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Unfortunately, it was an idea at the time that was a little ahead of the market. “But primarily inspire and mentor students who would be interested in media and cinema and communications.” “And the idea at that time was to use the space, very similar to our plan today, as a multi-use space concentrated with some state of the art technology, streaming technology, video technology, and put in a bar, put in a cafe, and show repertoire films,” he said. Hatfield’s journey to revitalize The State began 17 years ago when he moved back to his hometown and approached the previous owners about transforming the old theater. “ It was for everyone’s enjoyment and it was extremely popular for decades.” “It is a palace, a cinematic palace,” he added.

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WYSO The windows are boarded up but inside The State still retains its original ambience. This was a democratic place to come and lose yourself into the molecular magic of cinema, but also to inhabit, and experience, and appreciate this kind of magnificence.” “These were built for the community's enjoyment, the common person who didn’t live in a mansion. “This part in particular has been magnificently preserved - just the marble and all the ornate features and the columns,” Hatfield said looking around. Eight huge chandeliers dominate the marble foyer. The windows are boarded up now, but as Hatfield walks me into the theater it still retains that original opulence. “This was the first to be built as a cinematic palace purely for the enjoyment of film.” “Springfield enjoyed nine operational theaters, and many of them came out of the Theater vaudeville circuit,” Hatfield explained. Hatfield is now the co-owner and operator of this historic 1927 theater, which he is working to bring back to life.

“It was only $2 bucks to get in, but I didn’t have to pay, and I just felt so special,” Hatfield added laughing. And, I really feel like this was a watershed moment, because he just opened the red rope for me and said, ‘Hatfield, come on in.’ ' “It was a Saturday afternoon matinee and I was so excited,' he said 'My parents dropped me off, and my cousin's friend, who was in High School, worked the door and back then they all wore jackets, and it was the 70’s and he had long, curly hair.

“Maybe in Junior High, I was really smitten with Erich von Daniken and Chariots of the Gods, and they showed that here,” Hatfield recalled.

Growing up in Springfield Rod Hatfield always knew what was playing at The State Theater. As industry behemoths AMC and Cineworld contemplate drastic measures to stay afloat, small town theaters in the Miami Valley are experiencing a renaissance.

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The influx of huge multiplex cinemas in the 80’s and 90’s marked the end for many struggling, independent movie theaters.

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