State Theater

October 2009 photo of the State Theatre courtesy of Denver Pam.

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Here is a 1983 photo.

1987 photo of the State Theatre.
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Brian, thanks for the email and lets hope that the funding comes through in 2010.

Hello BSeagraves, I have sent 4 photos to your email address of the State taken in 1950. My father, Jack Veeren, was assistant manager
there at the time. I’d also like to post them on this site, but was not able to. Ria Veeren

Anyone who wishes to email me, feel free:

I am the new Arts Director for the Garden City Recreation Commission and along with the Downtown Vision Committee and the City, we are trying to bring the State Theater back to life. I am excited to be a part of the project.

If anyone has information about the Theater’s history, or pictures of it in its glory days, I would love to hear/see/have it. I look forward to working toward the revitalization of the State, but I know its going to take more than a couple agencies to make it happen. It’s going to take the community’s support , time, and money to make it happen. I am excited to be a new part of this community and believe can can have the State operational in no time.

Here is a 2007 photo of the State Theater.

I last went to this theatre in the late 1980’s. I especially liked the large neon marquee. It was in good condition at that time. A combination of a new monsterplex in town as well as a lack of downtown parking, a concern for safety as well as a lack of promotion of the downtown area all contributed to the State’s demise. The owners attempted to make the State an all Disney theatre but had little luck with the venture. Since I visit this area often, I’ve monitored the progress of the State and have pictures to post asap. It seems Garden City may lack the interest in vintage theaters other nearby Kansas and Colorado towns such as Syracuse and Holly enjoy. I hope the State will rise again!

The State Theatre is located at 418 N. Main Street and it seated 659 people.