[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 146 (Wednesday, October 14, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        MEREDITH BIXBY DONATION

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Meredith 
Bixby of Saline, Michigan. Mr. Bixby is the father of the Meredith 
Marionettes Touring Company and is donating his collection of 
marionette puppets to the Saline Culture and Commerce Center for 
permanent exhibit.
  For more than forty years, Mr. Bixby toured with his Meredith 
Marionettes Touring Company across the Midwest and South staging shows 
in schools, theaters, and community centers. Each year nearly a quarter 
of a million children enjoyed the marionette magic Mr. Bixby brought to 
them.
  Mr. Bixby has been a leader in puppeteering for nearly five decades. 
He is affectionately known as the ``Master of the Marionettes'' and 
built his own marionettes and produced many original shows. He is also 
one of the original founding members of The Puppeteers of America, 
which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.
  This permanent exhibit is a cooperative effort of the Michigan 
Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the City of Saline, the Bixby 
Project Group, and Saline Area Chamber of Commerce. This exhibit will 
preserve the memory of Meredith Bixby's work and educate new 
generations of children of the art and entertainment of marionettes.
  I once again congratulate Meredith Bixby for his years of providing 
quality entertainment and the gracious donation of his collection to 
the community of Saline.

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