State Theatre
20 N. Robinson Avenue,
Oklahoma City,
OK
73102
20 N. Robinson Avenue,
Oklahoma City,
OK
73102
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Also on the OKCPostcards site can be seen the HOME Theater. Opened in 1923 as Shriners Theater, it was acquired 1932 by Stanley/Warner Theaters and became Warner’s Auditorium. When Home State Insurance took control of the building in 1947 the name was changed to Home. I always thought the name Home sounded too small and cozy for a 2300 seat movie house.
Vintage postcard shot of State Theatre on N. Robinson St. Across from State can be seen Liberty Theatre;
http://www.tulsaarchitecture.com/OKCPostcards.htm
Vintage downtown album, in the background of the State Theater post card view, can be seen a sky scraper designed by Architect W.W. Ahlschlager who also created NYC’s Roxy Theater…
http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/
Color postcard views can be viewed in the downtown photo gallery;
http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/
The STATE Theater opened 1937, and (as mentioned above) was designed by Architect W.T. Vahlberg, who later became a prominent political figure in local government.
I should mention, the rust decor resulted in complete remodel after smoke damage from a 1948 interior fire. Original 1937 colour scheme was salmon and soft yellow.
As mentioned by Mr. Jones, for a long period during the 1950s the State featured a shocking pink motif. Then it converted over to a subdued “white” look.
If my memory serves, the state was the home of Todd-A-O in Oklahoma City. A series of roadshows followed in years to come. I remember seeing “My Fair Lady” at the State. The entire lobby and front was redecorated for the opening—-even the sidewalk was painted pink. The only candies sold in the concession were Mounds and Almond Joy because their packages were pink. (I think). I later remember seeing “El Cid” in 70mm at the state. What a grand and spectacular presentation. Too bad such a landmark is gone.