Senate Resolution No. 2440

BY: Senator AKSHAR

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Broome
County Forum Theatre

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those cultural institutions and organizations whose
commitment to promoting the richness and diversity of the arts and
entertainment world has contributed to the strength, vitality, and
cultural enrichment of their communities and the great State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Broome County Forum Theatre;
and

WHEREAS, In 1919, the City of Binghamton was experiencing a boom in
theater construction and renovation; Herbert Brewster was selected to
design and construct a $150,000, 1,800-seat facility, which was begun in
May of that year; and

WHEREAS, Later, the theater opened its doors to the public for the
first time as a premier venue for vaudeville acts, concerts, community
events and moving picture shows; and

WHEREAS, During the Great Depression, the theater closed in 1931;
however, it was reopened 14 years later as a movie house; and

WHEREAS, In 1960, the theater was thoroughly renovated and reopened
as the Capri Theatre; in 1975, it was once again renovated and this
time, it reopened as the Broome County Forum Theatre (The Forum); and

WHEREAS, In 2008, the building was listed on the National Register
of Historic Places, and in 2014, bronze stars honoring local celebrities
were refurbished and relocated to the Forum lobby where they are on
permanent exhibit; and

WHEREAS, Today, The Forum continues to thrive as a center of arts
and entertainment for the Greater Binghamton area; it is home to
Broadway In Binghamton, the Tri-Cities Opera, and the Binghamton
Philharmonic; in addition, it houses a Robert Morton Theatre Organ, and
hosts a wide variety of other events including concerts, comedians,
conventions, talent competitions, and recitals; and

WHEREAS, The arts are the building blocks of civilization; they are
central to human expression; they enlighten us and inspire the
imagination; educational institutions, individuals, and organizations
which further such worthy purposes richly merit the recognition and
appreciation of this Legislative Body and the people of the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, As the Broome County Forum 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
1919, 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 Broome County Forum Theatre;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Broome County Forum Theatre.