“It is with a heavy heart that I have closed the doors to the Historic State Theatre of Boyertown for the last time tonight, March 7, 2015,” reads the opening on the Historic State Theatre’s web-site. My throat grew tight when I saw this. While it wasn’t a secret that things at the venerable venue weren’t well, I don’t know anyone that would have guessed how bad. Owner, Kevin Rhude kept it very close to the vest.
One must admire his true commitment to Boyertown in general and to the State Theatre in particular. Lesser men would have buckled early on with the State’s heating issues and those that stuck it out, definitely would have folded when the film industry went digital. With the latter conversion to cost $100,000 +, it signaled the end of movies in Boyertown. Kevin pressed on trying to persevere relying on a full schedule of live comedy and musical events, which, apparently was the straw that broke the camel’s back, and closing the doors must have been the only option. It wasn’t for lack of enthusiasm, on show night greeting and thanking every audience member was job one for Kevin. Whether it was at the door or be-bopping down the aisles, his smiles and handshakes made everyone feel at home.
Many will speculate what went wrong, or what they would have done to make the State a success, but, none can argue the fact that the State was a nice place to see a movie or a band. Even the bands I’ve spoken with loved playing on the stage at the State. The old style acoustics can’t be matched anywhere in Boyertown or the immediate surrounding area. In the end we all lose, the bands, the venue and the public.
According to the web-site the State is up for sale. A piece of history, with a price tag attached. A new buyer could buy it to keep, preserve and maybe add to a rich local history. It could, of course, go the other way and all that would be left would be history. Let’s try not to think THAT way.
I am fortunate to have many fond memories of the State going back to the days of “Animal House,” “Up in Smoke” and the original “Star Wars.” I saw many more movies there, but for some reason my mind would go to those while listening to groups like Chestnut Grove, Todd O’s River of Dreams, 11A, Born Cross-Eyed, Stephanie Grace and Black Hat Boris on the State’s comfortable stage.
I am also fortunate to have a forum that I can use to publicly thank Kevin Rhude for his determination, hard work, and civic mindedness while trying to bring the entire area a little happiness. Thank You, Kevin, much appreciated.
As always, Listen Up because that sound you hear and take for granted today may fade into silence tomorrow ….
