Ramona Mainstage Theatre

Joe Vogel on April 28, 2014 at 2:28 am

The January 14, 1937, issue of The Film Daily lists a Ramona Theatre in Ramona, California, as a new house. It appears in the 1938 FDY with 150 seats, but is not consistent in later editions. In 1939 it is up to 200 seats, in 1943 it reaches 296, then in 1949 it is back down to 230, and in 1956 it is still in operation but with 235 seats.

Why the seating capacity was so variable is as much a mystery as why it had a grand opening in 1947. Perhaps it was reopening after a major renovation that year, or a rebuilding after a fire, or after being taken over by new owners. I think the current theater is the one from 1937, though. Had it been built new as late as 1947 it would most likely have been a freestanding building with its own parking lot. Parking was not yet crucial in the 1930s, but it certainly was in the post-war period, especially in California.

Ramona Mainstage has a web site The “About” page has a photo of the 1947 event, though it is small and doesn’t show much detail. There’s definitely a post-war car parked in front of the theater though (a 1946 or 47 Chevrolet Aero sedan, if I’m not mistaken.)

kencmcintyre on February 20, 2010 at 1:21 am

Here is an updated link for the current occupant:
http://www.ramonamainstage.com/

Kibitz on March 7, 2004 at 12:55 am

Do you have the current movies posted anywhere?
Linda