The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-05

That the best is not too good for Bir- mingham and that she keeps up with the times is evidenced by the fact that a motion picture palace, the equal, if not the superior. in beauty, size and appoint ments of any in the south, has been erected in the busiest part of Birming- hams busy business center. It is to be known as the Strand and is located on Seccnd avenue between Nineteenth and Twentieth streets. the motion picture zone in Birmingham
 Another matter ol local pride is the fact that this wonderful theatre was conceived, designed. erected. decorated and equipped by Birmingham men. Every dollar of the $500 or more that the handsome structure will cost when fully completed was put up by local business men, and every official, attache or em- ploye of the concern is proud to be known as a citizen of the souths metropolis.
 Before going into the details of the picture palace it might not be inappro- priate to say few words about the man as S. Abernathy president and general
  is due more than any other the building of this up-to-now picture house. During the many years he has been in the motion picture business his policy has always been one of progress. That this fact, coupled with acute business acumen, and a complete knowledge of the game. en- abed him to sec the possibilities of big motion picture house for this city.
 He had little difficulty in securing the site and associates, and as consequence Birmingham has today the finest safest anc best equipped picture house in the south.
 The other officials of the Strand com pany are all successful men of affairs, and among the city's prominent citizens. The vice president is Judge H. B. Aber- nathy who in addition to his unique posi- tion as jurist has by his bushes fore sight and economy acquired decent com petCEcy The secretary is Louis Schul- hoefer. weIl-known citizen and success- full business man and general manager of the Alabama Brewing company, and the treasurer Is John Calman, the we'll known musician. These gentlemen have spared no expense In building, furnish- ing and equipping the theatre, and as result have given Birmingham the finest, coziest and safest picture theatre in the south.
 While the exterior Is of much architec- tural beauty, the interior is an artistic triumph It's finish is dull ivory and gold with light blue tint. The arrange ments are as perfect as experience and skill could make, the builders having al- ways in view the comfort. convenience and safety of the patrons of the house. The exterior is of the Italian renaissance style of architecture. with an iron and glass marquise extending along the entire front of the building. The lobby Is in keeping with the Interior and occupies the center of the building. A soda water es- tablishment and jewelry store occupy the two stores on each side of the lobby.
 The main auditorium Is 50 by 100 feet, the parquet with a seating capacity of 7So and side balconies 1sO. There are no columns to obstruct the view, the roof being supported by steel spans of great strength and thickness. The seats are roorny and easily accessible from the four aisles of the lower floor. They are regu- lation 19 inches. with upholstered backs and mahogany finish.
 The entire building Ia of steel and con- crete construction and absolutely fire- proof With seating capacity of nearly 1000. by the splendid arrangements of the nine exits the theatre can be emphed in four minutes. A decided feature is the