Captain Sterling, mascot of the Sterling Recreational Organization (SRO) theatre chain, probably 1950s/1960s.
Sterling Realty Organization (SRO) formerly Sterling Recreation Organization is a privately owned company founded in 1912 by John Danz, a pioneer motion picture exhibitor.
From its early nickelodeon days, SRO grew into one of the largest amusement, recreation and entertainment operations on the Pacific Coast. By 1986, SRO had a diversified corporate portfolio including over 130 motion picture screens, 7 bowling centers, 9 radio stations, as well as swap meets, video stores, concessions and property management activities. Headquartered in Bellevue, Washington above the John Danz theatre, SRO employed more than 1,800 people in Washington, California, Oregon, Wisconsin and Nevada.
Some of the theatres SRO built in the Puget Sound region include the John Danz, Lewis and Clark, Factoria, Grand Cinemas Alderwood, Northgate, Uptown Seattle and many others.
