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In 1921, Benjamin N. Lefleowitz, President, Edward Quittner, Vice-President and Treasurer, and Joseph Quittner, Secretary, formed the Middletown Theatre Company, Inc. Beginning with the demolition of the Dusenberry home in June of 1921, the State Theatre was erected at 14-16 South Street. The State was essentially completed in time for opening night, December 29, 121. By the time the box office opened at 10:00am on the morning of December 28, there was a long line of people waiting to buy tickets. A11 1400 tickets were sold by 11:30AM.
A six piece orchestra was hired for opening night ceremonies which featured speeches by Mayor Rosslyn M. Cox and the owners. Fred R. Willard was the manager of the theatre. Four "big time Vaudeville acts, eacha Smashing hit, "appearances on opening night, as well as some short subjects. The feature presentation was "conflict," starring Priscilla Dean.
When built the State was considered one of the most beautiful theatres in upstate New York. The walls and ceiling were golden brown with trim of gold and old ivory. The drapes were of old rose trimmed with gold. The theatre was designed by Robert R. Graham of Middletown and Eugene De Rosa of New York City.
The owners soon purchased the Stratton and Show Shop theatres which, as well as the state, were eventually acquired by Stratton Theatres, Inc., a division of Fabian Theatres Corporation of New York. In January of 159, Middletown Savings Bank announced their plans to purchase the theatre. The last show at the State was the 9:35 showing on Saturday night, March 1195. The movies were a cartoon ("Wet Back Hound") and the feature, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," narrated by Raymond Massey "with cast of thousands."
The bank took possession of the structure in April. Dismantling operations had begun, however, immediately after the initial contract with Fabian Corporation had been signed in March. A portion of the marquee still survives on the State Theatre in Port Jervis. Structural demolition was begun May 28, 1959, by the Schlesser Demolition Co. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Demolition of the exterior walls was started June 29, the "final segment" was razed on June 30, and the operation completed in July. The site is now a portion of the bank's parking lot on South Street.
THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE
Early in 1929, there were rumors a new theatre would be built in Middletown. In April, it was reported three properties represented by real estate agent Harry A. Meola were being considered for purchase. These included the Knights of Columbus home at 17-21 South Street, a portion of the Vuolo property at 14-16 West Main Street, and the former Winters property at 18-22 West main Street. An option to buy had reportedly been obtained on