APPAC strongly believes that the history of the Old State Theatre be a factor in the design of the new Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center.

Here is a collection of some of our favorite newspaper accounts, photos and illustrations that have been saved since 1930.

If you have a bit of memorabilia, or just a memory, let us know; we'd love to hear about it. But Ladies, no more balcony makeout stories, please.

Exterior sketch of the State Theatre (circa 1962)

Interior sketch (date unknown)

Interior Design

 Compiled by Paul Ogden

The following are excerpts from an article appearing in The Journal-Republican newspaper of Thursday, December 25, 1930, the day before the opening of the State Theatre.

The lead headline heralds, “Cost of Construction More Than $100,000.” The sub heading notes, “Theatre Building Constructed Along Modernistic Design – Will Have Seating Capacity of 1,196 Persons on Main Floor and 166 in Balcony and Loges.” An additional subhead states, “DECORATED IN SILVER AND BLACK.”

The article goes on to state that the “New State Theatre, which will hold its Grand Opening on Friday and Saturday evenings, was constructed at a cost of more than $100,000. The T. & D. Jr. Enterprises, Inc. with headquarters at 25 Taylor Street, San Francisco are the owners of the Theatre. Salih Brothers, Los Angeles contractors were in charge of the construction of the modern theatre in Auburn. Lee M. Silah one of the brothers was in direct charge of the construction.”

According to the article, “The building, both exterior and interior, is one of the most beautiful of the 35 theatres owned by the T. and D. Company. The building was constructed along modern plans and all the decorating both interior and exterior is along modernistic lines.”

The story highlighted the decorative motif of the building, stating, “Silver and black was used in the decorating through the theater. The large columns which extend up the sides of the interior of the building and again extend up the front of the building are decorated with silver leaf.

“The ceiling of the main theatre room is beautifully decorated in black and silver with the center piece displaying the handwork of a free hand artist. The entire center piece was drawn free hand. All of the decorating work was performed by a group of painting experts who travel from one theatre job to another.”

The newspaper was impressed with the size and capacity of the new theater, saying, “The building is constructed of reinforced concrete throughout. The main theatre room is 70 feet by 120 feet with a balcony of 30 feet by 70 feet. The downstairs will seat 1,196 persons and room for another 166 are provided in the balcony. Loge seats in the balcony will seat 64 persons. The loge seats are constructed of mohair and contain the most comfortable springs to provide the utmost comfort for the patron. The other seats are constructed of leather with air and spring cushions. Every seventh row of the seats is furnished with an indirect light which lights the aisle.”

(Note: Part II of this series will deal with more interior design aspects and construction details.)