Michigan Theatre
Downtown Kalamazoo Theater (1934-1961)
South side of East Michigan Avenue, east of Burdick Street (120-22 East Michigan Avenue).
An enlarged and reconfigured location where the former Lyric had been. Operated as a film house from 30 October 1934 until 24 June 1961. Designed by Kalamazoo architect Rockwell A. LeRoy.
Michigan Theatre (formerly Lyric) c.1947. Western Michigan University Archives and Regional History Collection
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, 1932. Library of Congress
Michigan Theatre w/ updated sign c.1953. Portage District Library
Sources
Information originally compiled in 1995 by J.P. Jenks. Additional information was later added by library staff. Information compiled from Kalamazoo City Directory listings, details obtained in researching newspaper reports published at the time by the Kalamazoo Gazette and Kalamazoo Telegraph Press, Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, Kalamazoo County Warranty Deeds and numerous other sources.
Updated March 2019.
Additional Resources
Books
A history of theater in Kalamazoo
Pixley, Jorge V., 1958
H 792 P694
Theater in Kalamazoo from 1860–1890
Johns, Marion, 1955
H 792 J65
Local History Room Files
Subject File: Theater