State Theatre
4 South Street,
Middletown,
NY
10940
4 South Street,
Middletown,
NY
10940
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My great-grandfather O. S. Hathaway, owned the State and Stratton theaters in Middletown, NY. Back then they were vaudeville theaters. I have some paper memorabilia from those days. I don’t know if I have any information you don’t already have. But feel free to drop me a line if you like.
If you saw evidence that the word is “theatre”, then it should be changed.
BTW…I have asked you before not to post my name. This is the last time that I will make this request.
Ken, I didn’t say that the spelling is shown in the photos, but it appears as State Theatre in the September 1922 issue of Architecture Magazine and in later advertising that I’ve seen for the theatre. The introduction also needs to be updated to include the names of Eugene De Rosa and Robert R. Graham as architects of the State Theatre. De Rosa is one of the most important and prolific architects listed at Cinema Treasures. It will benefit anyone doing research on his work.
Where is the spelling of the word theater shown in the photo?
This is another case of “r” before “e” at the end of the “t” word—State Theatre (not State Theater). Here are new direct links to images posted above on 9/26/07:
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An elderly friend told me that Middletown had an old vaudeville theatre called the Alhambra. It seems possible that the Alhambra was eventually renovated into a cinema and re-named the Stratton, but I’m only guessing. Further research is required.
The State Theatre had Eugene DeRosa and Robert R. Graham as architects, according to the September, 1922 issue of Architecture Magazine. It was reportedly the first theatre in Orange County to offer cooled air in summer. Here are three views taken in 1922. The auditorium was elegantly appointed and had a small balcony:
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/midstate1.jpg
www.i8.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/midstate2.jpg
www.18.photobucket.com/albums/a18/Warrengwhiz/midstate3.jpg
Warren….The Stratton theater that you mentioned in your other post is not listed on Cinema Treasures. I did find it on Cinematours but they don’t give an address for it. If you have an address for the Stratton, you could add it if you want.
In 1930 when the Paramount theater opened across from the State theater, the movie playing at the State theater was a comedy called “So This Is London”. This movie featured Will Rogers, Irene Rich and Maureen O'Sullivan.
Warren…..Don’t stop. I need your help! Anyway I didn’t add an address number because I wasn’t sure if the parking lot would be considered 2 South st or 6 South st. Maybe we should just go with the banks address of 4 South st.
Chalk up yet another error for the Film Daily Year Books! I think it’s about time for me to stop posting “facts” contained therein.
The Paramount in Middletown has an address of 17 South st. The State theater was located across the street. Where the State theater used to be, there is now the Middletown Savings Bank with an address of 4 South st. The State theater was located where the bank parking lot is now located.
The State was situated at 17 South Street, and had 1,188 seats, according to the 1955 Film Daily Year Book. By that time, another Middletown theatre, the Stratton, had closed.
The State theater was built in 1921.