Family Theatre - Detroit MI

Address: 2 Monroe Avenue
City: Detroit
State: MI
Zip: 48226
County: Wayne
Open: 1909
Capacity: 934
Owner History:
Theater Type: Neighborhood House
Number of visits to this page: 11343
Disclaimer:

Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance, features, addresses, phone numbers, or contact names of the attraction. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. We ask you consult the propietor for current information.

General Information:

Source: Cinema Treasures

Built within the former Kirkwood Hotel on Cadillac Square, the Family opened in 1909. It began to screen films five years later, starting with the comedy "Tillie's Punctured Romance". The Family, designed by Fuller Claflin, could seat 935.

After decades as a popular first-run house, like so many other theaters, the Family switched over to pornographic features in the 60s, and created quite a stir, not so much for its films, but because it didn't change it's wholesome-sounding name. However, it did soon change its name, to the Follies.

In 1973, during a screening of "Deep Throat", the Follies caught on fire. However, as they fled the burning theater, some customers actually stopped at the box office to ask for their money back! The shell of the theater was demolished a couple months later.

Info Updates:
11/24/2009 - K
The R.L. Polk Detroit City Directory, 1922 lists the address of the Family Theater as 2 Monroe Avenue.
 Photos:7
Family Theatre - From American Classic Images
From American Classic Images
Family Theatre - As The Follies From Wayne State Library
As The Follies From Wayne State Library
Family Theatre - The Family At The Awesome Cadillac Square
The Family At The Awesome Cadillac Square
Family Theatre - Old Photo
Old Photo
Family Theatre - A Later Incarnation
A Later Incarnation
Family Theatre - Old Ad
Old Ad
Family Theatre - July 1973 Article About Fire
July 1973 Article About Fire
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