The building was originally Northampton National Bank, built in 1873. The financial institution facility was reconstructed as Neumeyer Theatre in 1910 and served as a vaudeville house. After several name changes, it became the State Theater in 1926. Vaudeville was dying and talking movies were popular, so a larger screen and new electronic equipment were added. In the 1970s, the theater was used mostly for rock concerts. The State closed in 1980 and was nearly demolished. In 1986 and 1990, the facility underwent major renovations to upgrade the systems and furnishings. Today, the theater is luxurious and reminiscent of a gentler, more opulent and elegant era. Nationally known performers and plays are featured.
The Freddie Awards©
The State Theatre began to host its annual Freddy Awards© in 2003. These awards recognize noteworthy accomplishments in high school musical productions and performances. Broadway’s Tony Awards inspired the yearly ceremonies. These awards are named for its resident ghost, J. Fred Osterstock.
Freddie the Man
Fred was the manager the theater from 1936 to 1965. The distinguished-looking man was a dedicated hard worker. After the 1955 flood when Delaware River waters invaded his house’s first floor, he stayed at the theater for a few weeks. Fred returned to live at the State during his last year of tenure as manager.
Experiences with Freddie's GhostMaintenance workers would catch a glimpse of the man's ghost at the back of the theatre, standing or walking into a utility closet, when the building was empty. They called the police who found no one else in the building. Police dogs were brought in one time. The officers saw nothing.
People who have seen Fred’s apparition have been members of the Board of Directors, employees, volunteers and theater goers. In the 1970s, historian Ken Klabunde saw someone walk off the empty stage when the theater was closing for the night. Later he found a photograph of Fred. He was the man Klabunde saw on the stage.
Not everyone has seen Fred. Some people reported just feeling his presence or being brushed by something.
One volunteer said he felt Fred’s presence and also had a weird experience. He was alone in the lobby and he saw a circle of light about an inch in diameter. He tried to block the source of light with his hand, but wasn’t able to do so. He cupped his hand over it to try to grab it, but the light moved slowly across the floor, up a wall, then vanished.
Article's Related to Freddie's GhostReaders who liked this article might enjoy Haunted Easton, PA Library and London’s Haunted Theatre Royal
Sources:
http://www.statetheatre.org/index.php?tpl=ghost
http://www.statetheatre.org/index.php?tpl=ghosthttp://www.statetheatre.org/
Jill Stefko - I'd rather deal with the paranormal than human abnormal - having dealt extensively with both.
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