Strand Theatre in Delaware unveils plans for upgraded digital sign

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) — Another central Ohio theater is getting a new marquee, an apparent trend after both Bellefontaine’s Holland Theatre and the Garden Theater in Columbus's Short North recently received signage makeovers.

Last week, the Strand Theatre in Delaware removed its current 1930s-era marquee in anticipation of an upgraded digital sign, according to Tracey Peyton, managing director at the Strand Theatre. Peyton said the 109-year-old Strand will be outfitted with a sign that replicates the “old frame's specs” and includes a new vertical blade.

“As one of the 10 oldest theatres in the nation still showing first-run films, I think it's important to understand that many historic theatres are due for upgrades, if they haven't already had one,” Peyton said. “And with lots of those theatres, a vertical blade was installed to show the way for pedestrians to find where the entertainment was back in the day. It served as a beacon for them.”

According to David Hejmanowski, a Strand board member, some of the sign's original metal framework might be in good enough condition to be “incorporated into the structure of the new marquee,” allowing “portions of the original 1930s sign [to] live on in its successor!”

Hejmanowski mentioned that removing the old marquee “revealed several treasures.” He pointed out that the previous neon lighting, from the time when the Schine Theater Company operated the building, had left a shadow visible under the Strand Theatre signage. Additionally, the supportive framework for the original 1916 arch was uncovered behind the old marquee's assembly.

“One can clearly see how the center storefront panel was removed and built out to be the theater entrance,” Hejmanowski said.

Wagner Electric Signs, a three-generation northeast Ohio sign maker and the same company that crafted the Holland Theatre's recent marquee, will fabricate and install the Strand's new marquee. Peyton said the marquee and blade will be mounted sometime in November 2025.

Several issues led to the decision to replace the marquee, according to Hejmanowski.  

“Significant structural wear was evident and despite repeated attempts, the chasing incandescent lights could not be returned to working order,” he said.

Plans for the theater, which is owned by its board of directors, began in February 2022, Peyton said. Working jointly with the City of Delaware's historic preservation commission, the goal was to balance historic preservation with modern digitization. Additionally, the community raised $200,000 for the upgrade.

“It's not lost on us that the reason the Strand has survived the Great Depression, the Spanish flu, the rise of movieplexes, and the COVID pandemic is because of the loving-kindness of the Delaware community and beyond,” Peyton said.

“As a Strand board member, I want to make sure folks know that we are also very sad to see the old marquee go — we extended its life for several years trying to preserve it,” Hejmanowski shared on social media. “We want to preserve the Strand’s fantastic history as it approaches its 110th birthday, but we also want it to be here — vibrant and successful — 110 years from now!”