State Theatre

506 W. University Avenue,
Gainesville, FL 32601

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rivest266
rivest266 on May 22, 2024 at 3:48 pm

The State Theatre, originally inaugurated on August 20th, 1941, underwent a significant transformation. After being reopened by Florida State Theatres, it was equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, on June 10th, 1942. Another ad posted in the photo section.

rivest266
rivest266 on May 22, 2024 at 5:59 am

article with demolition picture posted.

HDEngineer
HDEngineer on February 3, 2017 at 12:08 pm

I worked there as a relief projectionist from 1965-1968. “Shorty” was the chief projectionist. Allen??, the owners son was the other projectionist. It showed foreign and “art House” films. Many films would be assigned viewing for U of F students. The booth was a standard RCA/Simplex configuration with Peerless arc lamps.

russell
russell on November 1, 2013 at 2:59 pm

Oh, and the address was what is now 506 West University Avenue. To the best of my memory, the office supply store a block away was once a dry cleaning plant.

russell
russell on November 1, 2013 at 2:57 pm

According to a 7/4/69 Gainesville Sun newspaper article, the State Theater, now an art and foreign film house, would close July 15, 1969 after showing “War and Peace.”

irvl
irvl on February 2, 2010 at 7:53 am

I saw PORGY AND BESS there in 1960. I remember that the screen had a huge tear in it on the lower left side.