The Strand Theatre opened its doors at 43 Main Street on April 9th, 1912 with a showing of “Across Panama in 1912.”
The Strand was built by the Structural Stone Co. of Lynn and designed by EA Earp. It was unique as one of the first public buildings in Peabody made of concrete.
The Strand stirred up controversy with the introduction of its Sunday shows. Despite objections from the local clergy, the Selectman gave the Strand a license for Sunday entertainments. On the first Sunday evening, the Strand had a full house. This was especially impressive as the theatre could hold up to 1,100 people.
