City workers install sign at Rouman Memorial Park

The plaza across from the State Theater now bears the name of the family that founded the historic cinema. On Oct. 1, city public works employees Joe Patrone and Hailey Smith hung a sign carved out of white pine (donated by Potlicker Sculptures) in the plaza next to Diel Insurance on Brown Street. The Rhinelander Common Council voted last year to rename the space in honor of the Rouman family.
City residents petitioned the common council to honor the Roumans following the tragic loss of George Rouman in a car accident on June 9, 2024, as well as the passing of his father, Mike, in August 2023.
Through the Rouman Amusement Company, three generations of the Rouman family have kept the Rhinelander community entertained for more than a century, the petition noted. Over the course of a century, members of the family owned and operated the Majestic Theatre, the State Theater, the Rouman Drive-in and the Rouman Cinema.
George Rouman was serving as president of the company at the time of his death. An enthusiastic community leader, he was also the owner of the Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe on Brown Street and a gelato catering business.