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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3Representatives are pleased to recognize the 90th anniversary
4of the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb on December 10, 2019; and
 
5    WHEREAS, The historic Egyptian Theatre was constructed in
61929, serving as a marvelous illustration of Art Deco
7architecture inspired by the then-recent discovery of King
8Tut's tomb; the theatre was designed by the famed architectural
9firm Rapp & Rapp, who reigned among the most prolific theatre
10design firms in the nation; the invention and manufacture of
11barbed wire fencing generated a period of great economic
12prosperity for the people of DeKalb, helping to facilitate the
13theatre's creation; and
 
14    WHEREAS, Mere weeks after the infamous stock market crash
15of 1929, the Egyptian Theatre officially opened on December 10,
161929; the theatre served as a venue for vaudeville
17entertainment, additionally featuring movies for attendees to
18enjoy; ever since, the theatre has become ingrained within the
19entertainment industry for its world-class performances and
20has established itself as a staple of Illinois' culture; and
 
21    WHEREAS, With holes in the roof, flooding, and rampant
22deterioration of its classic murals and ornaments, the Egyptian

 

 

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1Theatre was in a state of disrepair through the late 1970s; in
21978, the theatre was at risk of demolition due to the
3deteriorating condition of the historic building; in response,
4a group of dedicated volunteers formed the Preservation of the
5Egyptian Theatre (P.E.T.) on March 1, 1978; just nine months
6later, the building was listed on the National Register of
7Historic Places by the United States Department of the
8Interior; a renovation overhaul ensued, helping to reassert the
9reputation of the theatre; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Throughout its 90 years of existence, the Egyptian
11Theatre has garnered the attention of entertainment seekers
12worldwide; the theatre has welcomed numerous historical
13figures, including Jerry Colonna, Lawrence Welk, Ray Charles,
14George Winston, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie,
15Ramsey Lewis, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Stan Getz, Woody
16Herman, Jay Leno, and John Austin; on October 25, 1959,
17then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy made a campaign
18stop at the theatre while touring Illinois; and
 
19    WHEREAS, Providing both time and labor, P.E.T. volunteers
20continue to dedicate themselves to the preservation of the
21Egyptian Theatre; through P.E.T., the theatre continues to
22thrive as the entertainment pride of the City of DeKalb and
23remains an economic driver for DeKalb businesses; and
 

 

 

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1    WHEREAS, In 2018 the State of Illinois Office of Tourism
2listed the Egyptian Theatre in the Top 20 Architectural
3Treasures in Illinois, largely thanks to P.E.T.'s continued
4dedication; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Since opening its doors in 1929, the Egyptian
6Theatre continues to deliver first-class entertainment to the
7people of Illinois; its iconic architecture, excellence in
8entertainment, and cultural prevalence are substantial
9contributions to the City of DeKalb and State of Illinois;
10therefore, be it
 
11    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
12HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
13we congratulate the members, volunteers, and patrons of The
14Preservation of the Egyptian Theatre on the occasion of the
15Egyptian Theatre's 90th anniversary, and we wish them continued
16success in preserving this historic icon for the enjoyment of
17present and future generations; and be it further
 
18    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
19presented to the P.E.T. Board of Directors as a symbol of our
20esteem and respect.