State Theatre
106 E. Main Street,
Nanticoke,
PA
18634
106 E. Main Street,
Nanticoke,
PA
18634
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Lempert Jr. was the architect. Sr. died in 1909. The moniker “& Son” was a formality left over.
The State Theatre in Nanticoke was opened in 1922. The August 5 issue of Exhibitors Herald said that the 1,200 seat house was designed for the American Amusement Company by Leon H. Lempert & Son. The State was equipped with a $10,000 Moller organ.
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The Cinestage Group Theatres bought the State in late 1972, shortly before selling out to William Cloninger. The area was a primarily Italian and Polish coal mining center. The air always had flakes of coal dust in it. Everyday, the accumulated dust had to be removed from the boxoffice and poster cases. It’s come a long way since then.
Since the theatre was an XXX house prior to Cinestage, a mammoth campaign was launched to promote the renewed theatre and non-X policy. A Sha Na Na type rock band performed on the marquee the night before opening which evolved into gridlock in the otherwise sleepy town.
Opening night was a sell-out and would be another fun memory if the projectionist hadn’t suffered a heart attack prior to the film portion of the evening’s program. The audience stood and applauded everyone for their tireless effort in re-opening the State.
In the years to follow Cinestage presented live music in the lobby and before some features, live shows including an all Polish vaudeville night, kids matinees and more. Local apathy and the beginnings of multiplex theatres took their toll on the State which Cloninger was forced to close in the mid-70’s.
Jack Oberleitner