State Theatre History
Written by Nadine Kofman
The State Theatre originally opened on October 15th, 1938. It was built by John Hamilton Henzey for RCA Films at a cost of $70,000.
Two theatres that had been built in the grand style (the Nittany and Cathaum) provided movies in State College until The State Theatre — a newcomer with a new concept —joined them in October 15, 1938.
"Warner Bros. announces with pride the opening of Central Pennsylvania's newest and finest theatre," read an October 15 advertisement in the Centre Daily Times.
Warner Bros. paved the way the previous day in a special Times' supplement that announced, among other things: "Hot off the enormous Warner Bros. lot in Hollywood come Errol Flynn and Bette Davis in Myron Brinig's ''The Sisters' which is the opening attraction at The State."
The very first showing at The State Theatre was at 1:30 p.m. "The Sisters" — from "the best-selling novel" — was accompanied by "The Outstanding Short Subject of the Year: 'The Declaration of Independence.'" The State, said Warner Bros., was one of only three theatres "in the United States to premiere" the new featured film.
The State Theatre opened with a general admission price of 30 cents for matinees, 35 cents after 5 p.m; children were admitted for 15 cents "at all times." The film schedule to be followed would provide patrons with four different offerings each week.
This new movie house at 128 West College Avenue had been "Built in Record Time," it was reported. General contractor John H. Henszey of State College had "received the final plans on June 16, completing the theatre in less than four months."
Pressure to do so is implied in another news item: "Under the direct supervision" of Warner Bros.' zone manager, The State "has been rushed to completion as one of the most modern theatres in Pennsylvania and marks many departures in theatre construction and decoration from the older style theatre."
A "Colonial Motif" graced The State. "The general architecture of the building and front is of colonial style in keeping with the architectural scheme of State College, but the interior is markedly modern and simple with pastel colors, [rich] drapes, and a unique lighting system."
"...Patrons who enter the theatre will become aware of a soft golden glow whose source is not apparent...Light is projected from tiny, practically invisible holes in the ceiling and it's all done with mirrors. Back of these tiny apertures in the ceiling is an elaborate reflecting apparatus."
"Everything," said the news from Warner Bros., "has been created with the sole purpose of making the viewer unconscious of his surroundings the moment the picture flashes on the screen."
Suggesting that the opulence of older theatres detracted from the film itself, one of the news stories proclaimed: "The day of the over-bedecked, gilded and ornate theatre palace that was the high point of its day, ten years ago, has given way to the functional theatre. That is a theatre whose beauty is designed to further the requirements of sound, projection and comfort."
Managing the new State Theatre was Carl Bechdel, a 1932 State College High School and 1936 Pennsylvania State College graduate. He had previously been assistant manager at the grand Cathaum Theatre, a few doors east on West College Avenue.
For the most part, local businesses - some of them a short walk away - supplied the new theatre's construction necessaries: O.W. Houts Lumber Company, H.L. Harpster plastering, Harry J. Behrer Hardware, Bruce Horner Plumbing and the Electric Supply Company.
