State Theatre: Freddy’s Ghost

State Theatre—now known as State Theatre Center for the Arts has one beloved ghost.

This theatre that opened in 1925 is in Easton, Pennsylvania. Architect William H. Lee designed it. He took his inspiration for his design from the Davanzanti Palace in Florence, Italy. The result is a unique blend of beauty and grace.

State Theater

The State Theatre was first used for touring vaudeville acts. When this era ended it like most theaters in the U.S. was then used as a movie theater.

From the 1930s until the 1960s J. Fred Osterstock managed this theater. He loved the building so much that during the flood of 1955 he lived in his office to protect the building.

After Fred’s death in the 1970s, the theatre fell on hard times. Its beautiful frescoes and artwork were painted over. The building was now used for rock concerts.

This activity evidently stirred up Freddy’s ire. It was during this time his ghost began to make appearances.

J. Fred Osterstock

The theaters’ night maintenance staff was the first to see Freddy’s ghost. On several occasions, they spotted a man who they thought was trespassing.

They first saw him standing in the back of the theater. When they approached him, he vanished into thin air. This shocked them for he appeared real.

On another occasion, they watched this figure as it went into a utility closet—they followed him, but he just disappeared.

They were so alarmed they called in the police. The first time the officers found nothing. The second time they were called out, the officers brought their police dogs.

Once in the theater, these dogs stopped in their tracks and refused to move. They stood still, their hair on end and growled at a sight no one else could see.

In the 1970s historian Ken Klabunde was closing the building for the night when he spotted a figure walk off the stage while he was alone. Intrigued, he did some research. He discovered a photo of Freddy and realized this was the man he had seen.

By the 1980s the theater was in such terrible shape plans were made to tear it down. A group of concerned citizens came together and saved the building.

Today, the State Theatre has been restored to its original beauty. Live theatre and concerts are performed in the building once more.

Freddy’s ghost still haunts the building—it appears he is pleased. He is so active, a live radio show broadcasts from the building every Halloween. Listeners can call in with their questions for Freddy.

His ghost is so appreciated that the State Theatre gives out an award named the “Freddy Awards.” This ceremony is the theatre's own Oscars.

2014 Freddy Awards
Photo: Bill Adams