Crews install the State Theater’s marquee Thursday morning. (Photos by Sally Y. Hart)

The State Theater’s blue and yellow marquee has been installed. Crews worked to attach the marquee Thursday morning in downtown Washington. Local historian Mike Zahs, known for his work on the Brinton films, was in attendance and shared it is exciting and just one step in a series of wonderful things.

The opera house that is now home to Washington’s one-screen movie theater as built in 1893. Frank and Indiana Brinton showed their moving pictures in the 1890s at the venue; it is now believed to be the oldest theater in the world continually showing movies. Zahs adds they’ll be showing the films at the State Theater soon.

In November of 2010, the historic theater in downtown Washington caught fire when a cigarette was discarded in a projection room trash can. A fire ensued, causing smoke and water damage to the building.

The State Theater reopened after extensive work in April of 2011. Upgrades included new digital projection and 3-D capabilities.

In March of 2014, a delivery truck struck the theater’s marquee. Facade work on the corner building began in April of 2014 with crews repairing windows, marquee and installing new entry doors. The renovation process took some time while Fridley Theaters worked with the State Historical Preservation Office to get tax credits.

For more photos of the new marquee visit KCII Radio’s Facebook page.


State Theater in May of 2014 (Photo by Sally Y. Hart)


The State Theater’s marquee was struck by a delivery truck on March 6, 2014. (Photo by Sally Y. Hart)