[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 4559-4560]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               80TH ANNIVERSARY OF OROVILLE STATE THEATER

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                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 31, 2008

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Madam Speaker, today I wish to join with the City of 
Oroville, California, in celebrating the 80th anniversary of the 
Oroville State Theater.
  Dedicated on April 7, 1928, the Oroville State Theater has served as 
an integral part of downtown Oroville. Designed by Timothy L. Pflueger, 
one of the leading architects of the 1920s, the facility is now 
recognized in the National Historical Register.
  The theater was originally designed for fine vaudeville acts and 
films. It was one of the last ``Movie Palaces'' built for both live and 
film entertainment. Although movies became the main staple, live 
performances, talent shows, war bond drives, and school graduations 
continued to take place within the theater.
  The Oroville State Theater underwent significant remodeling at the 
direction of United Artists. Much of the theater's original 1928 
architectural details, including the magnificent flag sign and marquee, 
were either removed or covered. In 1986, United Artists notified the 
city of its intent to close and sell the theater. Rather than have a 
vacant building downtown, the city viewed the pending closure as an 
opportunity to fill a longstanding need for a community performance 
center.
  Since 1986, the Oroville State Theater has undergone a significant 
renovation with the goal of returning the facility to its original 1928 
operating condition. Subsequently, these renovations have brought back 
some of the building's most interesting visual features, including the 
facade along Myers Street. The extensive improvements have occurred 
because of strong support by volunteers, business and community 
organizations.
  On April 5, 2008, we will all celebrate the theater's 80th 
anniversary with an event that will replicate much of the program from 
its original ``Grand Opening,'' including a silent movie with live 
theater organ accompaniment. Without question, the community support of 
the Oroville State Theater continues to be the backbone of this 
longstanding community tradition. With the efforts put forth by so 
many, they have ensured that the curtain will not fall for their 
theater, but usher in a new era of theatrical performances.

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