State Theater
118 N. Main Street,
Fostoria,
OH
44830
118 N. Main Street,
Fostoria,
OH
44830
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Schine Circuit Inc.
Architects: Fred W. Elliot, Myron B. Vorce
Previous Names: Colonial Theatre
Nearby Theaters
The Colonial Theater was opened in early-1916 with 300 seats. It was designed by architect Myron B. Vorce. It was renamed State Theatre in 1919 when it was enlarged to the plans of architect Fred W. Elliot. In June 1937 it was taken over by the Schine Circuit. It was was part of Jack Armstrong’s circuit in the early-1960’s.
Contributed by
Ken McIntyre
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Recent comments (view all 4 comments)
Volume 2 of a book in Arcadia Publishing Company’s “Images of America” series, Fostoria, Ohio, by Paul H. Krupp, says that the State Theatre was once known as the Colonial Theatre.
The August 9, 1919, issue of The American Contractor said that additions and alterations were being made to the Colonial Theatre at Fostoria, with plans by Columbus architect Fred W. Elliot.
Myron B. Vorce was the original architect prior to the remodeling.
If the Colonial was designed by Myron Vorce then it must have been this project noted in the May 8, 1915, issue of The American Contractor:
This web page includes an article about Fostoria’s early movie theaters by Gene Kinn. It says that “[i]n 1916, when they lost their lease on the Majestic, Mr. Buck and his associates moved across the street, to what is now the present location of the State Theater, and built a 300 seat movie house, called the ‘Colonial’. Three years later, just after World War I, they enlarged the theater into it’s present 700-seat capacity, and some time later changed the name to the State.” Melvin Hawkins was one of the “associates” Kinn mentions.I managed the State Theater and Starlite Drive in at the corner of 224 and Rt 23 across from Flo’s Truck Stop for Jack Armstrong owner of Armstrong Circuit Inc, in the early 70’s after being assistant manager of his Portage Drive In Theater for many years. Jack operated theaters all over Northwest Ohio, Toledo, Findlay, Defiance, etal. and Southern Michigan. Later becoming Company supervisor, I enjoyed working with Ed Hushhour of the Review Times on ads for both State and Starlite. I had great employees at both theaters and they made my job much easier. Earl Sharninghouse, Fostoria, Ohio 2021 email: