[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 12, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CELEBRATING THE GRANADA THEATER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 12, 2008

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Granada Theater 
located in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, as the community celebrates its 70th 
anniversary.
  The Granada Theater was designed in 1937 by the Boller Brothers and 
was recently reopened to the public with a weekend long celebration. 
Many wonderful memories were shared by community members who recalled 
the original theater and several great movie classics. The announcement 
that Pearl Harbor had been attacked and the first air conditioning 
system in the theater were among many unforgettable memories. However, 
one of the greatest memories that will be shared for years to come was 
created that night with the relighting of the marquee.
  Countless hours of hard work and dedication from community members, 
along with local businesses, came together to make this celebration 
possible. Along with the memories shared there were theatrical 
performances, and the first movie was shown in the renovated theater. 
The renovated theater is intended to be used for other community 
events, such as dinner theaters and wedding receptions.
  I am pleased to congratulate the Granada Theater on its 70th 
anniversary celebration.

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