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The Marketing of Ed Meade

The Marketing of Ed Meade

Ed Meade (1908 - 1988) was hired in 1928 to work for Shea's (then a chain of 13+ theatres) in its publicity-advertising department as Assistant Advertising Manager. By the late 1940's, after Michael Shea had died and Shea's Buffalo Theatre was managed by Loew's and Paramount Pictures, Ed Meade was now the Advertising and Publicity Manager, and would later by promoted to Supervising Manager (and eventually City Manager) of Shea's Buffalo from 1956 - 1961. Under Meade's guidance, Shea’s navigated both the highs of the golden age of cinema and the shifts in the industry, remaining a thriving hub for entertainment in Buffalo. Thanks to Ed, we have these firsthand historical archives of the advertising efforts being promoted by Shea's Buffalo Theatre throughout the 1950's from his personal scrapbooks, that were donated to Shea's Performing Arts Center by his family.

Ed Meade (left) and Ed Miller, were long-time friends and business associates. This photo was taken in Meade's advertising office in the Wurlitzer Building, looking over autographed photos of Hollywood stars who appeared in Buffalo theatres during their carees.

Ed Meade (left) and Ed Miller, were long-time friends and business associates. This photo was taken in Meade's advertising office in the Wurlitzer Building, looking over autographed photos of Hollywood stars who appeared in Buffalo theatres during their carees.

During the 1950's, Ed Meade embraced Hollywood promotional stunts tailored to the movie’s setting, including themed giveaways, models, and elaborate lobby displays.

During the 1950's, Ed Meade embraced Hollywood promotional stunts tailored to the movie’s setting, including themed giveaways, models, and elaborate lobby displays.

Promoting the courtroom drama <i>Trial</i>, Shea's Buffalo used street marketing stunts, like this character in a mock juror's outfit, inviting passersby to experience the suspense as part of the 'public jury.'

Promoting the courtroom drama Trial, Shea's Buffalo used street marketing stunts, like this character in a mock juror's outfit, inviting passersby to experience the suspense as part of the 'public jury.'

Shea's Buffalo Theatre pulled out all the stops to promote <i>Valley of the Kings</i>, bringing camels to Main Street to capture the spirit of ancient Egypt.

Shea's Buffalo Theatre pulled out all the stops to promote Valley of the Kings, bringing camels to Main Street to capture the spirit of ancient Egypt.

Note the ticket price - $0.70 for Adults and only $0.35 for Children!

Note the ticket price - $0.70 for Adults and only $0.35 for Children!

Marketing for the film <i>Alexander The Great</i>, Ed Meade's notes detail his elaborate publicity - including personal appearances by the actress Ramsey Ames, radio giveaways, study guides from the University of Buffalo given out to public high schools, an exhibition of Grecian wrestling, costume displays, and even a parade of elephants down Main Street!

Marketing for the film Alexander The Great, Ed Meade's notes detail his elaborate publicity - including personal appearances by the actress Ramsey Ames, radio giveaways, study guides from the University of Buffalo given out to public high schools, an exhibition of Grecian wrestling, costume displays, and even a parade of elephants down Main Street!

Behind the scenes filming of an elephant advertising for <i>Alexander The Great</i> at the WGR-TV studios on the Helen Neville show.

Behind the scenes filming of an elephant advertising for Alexander The Great at the WGR-TV studios on the Helen Neville show.

Preparing for the screening of <i>Alexander the Great</i>, Shea's City Manager Ed Meade shares a moment with the actress Miss Ramsey Ames.

Preparing for the screening of Alexander the Great, Shea's City Manager Ed Meade shares a moment with the actress Miss Ramsey Ames.

Photo Credit: The Buffalo News - March 26, 1956