"The pipe organ has been a fascination ever since a friend and I helped an organ installer replace our church's console (our organist had accidentally set fire to it warming up the cold keys with a space heater while she went off for a cup of coffee).

Some years later I discovered the State Theater had a Wurlitzer theatre organ long forgotten by most everyone.  I was able to talk the theater manager into letting me try to get it playing again - at my own expense of course.  The console was in particularly bad shape - full of popcorn kernels, mouse droppings and general crud.  The relay and pipe work were in better condition but all the leather was shot.

Our high school was practically across the street and I got permission from the principal to excuse me from school early a couple of afternoons a week.  I spent so many hours afternoons, nights and weekends in the organ chambers that I think I could have recited much of the dialog in the movie "A Star Is Born" (with Judy Garland) I heard it so many times.

The Wurlitzer did finally wheeze to me but I had neither the time, expertise or cash to accomplish what I wish I could have.

I've gotten involved in our local chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society and many times my thoughts have turned to seeing the State Theater and its Wurlitzer play again.  Happily there is a second chance to bring both to their former glory.  What a unique asset for Sioux Falls!"

Fred Watson - WHS alumni

"I remember spending half my high school days there, and in 1964, I remember standing in line to get a ticket to The Beatles' "Hard Days Night."  Tickets were probably a dollar.

I certainly will lend my name to this effort.  I'll do whatever they want me to do.  I'll be in the front row!  I think a lot of people would support this movement to restore it.  If you didn't go there, your mom and dad or grandmother and grandfather did.  It has a heritage in Sioux Falls."

Pat O'Brien - Sioux Falls native and TV personality