[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 83 (Monday, May 21, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ROBEY THEATER

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                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 21, 2007

  Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the historic Robey 
Theater, one of the longest continuously operating motion picture 
theaters in the United States. Since its establishment in 1907 as the 
Dreamland Theater, it has been central to the lives of the citizens of 
Spencer, WV. The theatre actually changed locations 4 times across Main 
Street during its first decade.
  When it first opened, the Robey family had to run movies as many as 6 
times a night to meet demand. The facility mixed live theater with 
silent pictures by putting scenery around the screen.
  Even remodeling couldn't keep the theater from entertaining locals. 
Upon refurbishment in 1926, Mr. Robey moved the screen to a local 
school field and created a `tentorium.' The movie star Little Jackie 
``Hoo'' Ray performed at this event. Later that year, the theater 
hosted Congressman Harry Woodyard to celebrate its grand reopening.
  Robey Theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places 
in 1989. Despite numerous technological updates and the addition of new 
releases to the theaters' showings, the theatre remains a small 
intimate setting to watch a movie, just as it was 100 years ago.
  I join with the residents of Spencer and Roane County to recognize 
the Robey Theater for its 100 years of service.

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