HR0596 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0596 LRB101 15217 MST 64381 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize the 90th anniversary of the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb on December 10, 2019; and

WHEREAS, The historic Egyptian Theatre was constructed in 1929, serving as a marvelous illustration of Art Deco architecture inspired by the then-recent discovery of King Tut's tomb; the theatre was designed by the famed architectural firm Rapp & Rapp, who reigned among the most prolific theatre design firms in the nation; the invention and manufacture of barbed wire fencing generated a period of great economic prosperity for the people of DeKalb, helping to facilitate the theatre's creation; and

WHEREAS, Mere weeks after the infamous stock market crash of 1929, the Egyptian Theatre officially opened on December 10, 1929; the theatre served as a venue for vaudeville entertainment, additionally featuring movies for attendees to enjoy; ever since, the theatre has become ingrained within the entertainment industry for its world-class performances and has established itself as a staple of Illinois' culture; and

WHEREAS, With holes in the roof, flooding, and rampant deterioration of its classic murals and ornaments, the Egyptian Theatre was in a state of disrepair through the late 1970s; in 1978, the theatre was at risk of demolition due to the deteriorating condition of the historic building; in response, a group of dedicated volunteers formed the Preservation of the Egyptian Theatre (P.E.T.) on March 1, 1978; just nine months later, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior; a renovation overhaul ensued, helping to reassert the reputation of the theatre; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its 90 years of existence, the Egyptian Theatre has garnered the attention of entertainment seekers worldwide; the theatre has welcomed numerous historical figures, including Jerry Colonna, Lawrence Welk, Ray Charles, George Winston, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, Ramsey Lewis, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Stan Getz, Woody Herman, Jay Leno, and John Austin; on October 25, 1959, then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy made a campaign stop at the theatre while touring Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Providing both time and labor, P.E.T. volunteers continue to dedicate themselves to the preservation of the Egyptian Theatre; through P.E.T., the theatre continues to thrive as the entertainment pride of the City of DeKalb and remains an economic driver for DeKalb businesses; and

WHEREAS, In 2018 the State of Illinois Office of Tourism listed the Egyptian Theatre in the Top 20 Architectural Treasures in Illinois, largely thanks to P.E.T.'s continued dedication; and

WHEREAS, Since opening its doors in 1929, the Egyptian Theatre continues to deliver first-class entertainment to the people of Illinois; its iconic architecture, excellence in entertainment, and cultural prevalence are substantial contributions to the City of DeKalb and State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the members, volunteers, and patrons of The Preservation of the Egyptian Theatre on the occasion of the Egyptian Theatre's 90th anniversary, and we wish them continued success in preserving this historic icon for the enjoyment of present and future generations; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the P.E.T. Board of Directors as a symbol of our esteem and respect.