Our History
Nearly a Century of Movies, Restoration, and Community
From its beginnings as the State Theatre in 1930 to the restored Tahqua Land Theatre of today, this building has survived changing technology, periods of closure, major renovations, and generations of moviegoers.
Newberry, Michigan · Serving the Community Since 1930
The Beginning
1929–1930
The State Theatre Begins
During the early years of talking pictures, Newberry gained a purpose-built movie theatre that would become a familiar part of community life for generations.
The theatre was originally known as The State Theatre. According to the theatre’s surviving historical account, construction began in 1929 and the building opened to the public in August 1930.
The same account credits Thomas Shimmens with developing the theatre and records a construction cost of approximately $60,000. Half of that amount was reportedly financed through a bond issue purchased by citizens of Newberry.
Early theatre histories describe the State Theatre as seating approximately 400 patrons, though the original seating plan has not yet been independently verified. Programs were reportedly changed several times each week, and regular movie exhibition made the theatre an important gathering place for the surrounding community.
Built during the Great Depression, the theatre was distinguished by decorative woodwork, plaster detailing, and original lighting fixtures — architectural features that would later become central to preservation and restoration efforts.
The State Theatre
Began in 1929
Reported as August 1930
Approximately 400 seats
Historical details in this section are based on the theatre’s preserved earlier website history. Additional archival research may refine or confirm specific dates, costs, ownership details, and the reported original seating capacity.
A Second Beginning
1972–1973
Restoring a Theatre That Had Gone Dark
The theatre’s earlier historical account records that Fred Dunkeld purchased the building in 1972, after the theatre had closed and fallen into serious disrepair.
Bringing the building back required far more than cosmetic work. Over roughly a year, the theatre was cleaned, repaired, and prepared to operate again.
- Coal dust and accumulated debris were removed
- Old gum and years of wear were cleaned away
- Electrical wiring was updated
- Plumbing received repairs and improvements
- Projection equipment was rebuilt and installed
- Interior surfaces were repaired and painted
In 1973, the theatre reopened and once again began welcoming audiences. According to the preserved history, it continued operating for the next 28 years before another major period of renovation began in 2001.
The details in this section are based on the theatre’s surviving earlier website history and photographs. Additional archival research may help confirm specific dates and restoration details.
A New Beginning
2001–2003
Restoring the Theatre for a New Century
After nearly three decades of continued operation, the theatre closed temporarily in 2001 so a much larger restoration project could begin.
The theatre’s surviving historical account describes a renovation lasting more than nine months and involving extensive decorative and architectural work throughout the building.
The project included Italian stucco, hand-cast plaster moldings, extensive gold-leaf detailing, large-scale paintings and murals, new carpeting, improved seating, and restoration work to original lighting fixtures.
The entrance and lobby areas were also transformed with artwork inspired by classical and Greek themes — decorative elements that remain among the theatre’s most recognizable features today.
When Tahqua Land Theatre reopened in 2003, the building had entered a new chapter: still a working movie theatre, but now also a place where its architecture, artwork, and history had become part of the experience.
2003 to Today
A Working Theatre with a Living History
Since reopening in 2003, Tahqua Land Theatre has continued to serve Newberry as a working single-screen movie theatre while preserving the architecture, artwork, and equipment that make the building distinctive.
One of the largest technological changes came in 2015, when the theatre transitioned from traditional 35mm film projection to digital cinema. Equipment that had once been part of everyday projection work became part of the theatre’s historical record.
Preservation and improvement work continues throughout the building today. Historic signs, projection equipment, artwork, architectural details, and other surviving pieces are being documented and preserved while modern systems and guest amenities continue to evolve.
The result is a theatre that still performs the same basic purpose it was built for nearly a century ago: bringing people together to experience stories on the big screen.
Continue Exploring
The Story Continues Beyond the Timeline
The building is only part of the story. Explore the equipment, artwork, documents, and surviving details that help tell how Tahqua Land Theatre has changed across generations.
Museum Collection
Explore the Theatre’s Collection
See historic projection equipment, theatre technology, signs, printed archives, and other surviving pieces from the building’s working past.
Explore the CollectionArt & Architecture
Discover the Artwork
Learn about the paintings, classical themes, and decorative details that transformed the theatre during its restoration.
View the Artwork