Kent Theatre
322 Monroe Avenue NW,
Grand Rapids,
MI
49503
322 Monroe Avenue NW,
Grand Rapids,
MI
49503
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: W.S. Butterfield Theaters Inc.
Previous Names: Orpheum Theatre, New Kent Theatre
Nearby Theaters
The Orpheum Theatre was opened on November 12, 1911. It suffered damage from a fire on December 31, 1922. The Orpheum Theatre was reopened in 1923. Following a remodel it reopened on August 24, 1929 as the renamed New Kent Theatre with Richard Barthelmess in “Drag”, with seating given at 1,081. This theatre was part of the Butterfield Theaters circuit.
The Kent Theatre closed in 1952 and has since been demolished. The area where the theatre once stood is where the Devos Place Convention and Performance Center is located.
Contributed by
Chuck
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Recent comments (view all 8 comments)
Prior to being the Kent Theatre, the house at 322 Monroe Avenue was called the Orpheum. It was listed under that name in the 1922 Grand Rapids City Directory.
The Orpheum is also listed at this location in the 1916 Grand Rapids City Directory.
Photos of fans waiting in line to see Ralph DePalma at the Orpheum at the GR Public Museum link:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Sbv7MmFJOrA/TZ84alj0lYI/AAAAAAAAMIQ/ww9Jx8PyYf4/s530/0000666.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vknmbwobH1Q/TZ84b6ygmkI/AAAAAAAAMIY/e-PvSdSLLXk/s545/0000667.jpg
Opened as the Orpheum “The People’s Theater” on November 12th, 1911. Grand opening ad posted.
Closed as Orpheum on December 31st, 1922, after a fire.
and reopened later in 1923.
Reopened as Kent on August 24th, 1924. Another ad posted.
Newspaper listings for the Kent ended in 1952.