Overview

The Park Theatre in Alameda, CA, was a small venue seating 800 that was in business for just less than 15 years at 1338 Park Street.

Building History

This two-story, Neo-classical office and retail building opened in 1904. The Park Theatre at 1338 Park Street opened on 06/12/1904 with vaudeville programming. In 1906, Harry Bernard managed the Park Theatre. (See Park Theatre advertisement, Daily Encinal (Alameda, CA), 10/18/1906, p. 8.)

The Park operated until 03/25/1919. (See Cinema Treasures.org, "Park Theater 1338 Park Street, Alameda, CA 94501," accessed 01/12/2024.) The Strand Theatre, operated by T and D Junior Enterprises, opened in 1918 at 318 Park. (See Cinema Treasures.org, "Park Theater 1338 Park Street, Alameda, CA 94501," and "Strand Theater 1318 Park Street, Alameda, CA 94501," accessed 01/12/2024.) It would seem that the Strand (and perhaps other competitors in Oakland) depleted the Park's revenues in a town of about 28,806 in 1919.

The Tomatina Italian Restaurant occupied the first floor space of the former theatre building in 2024.

Building Notes

The Park’s stage proscenium was 30-feet-wide by 25-feet-tall. It accommodated 800 people in 1907. The theatre was on the building’s second floor. (See Julius Cahn's Official Theatrical Guide 1907-1908, Volume XII, [New York: Julius Cahn, 1907], p. 312.)

Alteration

The Park Theatre underwent an enlargement in 06/1912. (See Cinema Treasures.org, "Park Theater 1338 Park Street, Alameda, CA 94501," accessed 01/12/2024.)

Demolition

The theatre was removed from the building in 1919.

PCAD id: 24924