[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31819]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 IN CELEBRATION OF THE RE-OPENING OF THE MARTIN WOLDSON THEATER AT THE 
                       FOX IN SPOKANE, WASHINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2007

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a 
historic landmark in Spokane, Washington--the Martin Woldson Theater at 
the Fox. On Saturday, November 17th the Martin Woldson Theater will 
roll out the red carpet and re-open its doors after undergoing a multi-
year renovation. Through the efforts of our community, the Martin 
Woldson Theater has come to symbolize the importance of restoration and 
our commitment to revitalize downtown Spokane.
  On September 3, 1931 when the Fox opened its doors for the first 
time, it became an instant attraction for theater goers in Spokane and 
an important part of the downtown community. It opened to a sold-out 
crowd of 1,400 who came to see not only the beautiful new theater but 
also the love story ``Merely Mary Ann.''
  The Fox was designed by noted Seattle architect Robert Reamer with 
the interior design by Anthony Heinsbergen. The auditorium, lobby, and 
mezzanine murals created the illusions of undersea worlds and forest 
canopies. It remains the only large Art Deco theater north of San 
Francisco.
  The Fox Theater was in constant operation as a movie and performance 
theater for nearly 70 years. The theater closed its doors on Thursday, 
September 21, 2000 after a showing of the movie ``Gladiator.''
  Thanks to the tireless efforts of our Spokane Community, the Spokane 
Symphony will now call the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox home. They 
will use the facility for their performances but the theater will also 
attract regional and national arts groups and performers.
  I also want to recognize Miss Myrtle Woldson for her inaugural gift 
that helped make possible the re-opening of the Theater. It is only 
fitting that the theater be named for her father, Martin Woldson, whose 
pioneering spirit lives on in the Pacific Northwest.
  Madam Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
re-opening of the Fox Theater. What a thrill it will be to enjoy all it 
has to offer and I hope my colleagues will visit Spokane to see this 
magnificent piece of history.

                          ____________________