[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1073]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1073]]
   MINNESOTA'S HISTORIC OLD LOG THEATER MARKS RECORD RUN OF 65 YEARS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM RAMSTAD

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 24, 2005

  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a historic 
Minnesota and national treasure, the Old Log Theater.
  The Old Log is a pioneering lighthouse in the history of theater in 
our Nation, located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Greenwood, next 
to Excelsior, Minnesota.
  Just as Lake Minnetonka for generations has been a powerful 
attraction for visitors from all over the world trying to escape the 
summer heat, the rich tradition of the Old Log Theater has been a 
magnet for theater fans around the globe.
  On June 9th, the Old Log Theater will celebrate its 65th anniversary, 
a truly remarkable accomplishment that is most deserving of special 
recognition.
  Mr. Speaker, the Old Log Theater, under the visionary guidance of Don 
Stolz, is the Nation's oldest, continuously running professional 
theater.
  Don is largely responsible for the Old Log's legendary 65-year run.
  He has worn every hat: producer, artistic director, company member, 
ticket seller, public address announcer, theater host and many more.
  Don's distinguished presence, the great respect he enjoys in the 
community and the profession, and his wonderful sense of humor have as 
much to do with the success of the Old Log as any other factor.
  The enduring legacy of this great theater is that, at its roots, the 
Old Log is a family affair. Don, his wife, Joan, and their sons, Tim, 
Tom, Dony, John and Peter, have acted as a team, filling every role.
  And author and public relations manager Bob Williams is really a 
member of the Stolz family, too.
  Originally opened in the spring of 1940 as a summer stock company in 
a log stable, the Old Log has entertained over 6 million patrons over 
the past six and a half decades.
  In 1960, a new theater opened and the Old Log started running year-
round its stable of the best in contemporary comedies from Broadway and 
London's West End.
  Theater buffs can find some of the best comedic talent in the country 
in the Old Log's resident company of Equity actors.
  Famous stars too numerous to mention have started their careers at 
the Old Log. Radio and TV personalities have graced its stage year 
after year.
  But those of us who have been in the audience--and we come back time 
and again!--have been graced the most by the continuing excellence of 
the Old Log.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Don Stolz and the Stolz 
family on the 65th anniversary of the Old Log Theater.

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