This building was originally a bank when it was built in 1873. It was then turned into a vaudeville theater in 1910, then a movie theater a few years later. By the mid-20's, the state theater was host to live performances again. By the 30's, it was back to showing films. In the 60's it became an adult film venue. This incarnation was followed by a brief stint as a rock show venue. Finally, in 1989, the true calling of the theatre appeared to be found and it has been a premier venue for the performing arts since then.

Somehow along the way, the theater acquired a ghost. I am surprised there is only one! The ghost is believed to be the spirit of Fred Osterstock, who was the manager from 1926 - 1956. He has been seen by theatergoers, staff, and board members. The theater company acknowledges his presence freely and even named an award after him!

Fred really first became noticed during the incarnation as a rock show venue. Performances at the State Theatre were irregular, so it was apparent that there was a presence no one could account for. When the theatre was empty, maintenance workers would glimpse a man at the back of the theatre, just standing, or entering one of the utility closets. The police were called and never found anyone in the building. Once, the police dogs reacted to something, but the officers couldn't see anything.

Historian Ken Klabunde is the one who convinced everyone the ghost was Fred. One night, he saw someone walk off the empty stage while closing for the evening. Later he found a photograph of Osterstock and recognized him as the man he had seen.