Postcard from Oakland–The Fox

 

Come with me to downtown Oakland and step back in time…to the extravagant days of movie madness, when the motion picture was king and  movie moguls built extravagant theaters resembling oriental palaces.

For this is the Fox Theater.  Constructed in a more elegant time, it took two years to build, opening in October1928 to a crowd of more than 20,000 people. But it was more than movies that brought the people…it was a mighty Wurlitzer Organ and live stage shows that preceded the films. Back then,  the San Francisco Chronicle called it "different, novel and mystic," noting "its spaciousness, luxurious appointments and beautiful designs." Rich colors and gold leaf were abundant, including two bejeweled golden figures flanking the stage who were quickly dubbed Buddha's, though historians now believe they were designed as warriors.  Even back then, the Fox was considered far more elegant than most other similar-style theaters. It was opulence personified.

For well over 30 years, this theater held its own against all competition. But then, times started to change, as they inevitably do. Television came to the forefront of the entertainment world…and people started moving to the suburbs for a better lifestyle where there were shopping centers and large theater complexes. Many downtowns died, including Oakland’s. In 1966, the Fox Theater closed its doors.

It remained closed for more than 30 years…surviving arson fires, vandalism, decay from heavy rainstorms, and even the wrecking ball. In 1996, the City of Oakland bought the theater, designated it as a historical landmark, and began looking for ways to restore it to its past architectural glory.

To make a long story short, restoration began in 1999, but didn’t really end until 2009. Now, the theater is open again…but not for movies. This time it is for live concerts, featuring many well known performers. It is magnificent on the inside once again, but the outside will just as easily catch your eye from several blocks away.

If you ever find yourself in Oakland, look for it. It is not hard to find…but if you need directions, it is on Telegraph Ave., one of Oakland’s most important streets. As you might gather from my photo, it is worth seeing.

(To see a larger version of this photo, just click on the image)

To see more of my work, both in photography and digital painting, please visit my website, www.corkrum.com.