Share State Theatre memories

The State Theatre is well into its second year, presenting a variety of entertainment in downtown State College.

But for many Centre Countians memories of the old State date way back. “Townies” and Penn Staters still talk about their experiences at the 70-year-old theater, where popular films of the day were enjoyed.

The State Theatre and the Centre Daily Times are interested in your most unusual, romantic, humorous and historical memories of the State’s “good old days.” Share those memories in columns up to 600 words and send them to stories@ TheStateTheatre.org.

Your stories must be received by May 9 and some will be published in the CDT and in the State Theatre program.

The top two authors as chosen by judges will be announced June 1 and receive prizes: first place, dinner at Zola and film passes for two; second place, Chocolate Madness gift basket and film passes for two.

Here, to start you thinking, is a story sent to the State Theatre by Dennis Hottel, of Pittsburgh. By Dennis Hottel

During the spring semester of my senior year at Penn State in 1975, I actually had to escape from the State Theatre.

Late on a Friday afternoon after class and after happy hour at a local tavern, I decided to take in a movie at the State. Well, I was very tired and fell asleep in the theater.

I awoke in my seat to discover that the theater had actually closed with me still in my seat and locked inside the building.

I waved to people on the sidewalk in the front of the exit of the theater, I realized that was not a means to escape. I then proceeded to a fire exit to the left of the main movie screen, opened the door, jumped into a dumpster and out onto Calder Alley and my freedom.

This is the story of my personal escape from the State Theatre.

Dennis L. Hottel is associate vice president/investments at Stifel Nicolaus in Bethel Park, Allegheny County.