For 100 years, the Strand Theatre has stood as York’s cultural crown jewel, even as it adapted to significant changes in the entertainment industry.
From vaudeville to talkies to today, the Strand has remained woven into the city’s cultural fabric for a century.
Now part of the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, The Strand stands alongside the Capitol Theatre, which was built in 1906. This past summer, the community celebrated The Strand’s centennial, paying homage to this lasting cultural gem.
Save Our Theatres
When Nathan Appell of Appell Amusement Interests announced plans in 1924 for a 1,350-seat theater on N. George Street, the excitement in York was palpable.
Local newspapers lauded the venue as a “state-of-the-art” addition that would bring “first-class entertainment” to the area. Touted as fireproof, an important feature at the time, it was said to be on par with theaters in bigger cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia.
According to newspaper accounts, people lined up early to enter in the summer of 1925. One teen by the name of John Andrews camped out for 12 hours to be the first in to win a season pass.
The Strand’s journey took a corporate turn in 1930 when it and the Capitol were sold to Warner Brothers as part of a nationwide acquisition of 70 theaters. All went well for a while, until a Supreme Court ruling barred Hollywood studios from owning movie houses. In 1953, they were sold to Stanley Warner Co. and operated under RKO Stanley Warner before closing in 1976.
In 1978, York rallied to save the landmarks, devising a “Save Our Theaters Campaign,” which raised $1.7 million to transform the Strand and Capitol into a performing arts center.
Continuing community support fueled further growth, including a $17 million expansion in 2000. In 2017, the complex was renamed the Appell Center for the Performing Arts in honor of the Appell family’s support. The milestone was celebrated with a sold-out performance by singer Tony Bennett.
Todd Fogdall, president & CEO of the Appell Center, said that the mission of the organization is to bring in a wide range of performers, which is why one might see Henry Rollins or Ben Folds performing one evening and older acts like Willie Nelson or Gladys Knight another.
The Appell Center also serves as an educational hub.
“Stage the Page” is a literacy program that has been operating for about 20 years. Children in grades K-2 receive a book and study guide, then visit the center to see the story brought to life on stage.
“It’s fun to run into young adults who remember those shows,” Fogdall said. “They are such formative memories.”
Each year about 8,000 students and teachers participate, he said.
Some partnerships extend beyond the classroom.
“Area restaurants often provide us with food, or in-kind contributions and we work closely with the downtown business association in finding opportunities to cross promote,” said Elaine Bonneau, board chair.
The Strand also hosts “Jazz in the City” on First Fridays.
“Local musicians perform, and it’s a great way to showcase the talent we have here,” Bonneau said.
Power of the Arts
Longtime supporter Dr. Ben Hoover recalls the rough shape the Strand was in in 1977 when he first got involved.
“Mayor John Krout invited me to join the ad hoc committee to explore saving the Strand and Capitol theatres, and, when the committee first entered the Strand, it was cold, damp and musty,” he said. “There were a few birds flying about.”
The plaster and wood surfaces were painted pink, and most everything else was covered in deteriorating pink material, he explained. Fortunately, he added, the original 1925 Willy Pogany murals high on the rear side walls did not suffer a similar fate.
Hoover’s wife Anne chaired the Junior League of York Committee, which played a leading role in setting up the Strand Capitol Performing Arts Center, serving as its first vice president and second president.
“It was a full-time volunteer job for more than a decade,” Hoover said.
Hoover’s children were also involved.
“They spent many hours stuffing envelopes for mailings in those early days,” he said.
Hoover said that picking his favorite shows is difficult, but Tony Bennett ranks up there.
“I especially liked it when he turned off the mics and sang to demonstrate the acoustics,” he said.
Another favorite was when Jay Leno came to town in 1989 and spent two hours in Hoover’s two-Packard garage before retreating to the living room to watch “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.”
Hoover has witnessed the programming evolve over the years.
“It became clear early on that, to reach a broader community, the talent lineup had to expand,” he said. “That variety continues today.”
For Fogdall, the centennial is more than reflection. It’s about envisioning the next 100 years.
“We want the Strand Theatre to continue to remain a home for creativity and inspiration for all of York County,” he said. “Our goal is to bring people together and remove barriers so everyone can access the transformative power of the arts.”
The Appell Center for the Performing Arts is located at 50 N. George St., York. For more information, visit www.appellcenter.org.
Holiday Lineup
This holiday season, the Appell Center features family favorites on the big screen, such as “White Christmas,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Elf.”
For live music, duo Dailey & Vincent will present a holiday concert blending country, bluegrass and gospel on Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
“We hope that the public will consider giving the gift of unforgettable experiences,” said Todd Fogdall, president & CEO of the Appell Center.
He noted that gift certificates can be used for performances, films and classes throughout the year.
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