State Theatre
213 W. Federal Street,
Youngstown,
OH
44503
213 W. Federal Street,
Youngstown,
OH
44503
4 people
favorited this theater
Showing 51 - 75 of 129 comments
Need some expert help in finding out which Todd-A-O films the State ran and the date they ran. Trying to search through over 1000 newspapers on a hit and miss basis is a daunting task that I’m not up to, but if I had dates – month and year – it would make the task much easier.
Thanks in advance for any help that can be provided.
Thanks Mr, Vogel, that a good starting point. Unfortunately the early theaters didn’t run ads on a regular basis here in the early years so its a hit or miss job of trying to identify them. I know that I’ve found some 30 downtown theaters that came and went almost equally divided on East and West Federal Street between 1901 and about 1915 but only a very small number got a writeup in the paper that could furnish any data.
Also unfortunately, Googlenews only has the Vindicator and not the Youngstown Telegram which was also a daily paper here until it was sold to the Vindicator in the 1930’s.
Wolfgirl: The only source in which I’ve found the Youngstown Orpheum mentioned is Richard Abel’s book Americanizing the Movies and “Movie-Mad” Audiences, 1910-1914, which mentions it briefly a few times. The book indicates that the Orpheum was operating at least as early as 1912.
Prior to the opening of the State Theater there was another at that address by the name Orpheum that I’ve been able to trace back to about 1915, and a picture postcard in my collection shows it, but the image is at such an angle that the theater can’t be compared with the State.
Does anyone have any info on the Orpheum hopefully with a picture.
Does anyone happen to have any good interior photos of the State in its prime?
When the State opened it presented Vaudville as well as movies, but the Vaudville didn’t last long and was dropped.
The question I have is the fact that before the State was built the Orpheum Theatre was located on the site. Did the builders demolish the Orpheum or was it incorporated into the State Theatre?
The Newspaper article wolfgirl500 linked to says that W.H. Cook of Bates & Cook was the architect of the State Theatre. A 1946 AIA questionnaire signed by William H. Cook also claims the State Theatre as his work.
The questionnaire (PDF here) doesn’t mention the firm of Bates & Cook. I’m not sure what the relationship was. There was definitely a partnership between Wheeling, West Virgina, architect Charles W. Bates and an engineer named William H. Cook, but (assuming it was the same Cook, which it probably was) both men were licensed architects and had their own independent practices during the same period they were collaborating on some projects. The sources I’ve been able to find on the Internet don’t pin down any details, though. Maybe somebody else will have better luck.
A couple of Vindicator articles about the State Theater
State Theater Contracts Let â€" May 13, 1927
View link
View link
I loved the State Theater!
I remember seeing “Mary Poppins” two days in a row there when it opened in February ‘65. The first Saturday matinee was a sell-out: I had to take turns sitting on the floor in the balcony with a friend of mine because they (apparently) miscalculated the # of tickets sold.
“The Sound of Music” played for at least a year there, and “Dr. Zhivago” was another lengthy engagement.
Also saw John Huston’s “The Bible,” Disney’s “The Jungle Book,” “Dr. Dolittle,” “Funny Girl” and “Woodstock” at the State in their first-run engagements.
Wow; talk about a trip down memory lane!
establish/renew link
Renewing link.
Well the end is just days away, and for all of those who enjoyed this theater, it will be just fond memories.
I have posted the death photos of the State on my webshots site along with a photo of the State shortly after it first opened its doors.
http://community.webshots.com/user/ladynews500
The historic preservationists got that one concesson.
If they do a good job on restoring it, the wall would look nice, but as an entrance to a parking lot?
In a newspaper article yesterday it was reported that because the main part of the building is right next to another theater that is operating as a community theater, they will slow down demolition so tha they don’t damage it.
The Oakland Performing Arts theater should be able to benefit by a parking lot next to the theater.
I will be putting up a photo of the Oakland on my webshots site in the next few days.
Why are they “saving” the “front wall”?
Add the State Theater to the list of demolished theaters. The wrecking ball is doing its job, and all that will be left will be the front wall.
The demolition started this week.
Id like to thank everyone who is supporting the Save the State Theater…sadly, we have ran into some “bumps” along the road. Mr. Bob Fitzer, a long time supporter of the city and downtown activist has passed away after his battle with cancer. We are all mourning the loss of such a wonderful, brave person.
Secondly, to save the whole building will take millions of dollars, the roof is caving in, and to save the whole building they would have to raise the roof to take pressure off of the walls. Its estimated over a 20 million dollar project to restore.
We opted to if anything save the beautiful terra cotta facade, which with a lot of help from the community we have accomplished.
If you have questions feel free to e-mail us
Thanks!
Jaime & Corey
It’s beyond all human comprehension. The State Theater had a large stage dressing rooms, andwould have been an ideal candidate for restoration. In point of fact a local community theater did at one point consider relocating there, but did not have the cash to do all the work that needed to be done.
Anyone on the other hand that would consider investing in the Paramount would be throwing their money away period … end of discussion.
As it now stands, the roof of the State is shot and the water damage precludes trying to save it.
It’s beyond all human comprehension. The State Theater had a large stage dressing rooms, andwould have been an ideal candidate for restoration. In point of fact a local community theater did at one point consider relocating there, but did not have the cash to do all the work that needed to be done.
Anyone on the other hand that would consider investing in the Paramount would be throwing their money away period … end of discussion.
As it now stands, the roof of the State is shot and the water damage precludes trying to save it.
From the photos I have seen, the State looks like it is in far better condition than the Paramount. If that is in fact the case, why is there more focus on it?
Kudos to the open-minded Mrs. Horne:
http://tinyurl.com/27n44w
Thank you to all who attended the meeting at Cedar’s! We had such a beautiful turnout and I am very optimistic with the future to come! You can contact me anytime at
GOOD NEWS!! There is a meeting to be held at Cedar’s Lounge in Youngstown on January 12, 2007 at 7PM for discussion of the State. HOORAY!!! Please. Anyone interested in helping please attend this get together. This is the best news of the new year for me and many people in the area. Thank you Jaime Hughes and to all involved. I will see you Friday at Cedar’s.
THIS post is “music to my ears”! I would love to think that the State could and would be renovated/restored! Good luck and keep us posted!
My Name is Jaime Hughes, and I currently live in the city of Youngstown. My partner and I are in the process of purchasing the State Theater and renovating it. We would like to make it non-profit where my partner and I wouldn’t make any money, but would have a place for local productions to house their plays. A portion of their royalties will go to the upkeep up the building. We are currently involved with the current owners of the building, many local businesses interested in donating time and supplies, as well as Government officials.
If any of you are willing to help, or know of someone who could help, please contact me.
I spoke with a good friend of mine who works for the city of Ytown and the state theater is on the endangered list to be demoed, BUT it is owned by the CIC and if the right person or oganization could come along it can be saved if puchased. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to open doors!