Tiptonville’s Strand Theatre, 1981

As luck would have it, I had purchased my first really good camera, a Nikon FM, just prior to my last visit to Tiptonville, Tennessee. I was all caught up in learning to use the fully manual camera, and indulged myself by taking all sorts of “artsy” photos. In the process I managed to capture at least a glimpse of the town as it was in 1981, considerably different than today. I loved this view of the former movie theater, so much so that I used it as the basis for an oil painting a few years ago. (which I’ll be happy to share… if I can find it!)
The Strand Theater was built in 1915, and owned by Utra Burton for an unknown period of time. It closed in the mid-to-late ’60s, at which time it became the Harmony Lodge, used by the Masons until just a few years ago. I couldn’t find much else in the way of historical information, but I did pick up some interesting stuff from the website, Cinema Treasures. According to posts on that site, Harry Houdini performed there early in his career, signing the wall backstage. (since painted over) It is currently being transformed back into a theater, and will be used for plays, concerts, beauty pageants, as well as movies. Does anyone have further information about the theater? I’d also appreciate any photos of The Strand taken when it was in operation.