Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1939-1960 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
12 cm of textual records
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Kenneth McClure Leach, 1890-1985, was born in Iowa, USA. His family came to Canada in 1907 and homesteaded near Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He and his wife, Edna, married in 1914, had two children. In 1917 they moved to Calgary, Alberta and Leach took over the Regent Theatre. In 1926 he became a partner in Famous Players, closed the Regent and bought the Strand Theatre. Originally opened as the Allen Theatre in 1913, it was renamed the Strand in 1924 and operated as a movie theatre until its demolition in 1972. Leach acquired the Variety Theatre in 1938. It was built as a live show house called the Princess Theatre in 1914, but was renamed the Variety in 1923 when it became a movie theatre. It closed in 1962. The Empress Theatre, opened as a live show house in 1906, was acquired by Leach in the 1940s and renamed the Hitchin' Post. It closed in 1957.
Repository
Archival history
The records donated by J. Stevens were found in the basement of the Strand Theatre before its demolition.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Gift of J. Stevens and purchased, 1972, 1985.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
The fonds consists of correspondence, agreements, etc. pertaining to Leach's oil speculations, and movie schedules, posters, publicity sheets and accounts of the Strand Theatre and Variety Theatre.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
No restrictions on access.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
The material is in English.
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
No finding aid.
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Title based on contents of records.
Note
M 7170 should be amalgamated with M 2354.
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Description control area
Description identifier
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Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
Friday, October 03, 2014