[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E935]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF JOANN DITMER

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                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 24, 2002

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Joanne Ditmer on being awarded the prestigious Dana Crawford Award for 
Excellence in Historic Preservation. The award is named after Dana 
Crawford who has been a pioneer in historic preservation since the 
1960s. I join all Coloradans today in thanking Ms. Ditmer for her many 
invaluable contributions to historic preservation in our state.
  Joanne Ditmer is a salient example of the power of the written word. 
Since her colunm, ``Raising the Roof'' began appearing in The Denver 
Post in 1962, Joanne Ditmer has used that forum to highlight the 
importance of preserving Colorado's history for future generations. 
Without question, she has been an integral part in raising awareness 
about conservation and preservation-related causes. For over 40 years, 
the general public and elected officials alike have turned to Ms. 
Ditmer's column as a gauge for Colorado's conservation climate.
  She is a respected columnist and a tireless advocate for preserving 
our unique Colorado history. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join 
me in congratulating Ms. Ditmer on receiving the Dana Crawford Award 
for Excellence in Historic Preservation. Her accomplishments in 
preserving Colorado heritage are invaluable, and I wish her good health 
and happiness in the future. Provided here is an example of her passion 
and prose on preservation, from the Denver Post.

                    Bringing Life to Old Structures

                           (By Joanne Ditmer)

       Sunday, May 19, 2002.--Historic preservation was born in 
     the Battle of the Bulldozer. The wrecking ball was a 
     demolition derby against buildings of Colorado's past, as 
     horrified citizens struggled to keep the historic structures 
     that define a community's soul and spirit.
       Three decades later, it's Brains over Brawn. Savvy people 
     craft increasingly ingenious new ways to save and give new 
     life to distinctive old buildings.
       These memories particularly surface in May, National 
     Historic Preservation Month. In Denver and other communities, 
     the sense of place and unique character is shown in historic 
     structures.
       The impact of preservation goes far beyond saving old 
     buildings. It's the immediacy and liveliness of the efforts. 
     In Colorado, the Historic Gaming Fund, with money from 
     proceeds in the three gambling towns, is inspiring 
     imaginative solutions.
       And Colorado Preservation Inc.'s annual list of Endangered 
     Places brings new attention to significant structures that 
     are endangered.
       Among the continuing efforts:
       When Historic Denver undertook saving the Paramount Theatre 
     in 1978 and formed a separate foundation to continue the 
     work, it saved the last of Denver's opulent downtown movie 
     palaces.
       Years later, when a bank called a loan, HD couldn't 
     immediately repay. Ownership went to a private individual and 
     another non-profit foundation was formed. Now there are two 
     petitions on the street: One would prohibit any new theater 
     of more than 5,000 seats--presumably aimed at the tent 
     theater by the Pepsi Center--and another, possibly 
     retaliatory petition demanding that the Paramount owner put 
     in $600,000 of improvements. A pox on both.
       Handsome church buildings are the most memorable landmarks 
     of a neighborhood, but when older areas change and church 
     members move to the suburbs, the support dries up.
       Faith Action was formed by Historic Denver and others to 
     help find funds and uses for 30 of the most threatened 
     churches, the majority of them more than 100 years old. Look 
     down the 16th Street Mall toward Highlands, and you'll see 
     the beautiful 1890 Asbury Church. A new congregation numbers 
     only a couple dozen, and can't afford upkeep. Some practical 
     help came from Ron Judish, who moved his contemporary art 
     gallery to the lower floor.
       The Masons have given Denver some marvelous buildings, but 
     these, too, face problems. The wonderful El Jebel at 1770 
     Sherman St., with its absolutely amazing interior spaces, has 
     been endangered in recent years. Current hopes lie with the 
     new owners, who are working to support the building through 
     special events--parties, weddings, etc.--and through a high-
     rise condominium building to be constructed next door on the 
     parking lot.
       Preservation efforts of schools are among the most 
     optimistic. Historic Denver and Denver Public Schools formed 
     a partnership program, with a community committee finding 56 
     school buildings eligible for landmark designation.
       The City Council has designated 23 schools so far. In each 
     school, students in second to 12th grades do the research on 
     the history and architecture, and present the nomination. 
     Some 500 kids have been involved, making scrapbooks, videos 
     and school models. That's certainly bringing new life to old 
     buildings.

     

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