Star Theatre

Info Updates:

1/7/2011 - Bob Frei

Pat Weaver, the most avid lover of the old Star Theater, lived long enough to learn that the old theater was being donated to the Gladwin County Historical Society for use as a museum. It is now the home of the County Historical Museum. While preparing the building for occupancy, the GCHS was made aware that some of the original seats would be donated by the Odd Fellows - a section of the building was decorated with original trim, those original seats, the original ticket-takers chair and a few other artifacts. It now serves as the location for viewing historical videos. The Star Theater now County Historical Museum serves as an anchor in the middle of beautiful downtown Gladwin.

11/7/2005 - Pat Weaver

The drive to get folks on the restoration bandwagon is looking to be a slow one. A few people showed, and some good ideas were presented. Well continue on and see what happens. There should be some Star pictures soon; had to send them snail mail. Have to keep in mind the old Latin phrase..Nil Carborundum Illegitimi. Ill keep you posted.

10/8/2005 - Pat Weaver

The second meeting is scheduled for Wednesday night, October 26th, 2005 at 7pm for the Stars restoration. Will keep you posted!

8/15/2005 - Pat Weaver

The Star has a great history, opening originally in 1907 as Edisons Electric Theatre, a couple doors west of present location. WJ Millard buys it late 07, changes name to Star, then moves it to present site. Around 11, gives theatre a remodeling with arched facade. July, 1930 is when sound is installed. In 1935 present building is constructed right over old one so show could continue. New Star has 250 seats , but 1937 remodeling gives it 480 seats, plus a bigger stage. Scientifically air-conditioned down to 68 degrees. CinemaScope comes in 1954. Author of this article scared by Attack of Crab Monsters in 57. A sad day when the Star closes in May of 1959. It then becomes Alward Electric, then Western Auto, then Gladwin Furniture, and is now Dollar Palace. Hope to rectify this situation soon. Thanks!!

6/27/2005 - Pat Weaver

1st meeting to restore the Star has been held--much enthusiasm! Another meeting to establish a board to handle things will be scheduled soon. Will submit a picture soon. Keep watching!

5/23/2005 - Pat Weaver

Happy to report that 1st meeting to perhaps restore the Star scheduled June 1 05. Will report results and keep you posted.

6/6/2004 - Pat Weaver

The Star was at 221 W. Cedar Avenue in Gladwin. Architect was Frank Maier and Lester Millard. 486 seats when it closed. Some talk of maybe reviving it! Almost a twin to Court, Saginaw.

1/23/2004 - Seth Landon

The old theatre is now a dollar store. When I was there I noticed they left the floor the way it was when it closed.

1/15/2004 - Cinema Treasures

The Star was called "modernistic" in THE GLADWIN COUNTY RECORD IN A June, 1935 issue. I remember it as long and narrow, with touches of deco and perhaps Aztec or Mayan designs.

12/2/2003 - Box Office Magazine

May 1960 Issue - Lester and Warren Millard close the Star at Gladwin.

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