[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 19, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6508-S6509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     SALUTE TO THE PERFORMING ARTS

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, when I think of Iowa, I envision lush, 
rolling hills; wide, blue skies; and rich, black soil. Located in the 
heartland of America, Iowa's bounteous fields and streams feed the 
world. I'm sure most people across the country and throughout the world 
associate my State with its exceptional agricultural products and 
productive farmland.
  But today, I am going to share with America a different chapter of 
the Iowa story. Perhaps one that many already have read about or seen 
on the Big Screen--and that is, Iowa's contributions to film making and 
the performing arts. A handful of our Iowa-born friends have risen to 
celebrity status on TV, on the silver screen, and on stage.

[[Page S6509]]

  To name a few--singer Andy Williams was born in Wall Lake; the Everly 
Brothers, Don and Phil lived in Shenandoah; Cloris Leachman, who played 
Phyllis on ``The Mary Tyler Moore Show,'' hails from Des Moines, as did 
Harriett Nelson of the television series, ``The Adventures of Ozzie and 
Harriett.'' Marion Michael Morrison, better known as John Wayne, was 
born in Winterset. The famous musician/composer, Glenn Miller came from 
Clarinda. And who can ever forget the memorable sounds of the ``Music 
Man,'' Meridith Wilson is from Mason City. And, last but not least, Mr. 
President, internationally-acclaimed opera singer, Simon Estes, was 
born in Centerville, IA.
  In addition to the talents of Iowa's hometown celebrities, my State 
has opened its doors to reveal our scenic countryside to Hollywood film 
makers. Box office hits filmed in Iowa include, ``Field of Dreams,'' 
``The Bridges of Madison County,'' and ``Twister.'' The movie 
``Bridges'' was adapted from the novel written by my fellow Iowan, 
Robert Waller. If asked, Mr. President, I would have to concur with a 
popular scene from the movie ``Field of Dreams,'' filmed in eastern 
Iowa near Dyersville. That scene included the lines--``Is this Heaven? 
No, it's Iowa.''
  Mr. President, the list of Iowa-born celebrities includes a hometown 
girl who never forgot where she came from. The oldest of five children, 
Donna Belle Mullenger, attended a one room school house and helped with 
the family chores on a western Iowa farm near Denison. Growing up on a 
farm, Donna cherished the rare Saturday trips to town, when she would 
meet friends at the Candy Kitchen and catch a movie at the Ritz 
Theater.
  This girl-next-door later became a household name and Hollywood star. 
Donna Reed starred in more than 40 films, including such classics as 
``It's a Wonderful Life,'' ``Portrait of Dorian Gray,'' and her Oscar-
winning performance in ``From Here to Eternity.'' And for 8 years, 
Donna Reed entertained families in their living rooms across America. 
``The Donna Reed Show'' ran from 1958 to 1965.
  As I stated earlier in one of my speeches describing the Iowa Spirit, 
the people of Iowa strive to excel in any and all endeavors, whether it 
be education, entertainment or enterprise. And the community of 
Denison, the county seat of Crawford County, is no exception. In memory 
of the Hollywood actress who was known to say, ``No matter what I do, I 
am still a farm girl from Denison,'' the community celebrated a 1-day 
festival in her honor after her death in 1986. At that time, her Oscar 
was presented to the city of Denison. One year later, Donna Reed's 
hometown community, friends and family members formed The Donna Reed 
Foundation for the Performing Arts to recognize youth and promote 
education.
  The Foundation celebrates its 10th annual Donna Reed Festival this 
week, June 15-23. Building on its charter to provide affordable and 
high quality education to those who share a love for the arts, the 
Foundation offers performing arts workshops, and awards an annual 
college scholarship to applicants interested in studying acting, music, 
and dance. The first scholarship was awarded in 1987 for $500. Within 8 
years, the award had grown to a $10,000 national scholarship. During 
this week's festival, performing arts instructors and professionals 
from New York, California, and the Midwest will conduct about 45 
professional workshops. One of the highlights at the festival this year 
includes a tribute to the 50th anniversary of ``It's A Wonderful 
Life,'' featuring a reunion of cast and crew.
  Mr. President, I proudly salute members of the Denison community and 
their vision for promoting the arts. Borne of hard work, countless 
volunteer hours, and unparalleled community spirit, The Donna Reed 
Foundation has achieved a center for cultural and performing arts in 
America's heartland.
  Mr. President, life in Iowa truly is a wonderful life. And I'm sure 
the citizens of Denison would be the first to agree.

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