THE STRAND THEATRE
Shreveport, Louisiana

 
Constructed between 1923 and 1925, The Strand has remained Shreveport's center of cultural activity. Once part of the Saenger chain of theatres, it was constructed with no regard to cost. Included in the original construction, was a Robert Morton organ. The instrument is one of the finest produced by that firm.
Once managed by the Saenger Amusement Company of New Orleans, the elegant interior set the way for design and construction of the New Orleans Saenger, the flagship of the chain. According to a 1926 brochure, the Strand was billed as "The South's Most Beautiful Theatre".
Infrared view of interior shows the full 1614 seat capacity of the facility. When constructed, seating was 2250.
View of one of the two organ grills.
THE ORGAN
 
Like most Saenger theaters, this one had a Robert Morton organ constructed in 1925. Scribblings on the chamber walls indicate that the instrument was installed between June 1 and July3 of 1925. R.W. Gimpel oversaw the installation and signed his name to the wall. He was assisted by Ted Brady. The voicer was H.W. Sutton. While the instrument bears the Robert Morton name, investigation indicates that the console was built by the Wicks Company of Highland, Il.
Click here for large view of chamber layout
 
 
 
CLICK HERE FOR STOP LIST
 
The Strand has entered into an agreement with the South Mississsippi Gold Coast Chapter of A.T.O.S. to make the Strand organ playable again. Click here for a log of repair activities by the chapter.

For more information on the Shreveport Strand Theatre, be sure to visit www.thestrandtheatre.comm