LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Town
Hall Theater on September 24, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay trib-
ute to those cultural institutions whose commitment to promoting the
richness and diversity of the arts and entertainment world has contrib-
uted to the strength, vitality, and cultural enrichment of their commu-
nities 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 proud to commemorate the
25th Anniversary of the Town Hall Theater on Thursday, September 24,
2015, in Lowville, New York; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated
with a Red Carpet event culminating with a showing of the theater's
first ever movie, "Home Alone"; and
WHEREAS, With a long and distinguished tradition of service to the
Lowville community, the Town Hall Theater was originally constructed
over a century ago as a combination theater and office building; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Town Hall Theater served as an Opera House, a
USO Club and a Silent Movie House before becoming the Village of
Lowville's main theater in 1948; and
WHEREAS, In 1949, this remarkable historic landmark was purchased by
motion picture pioneer Earnest J. Wolfe, who hired the well-known archi-
tect, Michael J. De Angelis, to conduct an extensive remodeling; the
grand re-opening later that year was a success, and the cinema was
heralded as the most outstanding and beautiful theater in Northern New
York; and
WHEREAS, Nick and Rena Giannocous purchased the Town Hall Theater from
the Wolfe family in 1957, and continued to operate at the movie house
for 33 years; and
WHEREAS, In 1990, the Giannocous family sold the Town Hall Theater to
Patrick and Patricia O'Brien, who, together with their daughters, Racha-
el and Katherine, have skillfully provided an outstanding cinematic
experience for the Lowville community for the past 25 years; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Town Hall Theater features a spacious viewing area
with 687 seats and a 17 by 34 foot movie screen; in addition, fluores-
cent-lighted murals and sculptures created by Belgian artist Oscar Gias
during the 1940s depict historic scenes from the region's rich history;
and
WHEREAS, A vital part of the fabric of its community, the Town Hall
Theater uses a state-of-the-art digital projector, and often screens
movies made by local filmmakers in its efforts to serve as a unique
resource for Lowville residents and the surrounding areas; and
WHEREAS, The arts are the building blocks of civilization; they are
central to human expression; they enlighten us and inspire the imagina-
tion; educational institutions, individuals, and organizations which
further such worthy purposes richly merit the recognition and appreci-
ation of this Legislative Body and the people of the State of New York;
and
WHEREAS, As the Town Hall Theater looks back with great pride at its
beginnings, it renews both its dedication to supporting artistic excel-
lence, and its commitment to the community it has served, 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 25th Anniversary of the Town Hall Theater on September
24, 2015; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the O'Brien family.