[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 131 (Tuesday, October 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO THE TIBBITS OPERA HOUSE OF JACKSON, MICHIGAN

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                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2002

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I 
rise to recognize the Tibbits Opera House, in Coldwater, MI, which 
celebrated its 120th anniversary on September 21, 2002. Having opened 
in 1882, the Tibbits is one of Michigan's oldest theaters. Built for a 
cost of $25,000, the Tibbits was one of the finest opera houses of its 
day.
  Through the years, the Tibbits has provided the residents of 
Michigan's seventh district with a wide range of entertainment 
offerings: hosting operas, plays, wrestling matches, silent pictures 
and movies. Famous acts like John Phillip Sousa and his band, Guy 
Lombardo, the Glen Miller Orchestra and Buffalo Bill and his Cowboys 
all performed on its stage.
  Fellow Representatives, I am happy to report that after all this 
time, the Tibbits is still going strong, thanks to the Tibbits Opera 
House Foundation and Arts Council, which purchased the theater in 1963. 
Every year, thousands of people flock to the Tibbits to see plays like 
Camelot, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, A Connecticut Yankee, and A Grand 
Night for Singing. In addition, the Tibbits offers programs for 
children, professional touring musicians, and art exhibitions, and also 
plays host to a variety of community activities.
  The Tibbits is a community landmark and an important piece of our 
country's rich theatrical heritage. It is a testament to the residents 
of Coldwater that it has been preserved for 120 years, and continues to 
thrive.

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