Historic State Theater Elizabethtown, Kentucky
History
The State Theater was constructed in 1942 for J.M. Hobbs, President of the Kentucky Amusement Company, by the T. J. Murphy Company of Bowling Green at a cost of $100,000. The theater was leased and operated by Bob Enoch during the majority of the time it was in use as a movie theater. The State Theater closed its doors in 1982 with its last movie showing "E.T."
The Building
Fronting on Dixie Highway, the theater is one of the few remaining examples of Art Deco architecture in Hardin County. The building is constructed of light colored bricks in a common bond pattern. Significant features are the large marquee, neon signs and stepped roof parapet which are typical features of the Art Deco style in the late 1930′s and 40′s. The front facade includes in-laid geometric design, which surrounds and emphasizes the grand vertical marquee tower. Carrara glass accents portions of the front façade such as the ticket booth on the right of the building and the store-front style window on the left.
There are two entrances into the Historic State Theater. One entrance is on the far right next to the ticket booth that leads directly upstairs to the balcony. This entrance was once used by the black patrons during the time of segregation and had a separate ticket window. The lobby of the theater has a terrazzo floor, which still exist, and two sets of double doors which lead into the main lobby. From the lobby there is a stairway on the left that leads up to the balcony which contains 220 seats. A wall still exists in the balcony that was once used to divide white and black patrons. At the back of the balcony is the original projection room complete with original door and hardware.
Opening and closing of the State Theater
When the State Theater opened its doors in 1942, it presented the movie "The Fleet's In," starring Dorothy Lamour and William Holden. At the time of the opening of the State, there were two other movie theaters located in downtown Elizabethtown. Once the State opened however, it quickly became the premier movie house in the downtown area.
The State Theater operated for 40 years and finally closed its doors 1982 with its last movie showing "E.T." But because of a community that cares, Elizabethtown residents began extensive private fundraising in the 1990's to once again bring life to the State Theater. After several years, the city of Elizabethtown purchased the building and put funding in for a full renovation and restoration of the theater. The Elizabethtown Tourism Commission also helped substantially in the revitalization efforts. The Grand reopening occurred in April of 2009.
Restoration of the State
During the time of the State Theater's construction, Rambush Art Company of New York was commissioned to decorate the theater in varying shades of green and burgundy. Art works still exist of two Greek Goddesses who hold the masks of comedy and tragedy. The State Theater has been fully restored to reflect the original décor of 1942 including original patterned carpet, paint colors, and even restored original seating. The State originally contained 950 seats including the balcony area. Currently, the State Theater holds 650 patrons at maximum capacity. The decrease is due to modern amenities such as a theatrical stage, sound booth, and light booth. The ground level contains three sections of seats with two aisle ways. During the renovation of the State, very strict guidelines were followed in order to retain the historic quality of the theater. In 2011, the State Theater won a national award for Historic Preservation that was presented to architect Jim Kienle.
The State Theater Today
Today, the Historic State Theater Complex is the cornerstone of downtown Elizabethtown. The State is now home to classic movie showings, concerts, live comedy shows, live theater productions, lectures, and more. Along with the restoration and usage of the main theater, the State Theater complex is also a full rental facility for the community. There is an attached banquet room perfect for wedding receptions, corporate luncheons, and black tie affairs. In addition, The State Theater complex is also home to the Hardin County Playhouse that has a black box style theater with a seating capacity of 116 that is used for small live productions.
The Historic State Theater Complex is incorporated as a public, non-profit organization with a 501(c) (3) status and a Board of Directors. The State is funded partially by the city of Elizabethtown, but it is the continued patronage of the community that lets us continue our operations in entertainment. We hope that you take time to visit us soon! Call us to schedule a personal tour of the facility for your group or organization, or just as an individual. If you're interested in our upcoming events and shows, please visit or call our administrative offices inside the State Theater Complex Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 5pm.
