[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E413-E414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE ROOSTERTAIL AND MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS OF CREATING 
                          MEMORIES AND STORIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2016

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Tom and Diane 
Schoenith who today are observing fifty years of memories, 
entertainment and stories at their beloved Roostertail, a well-known 
institution in Southeast Michigan for gathering people of all walks of 
life for performances, concerts, celebrations, remembrances, rituals 
and traditions. Unique, colorful and with a special style carrying this 
couple through the decades, Tom and Diane have distinctive personas 
combined with big hearts and caring souls that have made them a 
memorable part of Detroit's and Michigan's history.
  Since its opening in 1958, the Roostertail became a gathering place 
for people to celebrate important occasions; events of all kinds that 
created incredible memories as people gathered for concerts, boat 
races, premieres, charity events, nightclub evenings, weddings, 
anniversaries, galas, jubilees, birthdays, elections, solemn moments . 
. . special occasions of all kinds. People from the region and the

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country gathered at this beautiful venue located on the Detroit River 
off of Jefferson Avenue in the City of Detroit. Governors, mayors, 
local officials, celebrities, business leaders and community members 
looked forward to the occasions being feted or the evening out. When 
first founded, it was a happening place, and its path would follow the 
peaks and valleys that the region itself has experienced over the 
years.
  The Roostertail has witnessed the history of the region and has been 
the scene of many firsts, including the opening night for the Supremes 
and Bobby Darin. The venue has also hosted many of the greats over the 
years such as Tony Bennett, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, and 
Aretha Franklin. From the beginning, everyone was welcome through their 
doors, and they gave a helping hand to many who just needed someone to 
care or believe. In the 60's, when the Motown sound was just beginning, 
they created Motown Mondays which starred the Temptations, Marvalettes, 
Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Martha Reeves, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson 
and the Spinners among many others. Tom and Diane helped to break down 
barriers during the civil rights era, making it clear there was always 
a place there for those who needed it and providing the platform for 
those who needed a simple break.
  Tom and Diane Schoenith, the owners of the Roostertail, have lived 
through the ups and downs of Detroit and Southeast Michigan and never 
doubted, gave up or quit. Whether it was the riots, recession, or 
bankruptcy, or the rise of Motown, Motor City, and the ebbs and flows 
of the American middle class, they have witnessed it all. After the 
Detroit Riots in 1968, people were afraid to come into downtown 
Detroit. Tom and Diane knew they had to help bring them back and bring 
their customer base back as well. They organized parties with 
performers everyone knew and drew people back. The young people came--
and others followed.
  Beyond the memories and moments of the Roostertail itself, Tom and 
Diane have also planned and led many events and parties over the years. 
Many were colorful, vibrant and flashy--unique and one of a kind. Tom 
and Diane have been the first call for many of the most prominent non-
profits and cultural institutions in Metro Detroit, helping the DIA, 
WTVS, the Children's Hospital of Michigan, the Detroit Symphony Opera, 
Gleaners, the Salvation Army, and the NAACP. These groups and more owe 
a thank you to Tom and Diane for their creativity, memory creating 
events and dedication to our community over the years.
  Tom is a member of Detroit's Schoenith family, well known for decades 
for being successful, interesting and sometimes controversial. His twin 
Jerry is well known for American boat racing with hydroplanes. 
Together--they are a part of Michigan's unique history.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Tom and 
Diane Schoenith and the Roostertail as they celebrate this evening. It 
is my sincere hope that they will continue to bring smiles for many 
years to come.

                          ____________________