[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 142 (Saturday, October 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MEREDITH BIXBY

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                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 1998

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Meredith 
Bixby from Saline, Michigan.
  On October 18, 1998, the Saline Culture and Commerce Center will open 
the Bixby Marionette Exhibit. This exhibit includes over 100 of 
Meredith Bixby's hand-crafted marionettes which he gave to the City of 
Saline.
  Meredith Bixby is affectionately known as the ``Master of 
Marionettes.'' His company ``Meredith Marionettes Touring Company'' 
toured the Midwest and South for more than 40 years, performing in 
schools, theaters and community centers.
  I personally admire Meredith Bixby because his stated goal was, ``to 
present programs that we [that is Meredith and his wife Thyra] thought 
were in good taste.'' This is an element so often missing in theater 
productions of today.
  I want to commend Meredith Bixby for his hard work and dedication. It 
is estimated that in 88 years, he has performed more than 20,000 
marionette plays.

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