State Theatre
506 W. University Avenue,
Gainesville,
FL
32601
506 W. University Avenue,
Gainesville,
FL
32601
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Florida State Theaters Inc.
Functions: Retail
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Nearby Theaters
The State Theatre opened on August 20, 1941 with Walter Pidgeon in “"Blossoms in the Dust”. seating listed at 825. It was remodeled in June 1942 when it was equipped with air conditioning. Initially operated by Florida State Theatres, it was eventually independently operated.
Closed on July 15, 1969, it was demolished in January 1970.
Contributed by
Chuck
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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)
I saw PORGY AND BESS there in 1960. I remember that the screen had a huge tear in it on the lower left side.
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.”
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.
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.
article with demolition picture posted.
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.