Bronson Theater

206 E. Chicago Street,
Bronson, MI 49028

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Additional Info

Architects: Peter DeVos

Functions: Community Center

Styles: Streamline Moderne

Nearby Theaters

Bronson Theater

Opened in 1949, all seating was on a single floor. It had a cry room, which was located on the right-hand side of the projection booth.

The former Bronson Theater was converted for use as a community center.

Contributed by Lost Memory

Recent comments (view all 4 comments)

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on March 16, 2009 at 5:23 pm

The October 15, 1949, issue of Boxoffice Magazine published an article about the new Bronson Theatre, with three small photos. The pitched roof in recent photos is an addition. The original facade was pure streamlined Art Moderne. The interiors were also streamlined, with indirect lighting from round ceiling domes in the lobby and one large oval covering the auditorium. There is very little decorative detail visible in the magazine photos, but the carpet was fairly ornate.

The 606 seat Bronson Theatre was the eighth Michigan house to be operated by E.J. Pennell, and was a replacement for the smaller Coliseum Theatre.

dafna62
dafna62 on February 3, 2010 at 7:45 pm

My Grandfather, Eugene Jacob Pennell, built this theater. The interior was beautiful. It had red velvet curtains and very ornate carpeting. It was used for stage shows as well as motion pictures. My Grandfather would always show a cartoon prior to the movie. The ceiling in the auditorium sparkled as if you were out under the stars at a drive in. Well done, Grandpa!

genedale
genedale on November 29, 2012 at 7:18 pm

Who was E J Pennell? Was he Eugene Jacob Pennell? Eugene is a brother of Fred E Pennell who is supposed to have run a movie theater in Michigan.

genedale
genedale on December 1, 2012 at 7:53 pm

To dafna62, My son-in-law is the grandson of Fred E Pennell, Eugene’s brother. Please contact me at

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