[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE FITZGERALD THEATER'S CENTENNIAL SEASON AND ITS 
         PLACEMENT IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2010

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the 
centennial season of the Fitzgerald Theater, located in downtown Saint 
Paul, Minnesota. On September 18th, 2010, Minnesota Public Radio, which 
owns the theater, will celebrate the 100th season of ``the Fitz,'' as 
it is affectionately known, and commemorate its placement on the 
National Register of Historic Places.
  Originally called the Sam S. Schubert Theater when it opened in 
August 1910, this theater has long served as a cultural center for the 
many visitors and residents of Saint Paul. In 1910, a young Saint Paul 
resident named F. Scott Fitzgerald was only 14 years old and yet to 
author the great American novel, ``The Great Gatsby.''
  Eighty-four years later, another great artist and resident of Saint 
Paul, Garrison Keillor, led the charge to rename the theater in honor 
of F. Scott Fitzgerald and his role in American letters. And thus, in 
1994, what began as the Schubert was reborn as the Fitzgerald Theater. 
Now, at 100 years old, the building is the oldest surviving theater 
space in Saint Paul and is a cultural landmark for the state of 
Minnesota.
  The 1,000-seat theater continues to serve and strengthen regional and 
national communities as Minnesota Public Radio's largest broadcast 
studio. The Fitzgerald Theater is also home to the nationally-broadcast 
radio show, A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor. More than 
100 years after its opening night, the Fitzgerald Theater continues to 
evolve, while maintaining its commitment to compelling performances, 
live radio shows, and a legacy of significant literary programming.
  Without any doubt, the Fitzgerald Theater has contributed a century's 
worth of memories, ideas, and insights to Saint Paul and the national 
cultural and literary community. The Fitzgerald will thrive into the 
21st century, playing a critical role for future generations in 
bringing ideas and information in the areas of news, culture, 
literature, and music to a broad audience, both in Saint Paul, 
Minnesota and nationwide.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the centennial 
season of the Fitzgerald Theater and its contributions to the rich 
history and culture of the city of Saint Paul and the state of 
Minnesota.

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