Fox California Theater

The site originally hosted T&D Photoplay, the first theater in Stockton. Fox West Coast Theaters leased T&D Photoplay and renamed it The California in 1921. The building was demolished in 1929 and a new theater was built. Approximately 20,000 people attended the opening celebration. The Fox Theater closed in 1973, although the building was used for a few events after that date. In 1979, Madeleine Lawton and Edward C. Merlo purchased the building, and nominated it to the National Register of Historic Places. The building was donated to the city in 2000. == Renovation ==

Restoration of the Fox California Theater was partially funded by Alex G. Spanos who requested that it be renamed the Bob Hope Theatre in honor of his close friend Bob Hope. Additional funds were provided by grants from the United States Congress and from the state's California Bob Hope Heritage Fund. Renovations included a new sound system and a Italian marble floor mosaic. The original chandelier and tile in the exterior lobby were preserved. The refurbished organ made its concert debut in the Bob Hope Theatre in 2005 and is played during classic movie showings. The refurbished theater reopened in September 2004 with a performance by Jerry Seinfeld. ==References==