Calvin Theatre - Dearborn MI

Address: 22168 Michigan Ave
City: Dearborn
State: MI
Zip: 48124
County: Wayne
Open: 1927
Capacity: 1200
Owner History: Wisper-Wetsman
Theater Type: Neighborhood House
Number of visits to this page: 18158
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:

Source: Cinema Treasures

Built on the site of an earlier theater, the Strand, the Calvin opened in 1927 and could seat around 1300. It also contained an organ. For much of its years in operation, it was part of the Wisper & Wetsman chain. In 1965, it was modernized and began screening second-run films. In 1980, it was gutted by two blazes in the space of two months, and shortly thereafter, the property was acquired by the city of Dearborn and the ruins demolished.

Info Updates:
3/6/2013 - Rob Musial
One reason I remember the Calvin Theatre was, as a kid growing up in Dearborn in the 1950s, the city used to have a big Saturday matinee there for local kids around Christmastime. They'd show a whole afternoon of cartoons and cowboy movies (including the origin story of The Lone Ranger) and they'd give each kid a big red apple and a huge candy bar. Of course, inside it was mayhem with kids clapping and laughing and having a great time. The Calvin is where I learned you could make a dandy noisemaker out of an empty Good & Plenty box. In quieter times, I went there with my parents to see movies and we'd often stop and have a sundae afterwards at the Sander's store across the street. Great memories.
1/29/2013 - Joyce Tamer
This website was sent from a friend and I have been re-living some fun moments as a teen. My first job was at the Calvin Theatre at the age of 16. There I met the people that still remain my friends. I remember sitting behind the screen and watching the movie backwards. Watching the ushers make the night bank drop as if they were doing the Great Heist of the century. One would drive the van, screetch to a halt on Mich. Ave, open the doors while the other usher ran from the theatre with the bag of money. Then they would screetch away for two blocks and make the drop. Ah, to be 16 again. One night our friends were coming to the theatre and their car crashed through the store next door to the Calvin (Ready Drapes). That created a problem. One night a disgruntled customer dumped a Large, extra butter popcorn over the managers head. On slow nights, the manager and an usher used to have farting contests. Anyway, thanks for the memories!.
 Photos:4
Calvin Theatre - Old Photo From Cinema Treasures
Old Photo From Cinema Treasures
Calvin Theatre - Old Postcard
Old Postcard
Calvin Theatre - Old Night Shot
Old Night Shot
Calvin Theatre - Replaced By Restaraunt
Replaced By Restaraunt
WaterWinterWonderland.com © 2024 Over 70,987,500 Served