Thank you for clicking on this QR code, one of many to explore along Peabody’s Main Street. This project is a collaboration between the Peabody Historical Society & Museum, the City of Peabody and private businesses, like Olio at 43 Main Street.
We hope you enjoy reading about our history!
The Strand Theatre opened its doors at 43 Main Street on April 9th, 1912 with a showing of “Across Panama in 1912.” This movie theatre and vaudeville stage was built on what was the front lawn of the grand Sutton family estate.
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- Strand Theatre, left side, 43 Main Street, Circa 1920
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- Strand Theatre Ticket Stub, Year Unknown
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. It was first owned by Messrs. Madden and McManus.
Front facade of the Strand Theatre, 43 Main Street, 1941
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. The movie theatre closed in 1957. The space has been used as various commercial enterprises ever since.
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- 1937 Advertisement
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- MGM Report on the Strand Theatre, 1929
References
The Archives of the Peabody Historical Society & Museum
Forman, Ethan. “Wanna Get Hitched?” The Salem News, January 6, 2019.
Wells, John. The Peabody Story. Essex Institute, Salem, Mass., 1972, page 379.