Your weekly guide to the events and happenings in and around Boyertown, PA
What to do? Where to go? Here is your one stop list of community events, music, arts, food, business specials, and historic events in Boyertown and beyond…
As a Boyertown graduate, a real estate agent at Glocker Realty, and also a proud member of Building a Better Boyertown, I have had the joy of watching our little town grow. I enjoy having any part in helping our community to move forward. I hope this weekly blog will help shine a light on all the great things happening in and around Boyertown, PA
Here is what’s going down during the week of 7/23 – 7/29/2020
HISTORY OF THE STATE THEATRE – In 1912, George W. Unger and associates purchased a lot on the corner of North Reading Ave. and 5th St. for their 400-seat theatre they called “The Lyric.” The New theatre was designed by renowned Philadelphia architect, David Supowitz, whose original art deco style can be seen today, upholding a unique theatre experience. The Lyric quickly became an anchor for the community of Boyertown. From silent movies, orchestra recitals, public meetings, local talent shows, plays, and graduation ceremonies, the Lyric was the perfect platform for bringing the townspeople together and sharing important milestones.
In 1930 came the technical wonderment of movies with sound! Soon after that, in 1934, George H. Kline purchased the theatre and changed the name to “The State.” He also added the marquee that you see today, and commissioned the E. Greco Co. of Philadelphia to paint the murals which can be seen running along the theatre’s side walls. For over two decades Kline owned and operated the theatre, along with his son Jacque, until 1956 when he sold it to the Clark Theatre Company. Even after it was sold, Jacque Kline and his two sons managed and maintained the theatre for over twenty more years.
Then in 1987, Robert W. Ritner came aboard as the theatre’s new owner. Ritner placed a special emphasis on restoring and preserving the historical significance of the Boyertown institution, while at the same time adding contemporary touches such as an updated projection system, new carpets, and introducing a $1.00 ticket fee. Kevin Rhude took over ownership in 2008, but because of the high cost of a digital projector, in order to play first-run movies, he had to shut their doors in 2015.
Thanks to Steve Maguire and The Maguire Family Trust, the theatre was reopened in 2016 with new carpets, electrical, air and heating systems, paint, and lighting. Although the theatre is owned by The Maguire Family Trust, it is leased to The State Theatre Preservation Society for $1 per year for the next 20 years.
Not long after assuming responsibility for running the theatre, the society raised $100,000 to purchase and install a new digital projector and surround sound system. The State Theatre has been an important part of the Boyertown community, and in turn, the community rallied around the theatre when it needed help. It now continues to serve as an important gathering place for the people of Boyertown and surrounding areas, featuring first-run movies, classic and family favorites, specialty shows, music, and community events, just as it has over the past hundred years. As the State Theatre continues to be a part of the Boyertown story, those who continue to carry on its legacy are determined to make sure it will be here for future generations to enjoy.
The State Theatre is open every day! At the current time, they are showing timeless classic movies nightly. Offering full concessions, including soda, candy, popcorn, beer, wine, and mixed drinks. There are also kids summer movies that are only $1! Showtime is every Wednesday & Thursday at 10am and 1pm. Enjoy the show!
**Safety precautions are in place, including temperature checks for all staff. Face masks for all staff, and guests, limited seating with social distancing, as well as frequent cleaning and disinfecting. Your safety is their number one concern.**
Events List
THURSDAY 7/23/2020
- Abominable *Kids Summer Movies!* The State Theatre, Boyertown Only $1 admission! Movie at 10am & 1pm
- Vuja De (live music) – Brown Street Park, Spring City 6pm
- Thursday Trivia – Iezzi’s on 3rd, Boyertown 7-9pm
- Back to the Future – The State Theatre, Boyertown
- The Fun Zone (carnival) – Douglasville 4-9pm
FRIDAY 7/24/2020
- BMBA Boyertown Community Wine Walk – Boyertown 5:30 – 8:30pm
- Smooth Retsina Glow (live music) – The Bridge Inn, Pleasentville 8- 11pm
- Mike Greer (live music) – J.J. Ratigan Brewing Co, Pottstown 8-11pm
- Thomas Jay Martin (live music) – The Other Farm Brewery & Durango’s Saloon, Boyertown 6-9pm
- Christmas Vacation – The State Theatre, Boyertown
- The Fun Zone (carnival) – Douglasville 4-9pm
SATURDAY 7/25/2020
- Jeep Day – Sweets Cafe, Bechtelsville 8am
- Tim and Paul (live music) – Manatawny Creek Winery, Douglassville 2-5pm
- Michael Kropp (live music) – Adello Vineyard & Winery, Perkiomenville 2-5pm
- Justin and Glenn (live music) – Durango’s Saloon & The Other Farm Brewery, Boyertown 6-9pm
- Christmas Vacation – The State Theatre, Boyertown
- Tons of Fun Carnival w/ Richard Thompson (live music) – Douglasville 4-9pm
SUNDAY 7/26/2020
- Kendal Conrad (live music) – Adello Vineyard & Winery, Perkiomenville 2-5pm
- Nicole Zell & Chris Spousta (live music) – The Inn at St Peter’s Village 2-5pm
- Meet & greet with Dr Lamar Foley (politician) – CD’s Place, Boyertown 6-8pm
- Christmas Vacation – The State Theatre, Boyertown
- The Fun Zone (carnival) – Douglasville 4-9pm
MONDAY 7/27/2020
- The Breakfast Club – The State Theatre, Boyertown
TUESDAY 7/28/2020
- Barrel Bingo Night – Barrel & Ale, Boyertown 8-10pm
- The Breakfast Club – The State Theatre, Boyertown
WEDNESDAY 7/29/2020
- Sing *Kids Summer Movies!* The State Theatre, Boyertown Only $1 admission! Movie at 10am
- The Breakfast Club – The State Theatre, Boyertown
And there you go. Grab a beer and some popcorn and enjoy the show… Please subscribe to this weekly blog, so you don’t miss a thing!
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If you would like your event posted email me at jeff@glocker.com
For real estate assistance contact Jeff Frederick at jeff@glocker.com or call/text at 610-766-2028
