New Ulm Mayor Terry Sveine, right, cuts the ribbon with State Street Theater Executive Director Mary Ellen Domeier at the Glotzbach Gallery Introduction Thursday.

NEW ULM — The pizzazz and passion of the late George Glotzbach and his father Linus Glotzbach cut the air in the State Street Theater (SST) Thursday at the Glotzbach Gallery Introduction and Campaign Appreciation Celebration.

George’s wife Sharon was choked with emotion as she and SST President Mikhail Rostislavovich unveiled portrait photos and a candid photo of George and his father playing shuffleboard at the gallery opening.

The gallery depicts the history of the SST site, from its designation on New Ulm’s 1958 plat map to the school development. It serves as a timeline of site history photos of the original school, the Works Public Administration (WPA) period and other changes leading to the recent work by SST.

The gallery is named after the father and son duo. The Glotzbachs were integral in the development of the school and later theater. In the 1930s, Linus Glotzbach, the WPA state director, facilitated the acquisition of WPA funding to enable the construction of additions to the 1915 building.

“We’re not just celebrating the gallery opening, but also a family,” Rostislavovich said.

“What a wonderful time to remember George Glotzbach,” said Dr. Dan Groebner. “My favorite memory of him is of his walking up and down Minnesota Street in his lederhosen at Oktoberfest. He was all about celebrating our heritage.”

Groebner said Linus Glotzbach was also responsible for WPA funding a stone building at Flandrau State Park.

“The WPA invested $132,000 and New Ulm Public Schools $234,000 in the 1939 WPA school annex (gym, auditorium building that is now the SST). It amounts of more than $7 million today, adjusted to inflation,” said Groebner.

In addition, Groebner said the building got the attention of regional and national WPA directors who visited New Ulm to see it.

“George enjoyed his heritage. Let’s enjoy our heritage,” said Groebner. “Thanks to many organizations and individuals who support this building now on the National Register of Historic Places.”

Andy Biebl, SST Advisory Council member, said the historical school buildings include 49 occupied Emerson Union Apartments and a tenant waiting list.

“SST is a well-organized, non-profit entity,” said Biebl. “Our needs list includes ADA-compliant front access, restroom renovation, balcony window replacement, permanent signage, historic mural renovation, and sound system improvement.”

“Business after business told us we needed a regional arts theater,” Domeier said. “We have diverse revenue sources. There is a wedding here this weekend. Thanks to everyone for your support and to the two gentlemen we honor this evening.”

Upcoming SST events include The Rocky Horror Picture Show Oct. 23. For more information, visit statestreetnewulm.org or call 507-359-9990. Follow SST online at Facebook and Instagram.

(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@

nujournal.com).