State Theatre

I worked as an usher at the State for about a year back in the late 50’s when I was in high school. George Stevens was the manager. We wore uniforms, seated patrons after the movies began, cleaned the ashtrays, filled the candy machines, melted oil for the popcorn machine (a hot, sticky, messy job – but did give us a chance to flirt with the popcorn girls), break up fights and sweep the lobby. The State was a grand old place with a huge balcony, a vaulted ceiling, side boxes, a retractable Wurlitzer Organ under the stage and catacombed dressing rooms behind the stage that dated to vaudeville days. It was both spooky and great fun to explore that hidden backstage areas. The balcony was typically only open on Fridays and weekends or for large draw movies. When closed, we’d go up there on breaks to neck with girlfriends who also worked for the theatre. I’m sad to hear the great old lady was demolished. I have fine memories of the place!