Club News

Eighteen Fleur-de-Lis Club members and guests met on Thursday, Oct. 22,  at 1:30 p.m. at the State Theatre in Washington. Bev Krotz served as hostess for the afternoon. Crystal Christner, Washington manager of the Fridley Theaters, presented a very informative program telling of the history of our local movie theater. The theater was built in 1893 as the Graham Opera House and took one year and 4 days to build at a cost of $35,000. The walls are three brick thick. The claim to be the oldest in the U.S., of showing movies since 1897 is to be proven to gain recognition in the McGinnis Book of Records. The locally known Brinton films were some of the first films shown in Washington. A spring showing of some of these films is planned for the spring of 2016. In 1931 it was renamed the State Theater. Restoration work was begun in 2010 following the smoke and water damage of a fire. It now seats 301, losing 100 seats due to the renovation. It is the plan to make a museum in the back behind the stage. Free popcorn is provided Tuesday with a paid admission. So go check out one of our local historical buildings and enjoy a movie.

Some of the group then gathered at Dodici for visiting and refreshments provided by the hostess.

Following refreshments, Nancy Kimmel, president, conducted a short business meeting. Roll Call, ?A Memory of the State Theatre," was answered by members and guests, Lynda Jarrard and Kay LaMay. The secretary-treasurer reports were given by Linda Birney. It was noted that members should bring their Christmas donation for the collection to be taken. The remainder of the afternoon was enjoyed with catchup time visiting of the neighborhood and families.

The next meeting will be Nov. 19, at 1:30 p.m. with Linda Birney. Meet at the State Theatre.