The Strand Theatre was not the first “Picture Show” in Montevallo, but the Watson family, who owned and operated the popular local attraction starting in 1920 and into the early 1970’s, certainly invested heavily in the business by remodeling regularly in order to keep up with the times and improve the amenities offered by their hometown movie palace. A local dance band, "The Bama Skippers," played on the stage of the Strand for a reopening program following a renovation in 1939. This photo montage shows the evolution of the facade of the theatre during the years it was a Main Street favorite.
An ad in a November 1931 issue of the Alabama College student newspaper, "The Alabamian," offered AC students the following statement extolling the life-enhancing benefits of never missing a show at the Strand. In those days, there were three shows each day starting at 3:40 in the afternoon.
Thank you Clay Nordan, Vice President of the Montevallo Historical Society, for contributing this image and information!
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