The Story of Friends of the Fox
The Crown Jewel of Stockton
Perched at the heart of downtown Stockton, the Bob Hope/Fox California Theatre stands as an enduring testament to community, culture, and preservation. Built in 1930 on the site of Stockton’s first movie house, the T&D Photoplay, the theatre opened its doors on October 14, 1930, to a crowd of some 20,000 people. Over the decades it survived changing tastes, closure, and near-oblivion and today it shines again thanks to determined volunteers, visionary donors, and tireless civic partners.
A Gift for the Future In recognition of their commitment to preserving the theatre for future generations, preservationist Madeline Lawton and architect Edward Charles Merlo co-owners of the property and their families donated the historic building to the City of Stockton on November 24, 1999. This act of generosity ensured the theatre’s stewardship would be placed in the hands of the city and its citizens, securing a path for restoration and public use. The Lawton and Merlo families Beverly Lawton, Anita Merlo, Genevieve Sarabia, Charles McCleave, and The Merlo Building Trust are honored for their lasting legacy.
The Rise of Friends of the Fox Founded in December 1995, Friends of the Fox is a volunteer organization formed to preserve and promote the theatre as a cultural anchor for Stockton’s revitalization. From its earliest days the group acted as a public liaison with the city and theater management, advocating for high-caliber programming and lending citizen support during the theatre’s conversion from private ownership to municipal stewardship. Initial leaders included Don Geiger (1995–1998) and Bonnie Mansfield (1998–2001); today the organization continues under the leadership of its current board and president Robert Hartzell.
Saving the Seat, Saving the Theatre When the theatre closed for major renovation in January 2002, Friends of the Fox launched the “Save My Seat” campaign in partnership with the Downtown Stockton Alliance and the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce. For $250 donors could sponsor the restoration of a seat and have a brass plaque placed on the armrest in perpetuity. Nearly 500 individuals and groups responded with a powerful demonstration of community investment that helped bring more than 2,000 refurbished seats back to life.
Restoration, Renewal, and the Mighty Morton The comprehensive restoration included structural and aesthetic rehabilitation, a new sound system, preservation of original chandeliers and exterior tile, and installation of a 1,200-square-foot Italian marble mosaic in the lobby. A crowning achievement was the restoration of a 1928 Robert Morton theatre organ lovingly refurbished by Friends of the Fox and the Sierra Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society. After decades silent, the “Mighty Morton” returned to Stockton in 2005 and now enchants moviegoers and concert audiences before classic screenings.
A Living Cultural Resource Renamed the Bob Hope Theatre in 2004 following support from Alex G. Spanos in honor of his friend Bob Hope. The venue boasts a two-story rotunda, circular mezzanine, a stage towering 70 feet high, and seating for well over 2,000. Beyond bricks and mortar, Friends of the Fox created programs that extend the theatre’s reach: docent tours, organ concerts, classic and silent film series, a quarterly newsletter, a cultural growth fund to underwrite local performances, and outreach programs that make the arts accessible to youth and underserved communities. The organization grew to over 300 members and continues to foster partnerships that strengthen Stockton’s cultural life.
A Communal Achievement The theatre’s rebirth was funded in part by private philanthropy, public grants, and broad-based community support. It reopened to the public in September 2004 with a headline performance by Jerry Seinfeld a triumphant moment after years of dedication. Today the Bob Hope/Fox California Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and stands not only as an architectural gem but as a symbol of what sustained civic commitment can achieve.
Join the Story Friends of the Fox remains a volunteer-driven, non-profit voice for the theatre: preserving its history, supporting programming, training docents, and inviting new members to contribute to ongoing conservation and community access. The theatre’s restoration is a story of people who would not let a landmark fade and the story continues. To learn more, support programs, or become a member, visit the Friends of the Fox online or contact the Bob Hope Theatre box office.
Credits and Acknowledgements Information and historical context compiled from Friends of the Fox records and Sylvia Sun Minnick’s “Stockton’s Crown Jewel, The Bob Hope/Fox California” (2005). Special thanks to the Lawton and Merlo families, Friends of the Fox volunteers, the City of Stockton, private donors, and community partners whose collective efforts revived the crown jewel of Stockton.