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, Kentucky 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 theater is one of the few remaining examples of Art Deco architecture in Hardin County. The building is constructed of brick 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 theater architecture of the late 1930’s and 1940’s. Some of the other features of the theater are the front façade which includes in-laid geometric designs, which surround the grand vertical marquee tower. Carrara glass accented portions of the front façade such as the ticket booth on the right of the building and the storefront window on the left. There are two entrances into the Theater. One entrance, on the right next to the ticket booth, leads directly upstairs to the balcony. This entrance was used by the black patrons during the time of segregation and had a separate ticket window. Rambush Art Company of New York was commissioned to decorate the theater in varying shades of green and burgundy. Artwork still exists at the front of the theater that depicts two Greek Goddesses holding the masks of comedy and tragedy. The State contained approximately 950 two-toned, cushioned, metal theater seats including the balcony area. It was air-conditioned, a rarity in that day and time. The Theater closed in 1984 and the last movie shown was "E.T. - The ExtraTerrestrial".
The Historic State Theater Complex is the cornerstone project of Elizabethtown’s Downtown Renaissance program. The project consists of three elements: preservation of the historic structure, renovation of existing space and construction of new facilities. Phase One and Phase Two of the project have been completed. Phase One included the stabilization of the exterior of the old theater. Phase Two, which was just completed in March 2003, included the renovation and construction of First Federal Gallery, Plum Alley Theater, catering kitchen, administrative offices, dressing rooms and lavatories. The West Banco Gallery has seating capacity of more than 400. The Plum Alley Theater is a “black box” style theater with room to seat approximately 200.
The now complete final phase of the project include the restoration of the interior of the original theater to her 1942 opening night grandeur. The State will be “better than new” with seating for 700,including the old double “courting seats” and balcony. The stage has also been enlarged to provide for larger theatrical sets.
On a personal note: I have watched many a movie in the old State to include my first rated R movie,” Up In Smoke” one of the last movies that I saw in the theater.
The Hardin County Museum of History next to the State Theater is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is located in the former Post Office and Library building. Admission is free.
This cache is a 2-part multi. The coordinates above will direct you to an area where the coordinates for the final cache are located. The 1st part is not a container, just the coordinates written on something in a camouflaged way (there is no need to poke around, the coordinates are in plain view). The second part is a nano container with only a logbook.
The State Theater Website
This cache placed and maintained by a member of Geocky, InKy and the Heartland Geocachers
