LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of The Walton
Theatre, to be celebrated on June 14, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality of
life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by its
exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concerns, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the Walton Theatre, to be celebrated at a
community-wide event in Walton, New York, on Saturday, June 14, 2014;
and
WHEREAS, The Walton Theatre held its grand opening on April 21, 1914;
it replaced an earlier building destroyed by fire, which had housed the
village hall, opera house, and fire department; and
WHEREAS, In its early days, this esteemed institution featured lavish
musical and dramatic productions, movies, and circuses; it also hosted
such notable speakers as President Theodore Roosevelt; and
WHEREAS, The Walton Theatre has been a true touchstone of its communi-
ty, hosting numerous class nights, graduations, and other such events
over the years; in addition, it has also been the site of many reunions;
and
WHEREAS, In 1984, the Walton Theatre was placed on the National Regis-
ter of Historical Places in recognition of its distinguished place in
the history of our country; and
WHEREAS, Two years later, a theater restoration group, now known as
the Walton Theatre Preservation Committee, was formed to bring the
venerable building back to its former glory; its extensive and ongoing
improvements include restoring the lobby, replacing the stained glass
windows in the foyer, and installing state-of-the-art equipment to show
first-run movies with modern digital film and sound quality; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to the help of its many volunteers and donors, the
Walton Theatre endures as a centerpiece of community life in the village
of Walton, showcasing the performance arts for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, As the Walton Theatre looks back with great pride to its
beginnings, viewing, with just satisfaction, its successful evolution,
it renews both its dedication to supporting artistic excellence, and its
commitment to the community it has served since 1914, expressing its
appreciation to all those who have helped to sustain and enhance it over
the years; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Walton Theatre; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Walton Theatre.