“Al
Jolson at the State 1936”
Artist: James Geddes
This sketch of the Auburn State Theatre depicts a
scene from
May 1936. The Auburn Hook
and Ladder Fire Department was
celebrating a
successful election at the time and it appears
they
may have had a small parade before their
meeting
with invited dignitaries. Notice the scaffolding
along side
the marquee which was completed in 1937.
In 1930, the
State Theatre in Auburn, was designed
in the modern art-deco
style of the time and
could seat about 1,300 people. The
opening of
the theater coincided with the emergence of films
with sound. In 1936 the State Theater started
renovation
to modernize both the interior and exterior.
A new neon
vertical marquee illuminates the
“STATE” sign and is still
being used today.
In 1973 the State Theater closed for
nearly a
year due to a deteriorating roof. A firm from
Redwood
City purchased and renovated the theatre. It was an
extensive undertaking. in 2006 the
Auburn Performing
Arts Center purchased the "State"
building and created an
Arts Center. The theatre
marquee and street front were
restored to the 1937
appearance. In 2014 the theatre
reopened and serves
as a performing art center and theater.
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