Old Photo From Doug Taylor
Stocking Avenue Theatre - Recent
Recent
Stocking Avenue Theatre - 2015 From Doug Taylor
2015 From Doug Taylor
Stocking Avenue Theatre - Stocking Avenue Theatre From Doug Taylor Collection
Stocking Avenue Theatre From Doug Taylor Collection
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