WEBVTT 00:02.133 --> 00:04.533 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (calm music) 00:11.700 --> 00:14.966 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% (calm music continues) 00:22.233 --> 00:24.066 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - [Announcer] For over a century 00:24.066 --> 00:26.466 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% movies have brought us together. 00:27.666 --> 00:30.966 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% They entertain us, they enlighten us. 00:30.966 --> 00:33.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% They take us places we've never been. 00:34.833 --> 00:38.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Through the movies we are able to see the world 00:38.600 --> 00:40.133 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% through others' eyes. 00:41.266 --> 00:44.766 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Imagine with others' imaginations, 00:44.766 --> 00:47.300 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% feel with others' hearts. 00:48.666 --> 00:53.566 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Movies can inspire us, challenge us. 00:53.566 --> 00:58.433 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And despite our differences, they can unite us. 01:02.500 --> 01:06.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% In small towns and large cities around the world, 01:06.500 --> 01:09.566 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% movie theaters have served as gathering places 01:09.566 --> 01:12.300 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% for communities to come together 01:12.300 --> 01:15.266 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and share a common link to humanity 01:15.266 --> 01:18.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% through the experience of cinema. 01:18.666 --> 01:21.766 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (upbeat piano music) 01:24.766 --> 01:27.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% At the beginning of the 20th century, 01:27.400 --> 01:30.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% the United States was entering a period 01:30.066 --> 01:32.033 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% of sweeping transformation. 01:33.200 --> 01:37.100 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% By 1916, 25 million Americans 01:37.100 --> 01:39.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% attended a movie every single day. 01:41.166 --> 01:44.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% The movies and the theaters that exhibited them 01:44.766 --> 01:47.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% were fast becoming the most important source 01:47.466 --> 01:51.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% of entertainment for a prosperous nation. 01:51.266 --> 01:54.333 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (upbeat piano music) 01:58.600 --> 02:03.566 align:left position:22.5% line:77% size:67.5% The small coastal city of Rockland, Maine was no exception. 02:04.300 --> 02:07.066 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% (upbeat piano music) 02:14.000 --> 02:17.900 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% (upbeat piano music continues) 02:36.566 --> 02:40.466 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% In the early 1900s, Rockland was still a city 02:40.466 --> 02:43.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% powdered in the success of the lime industry. 02:44.266 --> 02:46.366 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Its future prosperity, however, 02:46.366 --> 02:48.333 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% was anything but certain. 02:49.566 --> 02:52.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Transportation and building practices 02:52.166 --> 02:54.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% were changing across the country. 02:54.600 --> 02:57.033 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Signaling the beginning of the end 02:57.033 --> 02:59.433 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% for Rocklands lime manufacturing 02:59.433 --> 03:01.566 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and ship building industries. 03:03.866 --> 03:06.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Fishing, which would become vital 03:06.000 --> 03:09.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to Rocklands prosperity in the coming decades, 03:09.133 --> 03:12.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% was just beginning to emerge as an economic force. 03:16.366 --> 03:18.933 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 03:25.866 --> 03:29.700 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% By 1910, there were already two movie theaters 03:29.700 --> 03:31.800 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% operating in Rockland. 03:31.800 --> 03:36.200 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% The new Dreamland Theater, later renamed the Empire, 03:36.200 --> 03:37.533 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% sat on Oak Street 03:38.933 --> 03:41.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and the Rockland Theater, renamed The Park 03:41.766 --> 03:45.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in the mid twenties, was located on Park Street. 03:49.033 --> 03:52.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% As the new century's second decade began, 03:52.233 --> 03:56.666 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% downtown Rockland was a vibrant commercial and social hub 03:56.666 --> 03:59.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and Main Street bustled with activity. 04:00.533 --> 04:03.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The horse and carriage shared Main Street 04:03.366 --> 04:05.133 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% with the automobile. 04:05.133 --> 04:09.133 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Evidence that Rockland, like so much of the nation, 04:09.133 --> 04:10.466 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% was in transition. 04:12.033 --> 04:15.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% But Rockland Cityscape was about to undergo 04:15.733 --> 04:20.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% a more dramatic and unplanned transformation. 04:21.866 --> 04:24.200 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (sad music) 04:37.766 --> 04:42.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Just after 2:00 AM on June 16th, 1920, 04:42.466 --> 04:46.966 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Daniel Churchill, the night man at the Perry Lunch Room, 04:46.966 --> 04:51.633 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% discovered a fire in the rear corner of the central garage, 04:51.633 --> 04:54.366 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% part of the Berry Brothers livery stable on Main Street. 04:54.366 --> 04:55.933 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (fire crackling) 04:55.933 --> 04:59.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Mere seconds after pulling the fire alarm, 04:59.433 --> 05:02.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% flames had already shot through the main garage 05:02.366 --> 05:04.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and burst through the front of the building. 05:07.100 --> 05:09.633 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% The fire quickly gathered momentum, 05:09.633 --> 05:11.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% making easy prey of wooden structures 05:11.966 --> 05:14.100 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% as it moved northward. 05:14.100 --> 05:16.166 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Fire crews from Rockland, 05:16.166 --> 05:20.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% assisted by those from Thomaston, Rockport, and Camden 05:20.300 --> 05:22.133 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% rushed to the scene. 05:22.133 --> 05:26.366 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% But despite their efforts, the fire continued 05:26.366 --> 05:29.100 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and soon brick structures along the stretch 05:29.100 --> 05:31.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% began to crumble, their front walls 05:31.733 --> 05:33.633 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% crashing onto Main Street. 05:38.933 --> 05:42.100 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Before it was finally brought under control, 05:42.100 --> 05:45.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the fire had destroyed over a dozen businesses 05:45.633 --> 05:50.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and numerous apartments, ravaging Main Street. 05:51.233 --> 05:53.233 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (sad music) 06:00.233 --> 06:02.466 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% For more than two years, 06:02.466 --> 06:07.466 align:left position:22.5% line:77% size:67.5% a key part of Rocklands prosperous downtown lay in ruins. 06:09.533 --> 06:11.866 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (sad music) 06:53.000 --> 06:56.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Joseph Dondis had come to the United States from Russia 06:56.933 --> 06:58.833 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% at the age of two. 06:58.833 --> 07:01.500 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% His wife Ida, born in New Jersey, 07:01.500 --> 07:04.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% had moved with her family to Ellsworth 07:04.066 --> 07:05.600 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% where she had become a teacher. 07:06.533 --> 07:10.900 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% In 1914, Joseph and Ida married 07:10.900 --> 07:12.533 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and settled in Rockland. 07:14.066 --> 07:17.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Joseph struggled to find his business footing, 07:17.133 --> 07:19.600 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% trying a variety of businesses 07:19.600 --> 07:22.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that included pedaling small wares, 07:22.933 --> 07:26.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% running a grocery and crockery store, 07:26.100 --> 07:28.433 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% as well as a fish business. 07:30.133 --> 07:34.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% In the Fall of 1922, with property along the site 07:34.566 --> 07:37.500 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% of the fire still vacant, Ida, 07:37.500 --> 07:42.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% who had a keen business sense, saw opportunity. 07:43.266 --> 07:44.966 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Using money she had put aside 07:44.966 --> 07:47.133 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% from her own business endeavors, 07:47.133 --> 07:48.766 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% she purchased land 07:48.766 --> 07:52.666 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% along the devastated section of Main Street for $7,500. 07:55.300 --> 07:57.366 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% A little over a month later, 07:57.366 --> 08:01.900 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% she and Joseph formed the Dondis Amusement Company, 08:01.900 --> 08:05.433 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% a company for the management of theater and amusement, 08:05.433 --> 08:07.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% which she then sold the property to. 08:12.300 --> 08:15.133 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - It was really my grandmother who was the force 08:15.133 --> 08:17.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% behind the idea for this theater. 08:17.100 --> 08:20.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And she had a small dress shop in Rockland 08:20.366 --> 08:21.966 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and she saved some money 08:21.966 --> 08:26.233 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and she saw an opportunity to buy a piece of property, 08:26.233 --> 08:28.633 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and her husband agreed with her, 08:28.633 --> 08:30.366 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% but he didn't necessarily agree 08:30.366 --> 08:32.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% with what she wanted to do with that property. 08:32.800 --> 08:34.733 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% I learned from my great-aunt, 08:34.733 --> 08:36.566 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% who was my grandmother's sister, 08:36.566 --> 08:39.066 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that she and her husband had this relationship 08:39.066 --> 08:44.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% where they had sort of spirited disagreements, shall we say, 08:44.933 --> 08:46.133 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and they argued about this. 08:46.133 --> 08:49.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% So she was really the force behind this. 08:49.100 --> 08:52.066 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 08:52.066 --> 08:56.000 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - [Announcer] In 1914, Paramount Pictures Corporation 08:56.000 --> 09:00.300 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% formed the first national distributorship of feature films. 09:01.466 --> 09:04.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Three years later, in an effort to promote 09:04.166 --> 09:07.666 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the recreational activity to middle class Americans 09:07.666 --> 09:11.366 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and increase the number of potential theater outlets, 09:11.366 --> 09:15.066 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the company began a campaign in national magazines, 09:15.066 --> 09:17.700 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% such as "The Saturday Evening Post" 09:17.700 --> 09:21.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and "Ladies Home Journal" with a slogan insisting 09:21.266 --> 09:25.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that you can have "The Strand" in your own town. 09:30.500 --> 09:31.966 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% This campaign referred to 09:31.966 --> 09:34.400 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the Strand Theater of New York City, 09:34.400 --> 09:37.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% an early and elaborate movie palace 09:37.200 --> 09:40.233 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% designed by Thomas Lamb in 1914. 09:44.000 --> 09:48.166 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Whether Ida saw the evocative ads can't be documented, 09:48.166 --> 09:53.066 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% but nevertheless, she did see possibilities in the movies 09:53.066 --> 09:55.133 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and a business that she believed 09:55.133 --> 09:58.200 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Joseph could run and excel in. 09:59.633 --> 10:02.766 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - It was a time that movie theaters were thriving, 10:02.766 --> 10:05.266 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% so perhaps that is true 10:05.266 --> 10:06.466 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% that this was a business 10:06.466 --> 10:08.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that my grandfather could thrive in, 10:08.066 --> 10:10.366 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and my grandmother recognized that. 10:11.533 --> 10:13.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% However, I think the timing was right too. 10:13.966 --> 10:16.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% It was really a good business at the time. 10:16.800 --> 10:19.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% If she saw what was happening in Hollywood, 10:19.133 --> 10:23.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% she came from a close knit immigrant Jewish family. 10:23.866 --> 10:26.466 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And I think the fact that there were Jews 10:26.466 --> 10:31.100 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% that were pioneers in the film business really made her, 10:31.100 --> 10:33.166 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% gave her a certain comfort level 10:33.166 --> 10:36.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% with moving forward with this venture. 10:36.400 --> 10:38.766 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (calm music) 10:40.500 --> 10:42.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - [Announcer] In the winter of 1922, 10:42.966 --> 10:45.800 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Ida and Joseph hired general contractors, 10:45.800 --> 10:50.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% WH Glover and Company, to construct The Strand. 10:50.266 --> 10:54.033 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And their new enterprise soon began rising from the ashes. 10:55.000 --> 10:56.933 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% It would be the first building 10:56.933 --> 10:59.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to emerge from the fire devastated area. 11:00.800 --> 11:03.066 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% And just six weeks later, 11:03.066 --> 11:05.933 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% a unique steel framed building 11:05.933 --> 11:08.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% with a brick facade was completed. 11:14.300 --> 11:16.166 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Framing the entrance to The Strand 11:16.166 --> 11:20.400 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% where two small storefronts, a cigar store, 11:20.400 --> 11:24.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% run by Joseph's brother James, sat on one side, 11:24.033 --> 11:25.800 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and a flower shop on the other. 11:27.400 --> 11:29.800 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (calm music) 11:38.366 --> 11:41.600 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% (calm music continues) 11:51.600 --> 11:55.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% On Washington's birthday, 1923, 11:55.266 --> 11:58.300 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% the theater opened its doors. 11:58.300 --> 12:01.266 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% That evening, the people of Rockland filled the seats 12:01.266 --> 12:06.166 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% of the New Strand theater for showing of the silent film, 12:06.166 --> 12:08.866 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% "My Wild Irish Rose". 12:10.333 --> 12:13.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Entering the theater, they passed under 12:13.000 --> 12:16.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% a traditional vaudeville style canopy. 12:16.466 --> 12:21.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Above it, a stunning illuminated blade sign. 12:21.000 --> 12:25.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The word Strand glowed in the evening sky. 12:30.400 --> 12:34.166 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Attendees of that first screening must have marveled 12:34.166 --> 12:36.533 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% at their newest movie theater 12:36.533 --> 12:38.766 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% with its ornamental brick facade 12:38.766 --> 12:41.466 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and terracotta tile walls 12:41.466 --> 12:44.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% it was unlike anything else in town. 12:46.033 --> 12:49.900 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% The Strand also boosted a gilded proscenium arch, 12:49.900 --> 12:54.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% a stamped tin ceiling, jade green plaster walls, 12:56.100 --> 12:58.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% an organist loft, and an auditorium 12:58.366 --> 13:01.466 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% seating over 600 patrons. 13:01.466 --> 13:04.033 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 13:23.700 --> 13:28.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% In the beginning, admission to the strand was 22 cents, 13:28.466 --> 13:29.966 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% but in the spring of that year, 13:29.966 --> 13:33.366 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% ticket prices rose to 25 cents 13:33.366 --> 13:38.366 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% after Joseph had installed a $10,000 Robert Morton Organ. 13:39.566 --> 13:42.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Patrons were encouraged to leave musical scores 13:42.333 --> 13:45.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% for their favorite tunes at the box office as they entered, 13:45.800 --> 13:48.466 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and then organist James O'Hara 13:48.466 --> 13:52.400 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% would serenade them with a 10 to 15 minute recital 13:52.400 --> 13:54.300 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% preceding each show. 13:56.933 --> 14:00.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - And I always wondered where my grandfather 14:00.833 --> 14:03.666 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% got that much money, because that was a lot of money. 14:05.833 --> 14:07.333 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - [Announcer] In order to compete 14:07.333 --> 14:10.966 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% with the already established Park and Empire Theaters, 14:10.966 --> 14:14.133 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Joseph soon added a stage, 14:14.133 --> 14:16.766 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% a fly tower, and a balcony. 14:18.366 --> 14:21.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% This enabled The Strand to accommodate 14:21.100 --> 14:25.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% local dance recitals and theatrical productions, 14:25.333 --> 14:29.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% in addition to popular vaudeville acts, 14:29.066 --> 14:33.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and even a film of the 1927 boxing match 14:33.600 --> 14:36.366 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% between Jack Dempsey and Gene Toney. 14:39.400 --> 14:41.666 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% In addition to entertainment, 14:41.666 --> 14:44.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the Strand would host many fundraising events 14:44.266 --> 14:46.766 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% for local clubs and organizations. 14:47.866 --> 14:51.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Rocklands newest theater was fast becoming 14:51.866 --> 14:55.333 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% the community gathering place. 14:55.333 --> 14:57.933 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 15:06.800 --> 15:09.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% By the time of The Strands opening 15:09.133 --> 15:13.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% movies with sound were already on the horizon. 15:13.766 --> 15:18.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - It certainly by 1927, they were showing talkies 15:19.633 --> 15:21.100 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% in theaters around the country, 15:21.100 --> 15:24.833 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% so they had to invest in a sound system, which they did. 15:24.833 --> 15:27.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I don't know how much that first sound system cost either, 15:27.700 --> 15:30.066 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% but I know that two years later 15:30.066 --> 15:32.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% they upgraded to another sound system. 15:32.233 --> 15:35.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And that sound system, I believe, was $10,000. 15:35.533 --> 15:38.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% So within the space of four or five years, 15:38.600 --> 15:43.600 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% they sank at least $22,000 or $20,000 into this theater. 15:45.000 --> 15:46.266 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% I don't know where they got all the money for that. 15:46.266 --> 15:48.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I know my grandmother had saved some money, 15:48.266 --> 15:49.900 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% but I don't know. 15:49.900 --> 15:51.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% That's a lot of money in today's dollars. 15:51.433 --> 15:55.233 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - The Deforrest Phonofilm system used to record 15:55.233 --> 15:58.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% vaudeville acts, musical numbers, political speeches, 15:58.800 --> 16:02.966 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and opera singers was first featured at The Strand 16:02.966 --> 16:05.033 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% in May, 1927. 16:06.433 --> 16:10.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% An early Strand advertisement explained the phenomenon, 16:10.733 --> 16:14.133 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% "Sound and sight are perfectly interwoven 16:14.133 --> 16:17.033 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "in the Deforrest Phonofilm records 16:17.033 --> 16:21.133 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% "so that you have vaudeville as well as pictures." 16:22.466 --> 16:26.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Two years later at considerable expense, 16:26.233 --> 16:28.333 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% the Strand was fully outfitted 16:28.333 --> 16:30.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% with the more popular Vitaphone and Movietone 16:31.766 --> 16:34.333 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% sound and picture systems. 16:34.333 --> 16:39.333 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And in 1929, the theater premiered its first talkie, 16:40.700 --> 16:44.333 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Metro Golden Mayor's "Alias, Jimmy Valentine". 16:47.066 --> 16:48.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - See, there were two competing systems. 16:48.733 --> 16:51.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% There was Movietone and Vitaphone. 16:51.733 --> 16:53.233 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Movietone was a descendant 16:53.233 --> 16:55.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% of the Deforrest Sound on Film process. 16:55.433 --> 16:58.700 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And Vitaphone, which produced better audio, 16:58.700 --> 17:01.533 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% used sound on big 16 inch discs 17:01.533 --> 17:03.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that were mechanically linked to the projector 17:03.800 --> 17:05.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% so that it would stay in synchronization. 17:05.933 --> 17:07.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And Warner Brothers used Vitaphone 17:07.733 --> 17:09.233 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% for all of their early talkies. 17:09.233 --> 17:11.666 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% So it kind of had the cachet 17:11.666 --> 17:13.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% of being where you would go to find Al Jolson, 17:13.966 --> 17:15.700 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% where you'd go to find the biggest star. 17:15.700 --> 17:19.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% But when the Dondis's decided to go full blown with talkies, 17:19.600 --> 17:22.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% which everyone was doing in early 1929, 17:22.266 --> 17:23.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% they went out and they got a system 17:23.966 --> 17:28.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that featured both Vitaphone and Movietone, 17:30.133 --> 17:32.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% which made it possible to show anybody's films. 17:32.466 --> 17:34.666 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And that was a very forward-thinking measure, 17:34.666 --> 17:38.000 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% because Vitaphone eventually fell out of favor 17:38.000 --> 17:41.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% because it was simply too clumsy to deal with. 17:41.466 --> 17:44.900 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And everything went to sound on film by 1930, '31. 17:54.700 --> 17:57.933 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 17:57.933 --> 17:59.966 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - [Announcer] As an independent theater owner 17:59.966 --> 18:03.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% in the mid 1920s, Joseph had difficulty 18:03.466 --> 18:07.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% obtaining the first run films he wanted and needed. 18:08.633 --> 18:10.066 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% He received a letter 18:10.066 --> 18:13.800 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% from Adolph Zuckor's Publix Theaters Corporation, 18:13.800 --> 18:15.766 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% which had acquired Paramount 18:15.766 --> 18:18.700 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% as well as other producers and exhibitors. 18:20.133 --> 18:23.166 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Publix was already running the Strands competition 18:23.166 --> 18:26.133 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% in Rockland, and the letter threatened 18:26.133 --> 18:28.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to run The Strand out of business 18:28.666 --> 18:32.533 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% by blocking the bookings of popular Paramount films. 18:33.600 --> 18:36.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Without these bookings, Joseph knew 18:36.100 --> 18:38.433 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% that The Strand would struggle. 18:41.066 --> 18:43.833 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Perhaps Joseph saw the letter as an opportunity 18:43.833 --> 18:46.033 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% to shake things loose, 18:46.033 --> 18:49.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and so he sent it to the trade publication 18:49.300 --> 18:51.700 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Motion Picture Herald. 18:51.700 --> 18:54.366 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% The Herald then sent it on 18:54.366 --> 18:57.333 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% to the Federal Trade Commission in Washington, 18:57.333 --> 19:00.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% where a committee investigating possible violations 19:00.700 --> 19:05.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% of the Sherman Antitrust Act by Zukor and Publix 19:05.300 --> 19:07.700 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% was beginning to hold hearings. 19:09.933 --> 19:13.700 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Soon Joseph was on his way to Washington 19:13.700 --> 19:16.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to testify in front of the committee. 19:21.633 --> 19:25.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% The effect of Joseph's trip to Washington was soon apparent. 19:25.766 --> 19:29.700 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% For not long afterward, Publix Theaters Corporation 19:29.700 --> 19:34.300 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and their policy toward any new exhibitors softened. 19:34.300 --> 19:37.200 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% And in the spring of 1928, 19:37.200 --> 19:40.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% they entered into a partnership with Joseph 19:40.100 --> 19:43.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to manage all three theaters in Rockland, 19:43.666 --> 19:47.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The Strand, The Empire, and The Park. 19:51.433 --> 19:54.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% By then, the Dondis family also partially owned 19:54.966 --> 19:58.900 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and managed theaters in Skowhegan and Callous, Maine, 19:58.900 --> 20:01.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and eventually managed the Waldo Theater 20:01.266 --> 20:03.666 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% in Walterboro as well. 20:03.666 --> 20:06.233 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 20:11.666 --> 20:14.833 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Ida had been right about the movies. 20:14.833 --> 20:18.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Joseph had found his business niche. 20:18.366 --> 20:20.966 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 20:34.633 --> 20:36.600 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Like the rest of the nation, 20:36.600 --> 20:38.400 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Rockland was not shielded 20:38.400 --> 20:42.066 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% from the ravages of the Great Depression of the 1930s. 20:43.233 --> 20:45.366 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% People felt the damaging effects 20:45.366 --> 20:48.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% of the economic storm throughout that decade. 20:49.633 --> 20:53.400 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Businesses retrenched or closed, 20:53.400 --> 20:57.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% unemployment skyrocketed and wages declined 20:57.833 --> 21:00.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% for those who were lucky enough to have jobs. 21:01.733 --> 21:04.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Government programs and local aid 21:04.200 --> 21:07.000 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% provided some transient relief, 21:07.000 --> 21:09.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but economic contraction persisted. 21:11.033 --> 21:13.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% People had little money to spend, 21:13.366 --> 21:17.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and what they did have went for necessities. 21:18.666 --> 21:21.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Despite the drop in movie attendance 21:21.266 --> 21:23.366 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% during the Great Depression, 21:23.366 --> 21:25.933 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% The Strand continued to thrive. 21:27.333 --> 21:31.333 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% In a talk to the local Lions Club in the early 1930s, 21:31.333 --> 21:33.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Joseph Dondis stated that The Strand 21:33.733 --> 21:37.500 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% was the only motion picture theater in the country, 21:37.500 --> 21:42.200 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% which had shown a prophet in 1931 and 1932, 21:42.200 --> 21:45.100 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% although materially reduced. 21:47.566 --> 21:50.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - And of course, when the depression happened, 21:50.100 --> 21:52.033 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% my grandmother always told me 21:52.033 --> 21:54.833 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that people lined up around the block 21:54.833 --> 21:56.133 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% to come to the theater. 21:56.133 --> 21:58.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Even when they could barely afford food, 21:58.400 --> 22:00.833 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% they would spend a nickel or whatever it was. 22:00.833 --> 22:02.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I don't know what the ticket prices were then 22:02.800 --> 22:06.766 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to come to the theater just to stop thinking 22:06.766 --> 22:10.166 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% about their lot in life at that particular moment. 22:10.166 --> 22:12.866 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So it was really important time. 22:12.866 --> 22:15.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And it was a time when the movie business 22:15.166 --> 22:18.966 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% was increasing its effect. 22:18.966 --> 22:21.533 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Its reach exponentially. 22:21.533 --> 22:23.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% People want it to be entertained. 22:25.466 --> 22:27.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% - [Announcer] Paramount itself had to go 22:27.133 --> 22:29.466 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% into receivership and reorganization 22:29.466 --> 22:31.133 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% during the early thirties. 22:32.500 --> 22:36.700 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Most theaters added novelties to increase attendance. 22:36.700 --> 22:41.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Around 1933, popcorn, candy and soft drinks 22:41.366 --> 22:44.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% were offered for the first time in theaters. 22:44.466 --> 22:48.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And soon, James Dondis's tobacco shop next door, 22:48.800 --> 22:52.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% now known as the Strand Theater Store, 22:52.800 --> 22:55.700 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% began selling candy to theatergoers. 22:58.733 --> 23:01.000 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Sometime in the late thirties, 23:01.000 --> 23:03.900 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to take advantage of Main Street traffic, 23:03.900 --> 23:07.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Joseph added a new Marques to The Strand 23:07.000 --> 23:10.533 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% in order to display the titles of current features. 23:11.633 --> 23:13.700 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% It was also during this time 23:13.700 --> 23:17.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that the flower shop was moved across the street, 23:17.233 --> 23:21.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% creating room in the lobby for an expanded lady's room. 23:24.666 --> 23:29.133 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% During those difficult financial times of the 1930s, 23:29.133 --> 23:31.600 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% there would be bank nights 23:31.600 --> 23:33.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% in which the theater held drawings 23:33.566 --> 23:36.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to give away money to struggling families. 23:37.366 --> 23:39.033 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Community members came to The Strand 23:39.033 --> 23:42.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% for a chance to escape the struggles of everyday life 23:42.466 --> 23:45.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and share in a welcome diversion. 23:46.766 --> 23:48.600 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% By the late thirties, 23:48.600 --> 23:51.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% things were beginning to bounce back, 23:51.566 --> 23:53.666 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but it had been a difficult decade 23:53.666 --> 23:56.566 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% for the nation and Rockland. 24:01.600 --> 24:04.000 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (calm music) 24:04.900 --> 24:08.166 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Then in the spring of 1940, 24:08.166 --> 24:10.500 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Joseph suffered a heart attack. 24:11.666 --> 24:14.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Throughout the summer and into early fall 24:14.366 --> 24:18.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% it seemed as though he would recover and continue his work. 24:18.566 --> 24:22.133 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% But in late October, he died suddenly. 24:23.566 --> 24:28.233 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Ida, grieving the loss of her husband and partner, 24:28.233 --> 24:31.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% had little choice but to add the running of the theater 24:31.300 --> 24:33.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to her business responsibilities. 24:34.933 --> 24:37.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And so she and The Strand carried on. 24:55.433 --> 25:00.333 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% By the fall of 1939, with the German invasion of Poland, 25:00.333 --> 25:01.933 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% war had begun. 25:07.600 --> 25:11.366 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% In Rockland life continued as normal, 25:11.366 --> 25:14.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but citizens kept a wary eye on the development 25:14.700 --> 25:17.433 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% of the conflict in Europe. 25:17.433 --> 25:22.433 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Then on Sunday afternoon, December 7th, 1941, 25:23.600 --> 25:26.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% patrons enjoying the matinee at The Strand 25:26.366 --> 25:30.266 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% were surprised when suddenly the house lights illuminated. 25:31.633 --> 25:35.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Strand Manager Danny Danielo mounted the stage 25:35.733 --> 25:39.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and solemnly announced that the Japanese 25:39.000 --> 25:42.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% had attacked the US naval base at Pearl Harbor. 25:43.466 --> 25:45.333 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% All servicemen in the audience 25:45.333 --> 25:48.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% were to report to their bases immediately. 25:48.966 --> 25:51.333 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% The US was at war. 25:51.333 --> 25:54.066 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% (dramatic music) 26:07.466 --> 26:12.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% In February of 1942, Walter Winchell announced 26:12.266 --> 26:14.466 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% during a radio broadcast 26:14.466 --> 26:16.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that the government had certified 26:16.166 --> 26:21.166 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the motion picture business as a necessary war industry. 26:22.366 --> 26:25.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Not only did movies boost morale, 26:25.300 --> 26:28.766 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but theaters were used for recruiting purposes. 26:28.766 --> 26:32.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And newsreels shown before movie features 26:32.066 --> 26:35.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% kept citizens informed about what was happening overseas. 26:36.600 --> 26:40.000 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (upbeat patriotic music) 26:49.500 --> 26:51.333 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% The Strand played its part 26:51.333 --> 26:54.966 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and the theater's role as a community center strengthened. 26:59.300 --> 27:02.466 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% In 1944, the Women's Army Corps 27:02.466 --> 27:04.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% held a recruiting event at The Strand, 27:04.933 --> 27:08.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% involving a military uniform fashion show. 27:08.566 --> 27:11.133 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 27:16.500 --> 27:19.800 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Rubber drives became regular events at the theater. 27:21.500 --> 27:25.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% The Strand also participated in a war bond campaign. 27:25.766 --> 27:28.300 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Patrons paid the price of a bond 27:28.300 --> 27:31.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% instead of a ticket in order to be admitted 27:31.000 --> 27:33.366 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% to the week's feature premier. 27:33.366 --> 27:37.133 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And the program raised over $100,000 27:37.133 --> 27:39.866 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% for the war effort in a single night. 27:42.333 --> 27:46.133 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Rockland itself was drawn heavily into the war effort, 27:46.133 --> 27:48.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% because of its well protected deep harbor, 27:48.900 --> 27:51.900 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% suitable for major naval trials, 27:51.900 --> 27:56.400 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the operating shipyard, a Coast Guard base, 27:56.400 --> 27:58.933 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and the airport at Owl's Head. 28:00.133 --> 28:02.333 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% This drew additional people to the city. 28:03.633 --> 28:05.533 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% The potential audience swelled 28:05.533 --> 28:08.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% with the servicemen and women in the area, 28:08.133 --> 28:10.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% but also with the growing labor force. 28:12.333 --> 28:15.466 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% There was daily bus service from Rockland to Bath Ironworks 28:15.466 --> 28:17.700 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% for each of the three shifts. 28:18.833 --> 28:21.133 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Special midnight showtimes were added 28:21.133 --> 28:24.166 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% to accommodate the laborers working the round the clock 28:24.166 --> 28:27.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% production shifts necessitated by the war. 28:29.133 --> 28:33.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Finally, with the German surrender in 1945, 28:33.533 --> 28:36.766 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% the world and Rockland celebrated the end 28:36.766 --> 28:39.666 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% of six years of conflict. 28:39.666 --> 28:42.233 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 28:54.500 --> 28:58.600 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Rockland and The Strand experienced a boom throughout 28:58.600 --> 29:01.766 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and just after those years at war. 29:01.766 --> 29:05.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The Strand saw a nearly 30% rise in attendance 29:05.666 --> 29:09.100 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% during the period matching the national trends. 29:09.966 --> 29:11.833 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% But in the coming decades, 29:11.833 --> 29:15.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% a new rival would appear on the horizon 29:15.233 --> 29:19.700 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and tempt the public away from their local theaters. 29:27.133 --> 29:30.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Theater attendance in the 1950s and sixties 29:30.100 --> 29:32.533 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% began a steady decline 29:32.533 --> 29:34.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% as television was rapidly becoming 29:34.800 --> 29:38.700 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the dominant entertainment medium in the United States. 29:43.100 --> 29:44.833 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Ida hadn't been content 29:44.833 --> 29:47.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to simply let business drain away, 29:47.666 --> 29:51.933 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% and so she kept improving The Strand experience. 29:51.933 --> 29:54.500 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 30:01.566 --> 30:03.033 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% And in the early fifties 30:03.033 --> 30:05.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% she closed the theater for a short time 30:05.733 --> 30:09.200 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% in order to upgrade the screen and projection systems. 30:10.400 --> 30:12.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% The Strand reopened fitted with the new 30:12.733 --> 30:16.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% wide screen cinema scope projection system 30:16.300 --> 30:17.633 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% and a screening 30:17.633 --> 30:21.566 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% of the first ever Cinemascope movie, "The Robe". 30:26.966 --> 30:28.600 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Other films that made use 30:28.600 --> 30:30.900 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% of the new wide screen would follow. 30:32.300 --> 30:34.900 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 30:45.266 --> 30:49.133 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% But television was proving to be a serious rival. 30:55.700 --> 30:57.966 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% The US Census Bureau estimated 30:57.966 --> 31:01.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that weekly movie attendance across the country 31:01.266 --> 31:04.100 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% dropped from a high of around 90 million 31:04.100 --> 31:08.833 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% in the mid forties to 60 million in the mid fifties. 31:08.833 --> 31:11.766 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And finally, by the mid sixties, 31:11.766 --> 31:14.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% the figure was closer to 40 million. 31:19.533 --> 31:22.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% But while attendance at movie theaters dropped, 31:22.533 --> 31:24.466 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% The Strand survived. 31:24.466 --> 31:27.266 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% And by the early 1960s, 31:27.266 --> 31:31.333 align:left position:25% line:77% size:65% The Strand was the sole remaining movie theater in Rockland 31:31.333 --> 31:34.533 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% following the closure of its two companions. 31:39.300 --> 31:41.766 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Also in the sixties, the advent 31:41.766 --> 31:43.900 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% of multi screen movie theaters 31:43.900 --> 31:46.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% was becoming commonplace across the country 31:46.900 --> 31:50.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% as theater owners realized they could increase profits 31:50.733 --> 31:53.033 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% by adding additional screens 31:53.033 --> 31:56.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and still operate with the same size staff. 31:57.800 --> 32:00.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The Strand continued as a single screen theater 32:00.833 --> 32:03.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% through the sixties and most of the seventies. 32:03.933 --> 32:08.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Until finally in 1979, Ida followed suit 32:10.300 --> 32:14.266 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and twinned The Strand, splitting it into two cinemas, 32:15.133 --> 32:17.100 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% the main screen downstairs, 32:17.100 --> 32:20.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and a second screen in the converted balcony. 32:23.800 --> 32:28.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% On Main Street, A new Strand, cinemas one and two marquee 32:28.766 --> 32:32.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% was built over the existing 1930s marquee. 32:38.700 --> 32:41.433 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% The following year in 1980, 32:41.433 --> 32:44.366 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Ida retired from the movie business 32:44.366 --> 32:46.333 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% and her son Meredith, 32:46.333 --> 32:48.400 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% took over the management of the theater. 32:49.566 --> 32:52.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The Strand continued to show first run films 32:52.166 --> 32:56.366 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% in the newly remodeled theater through the 1980s and 1990s. 33:00.166 --> 33:03.300 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Since it first opened in the early twenties, 33:03.300 --> 33:07.700 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% the Strand had served Rockland and the Midcoast region 33:07.700 --> 33:12.166 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% as a recreational center, a community touchstone, 33:12.166 --> 33:17.166 align:left position:22.5% line:77% size:67.5% and of course a teller of timeless tales through the movies. 33:21.933 --> 33:25.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% It had outlasted the Park and Empire Theaters 33:25.500 --> 33:27.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and enjoyed the success of being Rocklands 33:27.933 --> 33:30.966 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% only movie theater for many decades. 33:33.166 --> 33:38.166 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% In 1997, following the trends of modern movie going, 33:39.366 --> 33:42.533 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% the Flagship, a huge multi-screen theater 33:42.533 --> 33:45.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% was constructed just outside of town. 33:47.100 --> 33:51.833 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% With this new multiplex came hard times for The Strand 33:53.000 --> 33:55.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and Rocklands downtown movie theater struggled 33:55.966 --> 33:58.100 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% to remain competitive. 34:08.566 --> 34:13.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% In June, 1999, a fire ignited in the theater lobby 34:15.000 --> 34:18.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% when a popcorn warmer used to melt butter malfunctioned 34:18.566 --> 34:20.966 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% causing damage to the candy counter. 34:22.266 --> 34:26.066 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Meredith Dondis announced a few days later 34:26.066 --> 34:28.533 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% that he was closing The Strand. 34:29.933 --> 34:32.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% He said the fire was not the reason for the closure, 34:32.933 --> 34:36.200 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but that after more than 50 years of work, 34:36.200 --> 34:38.200 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% he was ready to retire. 34:40.466 --> 34:44.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% In July, 2000, the Dondis family 34:44.266 --> 34:48.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% sold the strand to Peter and Denise Vivian 34:48.033 --> 34:50.366 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% of Roslyn, New Jersey, 34:50.366 --> 34:54.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% who continued to operate it as a second run movie theater. 34:54.933 --> 34:59.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% But finally, in December, 2001, 34:59.266 --> 35:01.700 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the financial difficulties of operating 35:01.700 --> 35:06.266 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% in the shadow of the multiplex became unsustainable, 35:06.266 --> 35:10.400 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and the Strand was sold to the owners of the Flagship. 35:12.566 --> 35:14.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Rather than becoming an extension 35:14.666 --> 35:18.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% of the multiplexes offerings, it quickly became apparent 35:18.766 --> 35:21.100 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% what the new owners had in mind. 35:22.266 --> 35:24.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Not long after the sale was finalized, 35:24.900 --> 35:29.900 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% they shuttered Rocklands only remaining downtown theater, 35:31.100 --> 35:33.433 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% thus beginning a dark period for The Strand. 35:37.766 --> 35:40.166 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% For three long years, 35:40.166 --> 35:43.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the once vibrant community gathering place 35:44.166 --> 35:46.766 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% sat empty and decaying. 35:47.966 --> 35:51.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Rockland's last surviving movie theater 35:51.033 --> 35:54.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% was now just an eye sore on Main Street. 36:06.766 --> 36:10.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% The ensuing controversy over the multiplexes refusal 36:10.766 --> 36:13.333 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% to reopen The Strands doors 36:13.333 --> 36:16.733 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% led to public outrage by the citizens of Rockland. 36:18.200 --> 36:22.700 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% In January, 2004, the Main Attorney General's office 36:22.700 --> 36:27.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% stepped in and began an antitrust investigation. 36:27.433 --> 36:30.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Finally filing a lawsuit against the owners 36:30.233 --> 36:32.266 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% of the Flagship multiplex. 36:37.166 --> 36:39.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Maine's Attorney General directed that the theater 36:39.866 --> 36:44.566 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% must be sold to an independent unaffiliated buyer. 36:55.933 --> 36:59.400 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Matt and Ellen Simmons had started visiting Midcoast Maine 36:59.400 --> 37:02.566 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% in the 1980s, and soon it had become 37:03.733 --> 37:05.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% an important part of their lives. 37:05.266 --> 37:08.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Over the years, The Strand had become a part as well. 37:10.033 --> 37:12.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% They had seen movies at The Strand for years 37:12.366 --> 37:14.900 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% depending on it for entertainment for themselves 37:14.900 --> 37:16.533 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and their five daughters 37:16.533 --> 37:19.333 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% during those inevitable rainy days 37:19.333 --> 37:21.766 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% of Maine summer vacations. 37:21.766 --> 37:25.166 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - For five of us kids, and we didn't have TV at home 37:25.166 --> 37:28.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and we, on rainy days, you couldn't go outside 37:28.766 --> 37:31.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and sharpen sticks or play on the beach. 37:31.266 --> 37:33.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% So perhaps they thought, "Oh, we can take all five 37:33.766 --> 37:36.666 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% "to the theater and entertain them with some popcorn." 37:36.666 --> 37:39.033 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And again, this was a two room theater at the time, 37:39.033 --> 37:40.433 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% so looked a bit different, 37:40.433 --> 37:43.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% but it was a nice adventure to get to Rockland. 37:43.466 --> 37:46.833 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 37:46.833 --> 37:48.833 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - [Announcer] The boarding up of Rockland Strand 37:48.833 --> 37:51.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% was something Matt and Ellen took to heart. 37:52.433 --> 37:55.066 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% - Just we wanted to restore this. 37:55.066 --> 37:56.966 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% And we had been very active 37:56.966 --> 38:00.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, 38:00.733 --> 38:03.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and we thought it would be a wonderful idea 38:03.100 --> 38:06.533 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% for both Rockland and Rockport 38:06.533 --> 38:09.866 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and the towns in the area. 38:09.866 --> 38:11.633 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - [Announcer] To the Simmons family, 38:11.633 --> 38:14.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% such restoration was American history 38:14.866 --> 38:18.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% reclaimed for generations to follow. 38:18.566 --> 38:21.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% They realized that it would be expensive, 38:21.566 --> 38:25.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% but doing it right would be important. 38:25.166 --> 38:29.033 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% It was not a dazzling movie house like some they had seen, 38:29.033 --> 38:31.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% but it was an important theater, 38:31.266 --> 38:35.666 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% central to the town, and certainly a local landmark. 38:38.200 --> 38:41.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - There was a lot more work than we realized. 38:42.500 --> 38:44.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We were a little concerned about the cost 38:44.966 --> 38:46.400 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% that it was going to be, 38:46.400 --> 38:50.666 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% but we had such good helpers too, good people, 38:50.666 --> 38:53.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% good people to work with and for. 38:53.133 --> 38:54.900 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% And you know, we thought, 38:54.900 --> 38:57.633 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% "Well, this is a very important part 38:57.633 --> 39:01.066 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% "of what we wanna be and what we wanna do to help." 39:01.066 --> 39:03.666 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 39:13.266 --> 39:17.033 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Ahead we went and we are so glad. 39:17.033 --> 39:19.633 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 39:27.866 --> 39:31.300 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (upbeat music continues) 39:38.966 --> 39:42.366 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (upbeat music continues) 39:51.900 --> 39:55.333 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (upbeat music continues) 40:02.500 --> 40:05.900 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (upbeat music continues) 40:17.300 --> 40:20.733 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (upbeat music continues) 40:24.400 --> 40:25.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - [Announcer] In bringing back the theater, 40:25.866 --> 40:30.333 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% many aspects of The Strand were preserved or reproduced. 40:30.333 --> 40:33.566 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The seats that were added in the 1950s 40:33.566 --> 40:37.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% were repainted and reupholstered. 40:37.066 --> 40:41.800 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% The rusting stamped tin ceiling was copied exactly. 40:41.800 --> 40:46.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And the original green shade of paint was used throughout. 40:47.400 --> 40:49.633 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (upbeat music) 40:57.033 --> 41:00.433 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (upbeat music continues) 41:12.500 --> 41:15.933 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (upbeat music continues) 41:24.033 --> 41:27.433 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (upbeat music continues) 41:36.133 --> 41:39.533 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (upbeat music continues) 41:47.533 --> 41:50.933 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (upbeat music continues) 41:55.733 --> 41:59.133 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% (upbeat music continues) 42:03.833 --> 42:07.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% In the end, the restoration costs three times 42:07.466 --> 42:10.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% what Matt and Ellen had imagined, 42:10.066 --> 42:13.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but they were not deterred by the expense. 42:13.033 --> 42:17.566 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% They saw the potential to rebuild a downtown movie theater 42:17.566 --> 42:20.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that would play a vital role in a Rockland 42:20.566 --> 42:25.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that was building a new identity and vibrancy. 42:25.333 --> 42:27.733 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% (calm music) 42:31.766 --> 42:36.266 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% To celebrate the reopening on July 3rd, 2005, 42:36.266 --> 42:39.033 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% The Strand threw a block party 42:39.033 --> 42:40.033 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% in collaboration with Rocklands 42:40.033 --> 42:42.700 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% appreciative civic leadership. 42:42.700 --> 42:45.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The community turned out in large 42:45.000 --> 42:49.333 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and enthusiastic numbers to share in the festivities. 42:51.066 --> 42:53.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - I just remember this huge crowd of people 42:53.000 --> 42:55.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and just everybody looking so happy. 42:55.066 --> 42:57.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And people who have been here for so long, 42:57.900 --> 42:59.400 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% born, raised, lived here, 42:59.400 --> 43:03.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% who saw this iconic theater coming back to life. 43:03.766 --> 43:06.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And just the excitement on people's faces 43:06.866 --> 43:09.233 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% that is pretty priceless. 43:13.833 --> 43:17.300 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% - It is just a very strong bond. 43:19.166 --> 43:23.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% When a theater sits idle for three years, 43:23.500 --> 43:27.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% people were angry, they were frustrated, 43:27.133 --> 43:28.966 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% 'cause somebody owned the building 43:28.966 --> 43:31.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and they would allow movies in it. 43:31.100 --> 43:33.533 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And so Matt Simmons changed all that, 43:34.666 --> 43:36.666 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and also he brought it back. 43:36.666 --> 43:39.200 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% It's not like he changed the place. 43:39.200 --> 43:42.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I look around now, the balcony, all of this 43:42.866 --> 43:44.766 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% is what we remember growing up. 43:46.700 --> 43:48.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - [Announcer] The Strand quickly assumed 43:48.400 --> 43:52.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% a major role in the continued revitalization of Rockland. 43:52.933 --> 43:55.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Alongside the Farnsworth Art Museum 43:55.100 --> 43:58.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and numerous other art related enterprises, 43:58.400 --> 44:00.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% The Strand helped bring in more business 44:00.733 --> 44:03.233 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% for Rocklands thriving downtown. 44:04.600 --> 44:07.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - Well, my parents had such a passion for the arts 44:07.733 --> 44:09.766 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and historic preservation, 44:09.766 --> 44:11.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and this was such a special place for us. 44:11.366 --> 44:13.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We've been coming to the Rockport-Rockland area 44:13.566 --> 44:16.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% for 36 years, and they had this vision 44:16.733 --> 44:19.233 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% and foresight of what it could be for the community 44:19.233 --> 44:21.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and, you know, the arts, it could bring people 44:21.566 --> 44:23.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% from around the world to Rockland. 44:23.066 --> 44:25.300 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And it was just such a special thing 44:25.300 --> 44:27.433 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% to be able to be a part of. 44:27.433 --> 44:28.900 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% - It's just been a blessing. 44:28.900 --> 44:31.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I mean, for our family, we've enjoyed it 44:31.266 --> 44:36.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and we're so glad that people go to The Strand. 44:37.133 --> 44:40.400 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And then, so we have no regrets. 44:40.400 --> 44:43.966 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And I wish my husband were still here to enjoy it too. 44:43.966 --> 44:47.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% But I know he, he's so proud of it 44:47.100 --> 44:49.166 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% and so glad we did it. 44:51.266 --> 44:53.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And we love the, we all love The Strand. 45:02.500 --> 45:05.066 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (mellow music) 45:36.700 --> 45:38.200 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - [Announcer] Independent movie theaters 45:38.200 --> 45:41.366 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% are closing down all across the country, 45:41.366 --> 45:44.966 align:left position:25% line:77% size:65% and in doing so, many communities are missing the chance 45:44.966 --> 45:47.900 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% to experience important films 45:47.900 --> 45:50.833 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% rather than simply viewing them on a smartphone. 45:52.300 --> 45:56.366 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Film is at its most powerful when witnessed with others, 45:56.366 --> 45:59.033 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and The Strand is committed to offering 45:59.033 --> 46:02.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that continued opportunity to Rockland. 46:02.600 --> 46:04.266 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - It's only in a movie theater 46:04.266 --> 46:06.833 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% where you can totally lose yourself 46:06.833 --> 46:09.400 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% in what's on that screen. 46:09.400 --> 46:13.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And the other thing is, I'm a big fan of comedy. 46:14.500 --> 46:18.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% You don't laugh as much at home by yourself. 46:18.033 --> 46:19.366 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% You have to come to a theater 46:19.366 --> 46:21.133 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and laugh with everybody else. 46:22.300 --> 46:24.066 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And if they're not laughing, of course, 46:24.066 --> 46:26.366 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% maybe the movie's not so good. 46:29.666 --> 46:33.200 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% - The more we interact with each other as people, 46:33.200 --> 46:35.566 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% the more we interact with each other as part of a community 46:35.566 --> 46:38.400 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% face to face out in the real world, 46:38.400 --> 46:41.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% the more we understand each other, 46:41.100 --> 46:43.066 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% the more we relate to each other, 46:43.066 --> 46:47.366 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% the more we see the human being behind the ideologies 46:47.366 --> 46:49.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that we're throwing at each other these days, 46:49.900 --> 46:52.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% which is something we need to stop doing. 46:52.166 --> 46:53.400 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% You need to go to the movies. 46:53.400 --> 46:54.966 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% You need to, they say on the internet, 46:54.966 --> 46:57.133 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% you need to touch grass. 46:57.133 --> 46:59.833 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I say what you need to do is touch popcorn. 47:01.166 --> 47:03.766 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% (mellow music) 47:13.600 --> 47:15.500 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - [Announcer] The Simmons family had underwritten 47:15.500 --> 47:19.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% the Strands operation with generous financial support 47:19.300 --> 47:22.200 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% over its first five years of operation. 47:25.166 --> 47:29.400 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Following Matt Simmons untimely death in 2010, 47:29.400 --> 47:31.900 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% the family formed a committee 47:31.900 --> 47:35.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% to explore future ownership options for The Strand 47:35.933 --> 47:39.866 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and put the theater on a more sustainable financial path. 47:41.566 --> 47:44.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% That committee and the family agreed 47:44.133 --> 47:46.500 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that the best option for both The Strand 47:46.500 --> 47:49.233 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% to continue as a viable business 47:49.233 --> 47:50.966 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and for the community to reap 47:50.966 --> 47:53.133 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% the economic and cultural benefits 47:53.133 --> 47:55.966 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% this historic institution offered, 47:55.966 --> 47:57.966 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% was to follow a path being taken 47:57.966 --> 48:01.400 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% by other independent theaters across the country 48:01.400 --> 48:04.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and to become a non-profit organization. 48:07.200 --> 48:10.666 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - So we need to look at theaters around the country 48:10.666 --> 48:12.200 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% to see what else is going on. 48:12.200 --> 48:14.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And we started to discover there were theaters 48:14.900 --> 48:16.133 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% that had become nonprofits 48:16.133 --> 48:18.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and some of them were thriving. 48:19.800 --> 48:22.166 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - The Simmons family gifted the theater 48:22.166 --> 48:24.533 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to the community under the stewardship 48:24.533 --> 48:26.966 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% of the newly formed nonprofit, 48:26.966 --> 48:29.466 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% The Friends of the Strand Theater. 48:29.466 --> 48:33.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - We couldn't personally just keep this theater going 48:33.566 --> 48:35.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and we weren't looking to do that. 48:35.266 --> 48:37.900 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% It wasn't a business proposition for us. 48:37.900 --> 48:40.900 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% We were hoping it would be a gift to the community. 48:42.000 --> 48:46.033 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% So wonderful people working here, 48:46.033 --> 48:49.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% just you can see that as people still, 48:49.466 --> 48:54.133 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% some of the same people here who started day one. 48:54.133 --> 48:59.133 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% So it's really been with our interest in preservation 49:03.200 --> 49:05.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and giving back to your communities, 49:05.166 --> 49:06.900 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% a very important part of our life. 49:10.200 --> 49:13.100 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - [Announcer] The New Friends of the Strand was tasked 49:13.100 --> 49:17.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% with raising $300,000 to offset three years 49:17.600 --> 49:20.600 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% of projected operating deficits. 49:20.600 --> 49:24.433 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - And raising that 300,000, we raised more than that, 49:24.433 --> 49:27.166 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% because people did not want this place to close. 49:28.433 --> 49:31.233 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% - The community enthusiastically responded, 49:31.233 --> 49:32.933 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% meeting those early goals 49:32.933 --> 49:36.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% by becoming members of their theater. 49:36.266 --> 49:40.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - It gave people a chance to really invest in the theater 49:40.866 --> 49:43.400 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% by becoming members. 49:43.400 --> 49:47.166 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% We got to a thousand members within a year. 49:47.166 --> 49:52.166 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% - I remember the Lobster Festival parade during 2014. 49:54.766 --> 49:59.433 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% I marched in the parade handing out membership blanks. 50:00.600 --> 50:02.266 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% One of the kids was pushing a bike 50:02.266 --> 50:03.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% with a stack of them in the basket. 50:03.966 --> 50:06.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And we emptied that basket three or four times, 50:06.866 --> 50:09.066 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% because people were so hyped about 50:09.066 --> 50:10.233 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% "The Strand is taking members? 50:10.233 --> 50:12.033 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% "I want to become a member." 50:12.033 --> 50:14.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And I was handing these out all over the place. 50:14.633 --> 50:18.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And that was the moment that I knew personally 50:18.566 --> 50:20.033 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% that it was going to work. 50:20.033 --> 50:21.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% - You know, it's such a special thing 50:23.566 --> 50:25.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% to see people come together and to bring that joy. 50:25.933 --> 50:28.666 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And you could see Rockland really starting to boom. 50:29.766 --> 50:31.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And that for the theater to be part of that 50:31.566 --> 50:34.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% starting 20 years ago was just such a treat. 50:34.933 --> 50:36.700 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - One of the things that I do here 50:36.700 --> 50:39.633 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% when I'm at the door is if anyone asks me, 50:39.633 --> 50:41.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and this is a question that I'm often asked, 50:42.966 --> 50:44.766 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% the most frequent question I'm asked is, 50:44.766 --> 50:46.066 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% "Where's the bathroom?" 50:46.066 --> 50:48.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% The second most frequent question I'm asked is, 50:48.166 --> 50:50.466 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% "How do I get involved? 50:50.466 --> 50:52.566 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% "How do I help The Strand? 50:52.566 --> 50:54.366 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% "How's The Strand doing?" 50:54.366 --> 50:55.933 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% People want to know. 50:55.933 --> 50:58.100 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And when I tell them, "Well, The Strand needs your help." 50:58.100 --> 51:00.000 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% They say, "Where do I sign up?" 51:00.000 --> 51:01.966 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And out comes the membership application 51:01.966 --> 51:05.333 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and we sign up another member. 51:05.333 --> 51:06.833 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% And that's how it goes. 51:06.833 --> 51:09.466 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And it's been great, very gratifying to see that. 51:09.466 --> 51:11.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% - And it just shows how everybody 51:11.866 --> 51:15.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% is so grateful to have this place here. 51:15.466 --> 51:17.733 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And so you feel that all the time. 51:17.733 --> 51:19.233 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% - Well, dad always loved being able 51:19.233 --> 51:21.266 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% to bring the arts to people. 51:21.266 --> 51:23.466 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% And he's done that in Houston 51:23.466 --> 51:26.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and got to do that here in Rockland. 51:26.133 --> 51:27.900 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% And the programming here is 51:27.900 --> 51:29.233 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% just what he would want it to be. 51:29.233 --> 51:34.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% It's theater, it's arts, it's an entire way 51:35.400 --> 51:37.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to bring people of the community together. 51:37.466 --> 51:38.700 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% - [Announcer] Now listed on 51:38.700 --> 51:41.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% the National Register of Historic Places, 51:41.500 --> 51:45.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in recognition of its cultural, architectural, 51:45.033 --> 51:47.733 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% and historic significance, 51:47.733 --> 51:49.833 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% The Strand Theater is once again 51:49.833 --> 51:53.666 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% at the heart of Rocklands thriving downtown district. 51:55.100 --> 51:58.233 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% By offering a slate of rich and diverse programming, 51:58.233 --> 52:02.666 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% the Strand continues its mission to entertain, engage, 52:04.066 --> 52:05.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and empower in the theater and throughout the community.