This history courtesy of the Rockford Reminisce Facebook page.
It appears the seat number increased in 1931.
Charles House took ownership of the former Palm Theater in 1931 which had been closed for two years.
A contest was held in July 1931 to give the former Palm Theater a new name and more than 1,400 entries were received out of which 400 contestants suggested the name of “State”.
Most of the contestants selected State because of the location of the former Palm Theater on State Street and the popularity of the name among playhouses in practically all cities of the country.
The simplicity of the name also was advanced as a reason for its choice.
The 905 seat State Theater located at 105 West State Street would open to the public on September 20, 1931. “Viennese Nights,” a romantic film adapted to the screen by Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein, famous composers, was the opening attraction at the State Theater.
Although the opening attraction was a first run movie, it was the plan of the theater to show second runs of all leading productions at reasonable prices to allow more people to enjoy the movies. “Good Shows at Reasonable Prices” was the theaters' motto. As part of the City of Rockford’s aggressive urban renewal program, the State Theater would eventually become a victim in the 1970’s.
Theater management hauled out the fixtures of the theater including the popcorn machine after playing the final show, and that ended the enterprise once known as the Palm and State Theaters.
The theater which lasted through the depression and the advent of television was demolished in November 1976 to make way for the Luther Center, a high rise apartment building for the elderly.
A quick search shows you are correct.
Baxter replaced Bacall July 26, 1971.
Arlene Dahl later replace Baxter for one month before the show closed July 27, 1972.
1961 photo added via Mark MacDougal.
“Exodus” at the Warner Theatre.
Note the additional Exodus neon lettering that was added over the Warner neon.
Similar to when “Cleopatra” played the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles.
(Photo of Pantages sign below)
2006 demolition photo added via Kathy Stricklin.
1967 photo added courtesy of Ian Whitaker Granstra.
Post 1971 photo added via Joel J. Reisteter. Above street view shows the Jerry Theater has been converted into New Life Church as of June 2017.
1950 photo added courtesy of William T. Hill.
1914, 1952, 1956 & two 1983 demolition photos added
Two 2012 articles about the Victoria and it’s organ.
https://www.tnonline.com/2012/jan/13/1914-tamaqua-victoria-motion-picture-theatre
https://www.tnonline.com/2012/jan/13/homeward-bound
1956 photo added credit Jean Marie Gurnavage Morrison.
1957 Tamaqua quasquicentennial parade photo added, credit Jim Shaup. Empty Victoria marquee visible in the background on the far left.
Link to the Rockford Reminisce page about the Coronado with photos.
http://www.rockfordreminisce.com/entertainment-venues-3/
This history courtesy of the Rockford Reminisce Facebook page. It appears the seat number increased in 1931.
Charles House took ownership of the former Palm Theater in 1931 which had been closed for two years. A contest was held in July 1931 to give the former Palm Theater a new name and more than 1,400 entries were received out of which 400 contestants suggested the name of “State”. Most of the contestants selected State because of the location of the former Palm Theater on State Street and the popularity of the name among playhouses in practically all cities of the country. The simplicity of the name also was advanced as a reason for its choice. The 905 seat State Theater located at 105 West State Street would open to the public on September 20, 1931. “Viennese Nights,” a romantic film adapted to the screen by Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein, famous composers, was the opening attraction at the State Theater. Although the opening attraction was a first run movie, it was the plan of the theater to show second runs of all leading productions at reasonable prices to allow more people to enjoy the movies. “Good Shows at Reasonable Prices” was the theaters' motto. As part of the City of Rockford’s aggressive urban renewal program, the State Theater would eventually become a victim in the 1970’s. Theater management hauled out the fixtures of the theater including the popcorn machine after playing the final show, and that ended the enterprise once known as the Palm and State Theaters. The theater which lasted through the depression and the advent of television was demolished in November 1976 to make way for the Luther Center, a high rise apartment building for the elderly.
1940s photo added courtesy of the Rockford Reminisce Facebook page.
Update: Photo taken July
71-June72. Anne Baxter in “Applause” at the Palace.Update: Photo taken July
71-June72. Anne Baxter in “Applause” at the Palace.A quick search shows you are correct. Baxter replaced Bacall July 26, 1971. Arlene Dahl later replace Baxter for one month before the show closed July 27, 1972.
https://www.nytimes.com/1971/07/27/archives/theater-anne-baxter-she-succeeds-lauren-bacall-in-applause-in-an-in.html
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/applause-3519
Exterior photo included…
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-ae-stormy-daniels-admiral-show-kogan-sidewalks-0603-20180530-story.html
1940s photo added via Shirley A. Menditto.
Update: October 1944, Charles W. Cushman collection, via Indiana University.
1974 photo as the Forum cafeteria, and 1976-1979 photo as Scottie’s On 7th added, via the Old Minneapolis Facebook page.
1969 photo added via Mike Mase Mason. 1969 versus 2015 comparison shot added as well.
Circa 1951 photo added via Jerrytt Mon. Alan Ladd in “Appointment With Danger” part of a double feature. Originally released May 9, 1951.
Undated aerial photo added credit 13 & Woodward facebook page.
1961 photo added via Mark MacDougal. “Exodus” at the Warner Theatre. Note the additional Exodus neon lettering that was added over the Warner neon. Similar to when “Cleopatra” played the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo of Pantages sign below)
http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/292/photos/195710
Sign was removed yesterday.
http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/raymondville-loses-historic-sign/article_a2dc425e-5a41-11e8-8e38-eb535dedf09c.html
Circa 1971 photo added via Ann Raley Flotte.
Photo taken 6/18/76-7/20/76, the run of “That’s Entertainment Part 2” at the Esquire.