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the K of c and Vuolo properties, but had not yet been exercised. Another opinion stated the properties had already been purchased.
It was conjectured the purchaser was "one of the big moving picture concerns operating their own theatres, like Paramount [or] Warner Bros..." Further speculation was "the theatre, if constructed, would have an entrance on South Street, with another entrance and probably another structure for stores on the West Main Street side."
Edward Quittner of the Quittner Theatre Co. which owned the State, Stratton, and Show Shop doubted "the negotiations would lead to anything tangible." Wishful thinking aside, in May it was announced that Netco New England Theatre Company), Inc.,, a subsidiary of Paramount Publix Theatres Corporation, WO purchase the aforementioned properties for $76,000 to construct a theatre on South Street.
The South Street property where the theatre now stands was acquired for $40,000 from the K of c who had occupied it since 1922. Before that, it had been the home of Ferris M. Pronk, son of prominent Middletown Attorney James N. Pronk. Ferris Pronk for many years owned the old drug store on the corner of North and East Main, still sometimes called "Pronk's Corner." mr. Pronk had resided at the South Street site since at least 1875 before moving to Highland Avenue in 1922. The K of Ck, who were to vacate by June 1, had not yet found a new site, although one suggestion was to purchase the recently abandoned Thrall Hospital on Grove Street.
The former Oscar winters property at 18-22 West Main Street was purchased for $26,000, although the home was not demolished until 1935. About 1937 the property was sold. Somewhat ironically, the property was acquired by the Arts Council October 6, 1981. A thirty-foot area at the rear of the Kof C site." When this fine old building was damaged by fire September 26, 1983, it was purchased by the arts council and demolished in October of that year. The site is now a parking lot. Formal transfer of the properties to netco took place May 22, 1929, a week later than planned due to a minor legal technicality.
Although rumors of a new theatre had been relatively recent, Paramount officials stated negotiations had proceeded for "nearly a year." A survey indicated" there was room here for another theatre." John J. Wildberg, counsel for Publix Corporation, "ridiculed" the notion that "dissatisfaction with the owners of the State Theatre.. over contracts with Paramount " Pictures had anything to do with the decision. This notwithstanding, in April 1930, it was confirmed by Joseph Quittner, treasurer of Middletown Theatre Co. (also known as Quittner Theatre Co.), that his company was contemplating "action against Paramount... under anti-trust laws." Quittner, who was seeking "several millions of dollars damages "charged that Paramount" tried to force his company into a contract to take its entire yearly output at a cost that would have