The Skowhegan Strand Cinema, located at 20 Madison Avenue in Skowhegan, Maine, holds a rich history and a reputation for not only showcasing good movies but also for being one of the most haunted locations in America. With its grand opening on November 18, 1929, the cinema has stood the test of time and undergone several renovations and restorations to maintain its charm and appeal to moviegoers. However, alongside the cinematic experience, stories of paranormal activity and ghostly encounters have become part of the theater’s legacy.
The History of the Skowhegan Strand Cinema
Originally designed as a single theater, the Skowhegan Strand Cinema boasted an impressive capacity of 1000 seats. Over the years, the theater underwent various renovations and improvements to enhance the movie-watching experience. In 2004, a full restoration project was undertaken, resulting in the addition of stadium seating in the main theater, accommodating 425 people. The following year, in 2005, two additional theaters were introduced, each seating 175 individuals. Notably, balconies were also incorporated into each theater, adding a touch of elegance and nostalgia to the cinema.
Under the ownership of Sprolight Cinemas since 2018, the Skowhegan Strand Cinema continues to captivate audiences with its selection of films while preserving its historic allure. The cinema has become a cultural landmark in Skowhegan, drawing both locals and visitors who appreciate its blend of cinematic history and supernatural intrigue.
Is the Cinema Haunted?
The Skowhegan Strand Cinema has gained a reputation for being haunted, with persistent rumors and reports of paranormal activity that have circulated throughout the years. One particular ghostly presence that is frequently mentioned is a woman who is believed to have once resided above the theater. While her identity remains unknown, her spirit is said to have lingered in the cinema after her passing in 1978.
Accounts from employees and managers of the cinema suggest that the ghostly woman has made her presence known through various unsettling incidents. During a construction project, workers experienced disturbances attributed to the woman’s spirit. Tools were inexplicably thrown around, freshly painted walls showed mysterious stains, and wallpapers began to peel seemingly on their own. Some workers even reported feeling electric shocks from tools that were not connected to any power source. The encounters were disconcerting enough that one employee claimed to have felt momentarily possessed by the woman’s spirit, leading her to quit her job.
In addition to these eerie occurrences, sightings of the ghostly woman have been reported by both employees and guests of the cinema. She appears fleetingly, only to vanish as quickly as she appears. These sightings predominantly take place after hours when the cinema is empty, and employees have become accustomed to the presence of this spectral visitor.
While the exact nature of the woman’s connection to the cinema remains a mystery, her lingering spirit and the accompanying paranormal activities have solidified the Skowhegan Strand Cinema’s reputation as a haunted location, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the theater’s already storied history.
Sources:
1. “Skowhegan Strand Theatre” – Skowhegan History House Museum & Research Center, http://skowheganhistoryhouse.org
2. “Skowhegan Strand Theatre” – Atlas Obscura, https://www.atlasobscura.com
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