Braden Theatre…A Brand Ne...

Anyway, the night was an absolute success; no breakdowns and the popcorn was as good as I recall it as a kid at the old State and Braden Theatres. The new owners and operators (Arlen, Nancy and Chris Dow) are extremely accommodating and gracious hosts. In addition, they’re community-minded. These qualities will certainly ensure their success. In addition, the seats are comfortable and spaced just right. I was a bit worried about the volume. I’m horribly uncomfortable if the sound is too loud…that’s something which would send me out of the theatre real early. But, I was very pleased with the chosen volume….just right, thank goodness. Above all, this new downtown addition is as friendly and homey as it gets. It’s like you expect to see Andy and Opie, Aunt Bee and Barney in the lobby loading up on all the conventional moviegoer goodies (popcorn, soda, Good n’ Plenty and raisinettes).

My grandson and I watched “Spiderwick Chronicles”, a very scary kids’ movie, well done, accompanied with a good story. He sat spellbound, entranced, gulping down popcorn with great intensity. I wouldn’t have traded that hour and a half with my grandson for all the tea in Ceylon, er, I mean Sri Lanka. I’m always a generation behind these new names of these old countries. Likely he’ll remember last night for the rest of his life. I recall my grandmother taking me once to the old State Theatre between the Northern Nat’l Bank (now Key Bank) and the Maine Public Service building. We saw “The Boy With Green Hair”, a movie released in 1948. I would have been only 6-years old then, but recall that clearly, not the movie, mind you, but just sitting with my grandmother. That was the only movie I ever remember her going to. Certainly wasn’t my only or last one; I practically lived in that theatre growing up because it was right around the corner from my house. The price of admission was a bit cheaper (12 cents) than today’s. Despite the years which have passed since 1948, today’s ticket at the new Braden is still a great bargain at $5 for each man, woman and child. You can’t beat that with a stick, either!

One more item before my ramblings quit. Although the Dows offered everything at no charge last night, I was bound and determined to at least pay for our goodies (popcorn and soda). I put down on the counter $3, but was very kindly refused. I stood my ground and gently insisted that the $3 be taken. She said thank you and my grandson and I went on our way to stake out our seats for the show. Later, I realized that those 3 bucks were perhaps the very first bucks taken in by the new theatre. That’s significant because back in the spring of 1953, W.T. Grant opened a new store on the corner of State and Main. I made sure I was there to be the first-paying customer. As the doors opened for the first time, I pushed through to the candy counter, pulled out a nickel and purchased a pack of Wrigley’s spearmint gum. That was on purpose to be the first. Last night, 55 years later, I---unwittingly this time--- became the first to fork over money for another new business. I’m proud as punch to own those two distinctions.

Next week, allow me to write once more a little history of the Braden Theatre. I’ll take you back to the original grand opening in 1950 and back even farther to the origin of the name, Braden. Let me extend a hearty “thank you” to the Dow family for taking on such a challenge---blowing new life into an old and venerable establishment. The residents of Presque Isle will love you for it……..