The Fox Theatre's renovation took on a whole new look last week when construction workers began dismantling the distinctive triangular marquee and the ticket booth that have stood in front of the theatre for almost 60 years.
Restoration plans for the Fox call for an historically accurate 2-dimensional marquee that more closely resembles the one that was in use at the theatre in the 1930's. However, the "Fox" lettering from the marquee will find a new, prominent place on the beloved theatre once the renovations are complete.
Although it may be a shock to see the Fox theatre without its marquee, Fullertonians may also be surprised to learn that the marquee was not an original part of the Fox's architecture. The theatre's original design featured an open courtyard entrance when it was built in the mid-1920's with a flat marquee advertising the theatre's offerings. The current marquee was added in the 1950's to take advantage of the increasing automotive traffic on Harbor Boulevard (then known as Spadra Road). To generations of movie-goers thereafter, the eye-catching triangular sign was a familiar sight, advertising movies, work parties, and special events at the theatre even long after its doors were closed in 1987.