The State Theatre

Our family went to show at the State Theatre last week, and it got me thinking about the history of the spot that has become one of State's College's best venues for concerts, films and theatrical productions. This is from the State Theatre's web site:

"On October 15th, 1938, Warner Brothers opened The State Theatre as a test market for new films. The state-of-the-art cinema was built in record-time — just four months — for a whopping $70,000. It offered patrons four different flicks each week. General admission was 30 cents for matinees, 35 cents after 5pm, and children’s tickets cost just 15 pennies.

Unfortunately, as the years progressed, the theatre lost its glamour. Gone was the lush theatre with its silk wall fabrics and sweeping balcony, and gone was its place in the community. Doors closed in 2001, indicating the end of an era, and very possibly, the end of The State.

Thankfully, by 1999, some dedicated community members had already envisioned a new life for the dilapidated theatre: an arts performance center, owned and operated by the community. Local groups would have a home stage, and citizens would be able to enjoy diverse music and theatre in an intimate setting. The State Theatre had the potential to revitalize the downtown, expose a range of people to artists both national and international, and bring additional income into the community.

An enthusiastic local contingent threw their weight behind the revival, hosting events, selling pavers and touting the case of The State. Owners Sidney and Helen Friedman, themselves patrons of The State since 1939, generously gave both the theatre and a monetary gift to the community and renovations began. The reconstruction unearthed many lovely architectural elements that were subsequently preserved. The lush glory of The State’s former life was renewed, and State College regained its historic gem."

Over the last five decades, many downtown movie theater like the State closed as a result of the competition from newer venues in the suburbs and changing viewership habits. We're fortunate here that the State did not suffer the same fate.

One giant leap for mankind

The news that Neil Armstrong died yesterday has many recalling the historic walk on the moon on July 20, 1869.  The event was watched by tens of millions of people, including this young boy. It was the largest television event in history, We saw a blurry, black and white picture of Armstrong climb down from the capsule and step carefully on the lunar landscape. His famous words, "That is one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," summed up the achievement perfectly.

Quote of the Month

I have been writing this blog for a year now. To mark the occasion, I thought I would add something new, "Quote of the Month, a memorable remark about the mass media or a remark from a mass media practitioner. This week's quote comes from none other than Stephen Colbert, host of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report."

"There's an old saying about those who forget history.  I don't remember it, but it's good."