10-26-59 Council Meeting Minutes

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D 157 REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 20, 1959 Mayor Voorde introduced Mrs. E. M,. Morris who stated that the Palace Theatre contained many happy memories for the people of South Bend and that it would be a shame to have it torn down to make way for a parking lot. And so, on behalf of her family, she was very happy to present through the South Bend City Council, and to the people of South Bend, the building known as the Palace Theatre to be used as a Civic Auditorium. ORDINANCE NO. 4285 " AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE RECEIPT OF REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS THE PALACE THEATRE PROPERTY FROM THE E. M. MORRIS FOUNDATION, INC. The Ordinance was given first reading by title and second reading in full. Councilman Kroll made a motion for suspension of rules. Councilman Erhardt seconded the motion. Motion carried by a roll call vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays. The Ordinance was then given third reading and passed by a roll call vote of 9 ayes, 0 nays. Councilman Erler made a motion that all Councilmen affix their signatures to the Ordinance. Councilman Glass seconde, the motion. Motion carried.and each Councilman affixed his signature to the Ordinance. Mrs. Morris then presented to the Mayor the deed to the property. Mayor Voorde accepted the deed conveying the Palace Theatre to the City of South Bend and made the following remarks: "Mrs. Morris, Mr. President, Members of the Common Council, Friends: "It has been said that a City is made of of many facets, its schools and parks, its streets, its factories, offices and stores, its government, its community services. These are tangible assets that can be weighed and measured. "But, the most important feature of any city, in my mind, is one that cannot be measured or accurately assessed. This is the people of a community. This is the spirit of a community, as evidenced by the people themselves. "Our wonderful city of South Bend has been blessed with many fine citizens of civic spirit in its long history, but I would venture to say that there are none who have contributed more, in terms of enthusiasm, leadership and generosi than the E. M. Morris family. "Over the years, there has not been a single community activity of any consequence that has not seen a member of this illustrious family in the forefront, whether it has been the late E. M. Mo -'ris, Mrs. Morris, Bob Oare, Mrs. Oare, or members of their organizations. For this, Mrs. Morris, your community is eternally thankful and grateful. "And now, with the gift of the Palace Theatre to the City of South Bend by Mrs. Morris, we see the latest evidence of this civic spirit and this generosity that has so strongly benefited our city. "This theatre, used as a civic auditorium, will serve many purposes and answer a crying community need of long stand In addition to the dramatic and theatrical productions that will be attracted, this facility also can be used to great advantage in accomodating convention groups, other large meetings, musical productions, school affairs and ma many other activities. "Mrs. Morris, on behalf of the City of South Bend, I accept this magnificent contribution with pleasure and pride. We thank you and are proud to call you 'Fellow Citizen' "Now, I would like to respectfully suggesttoithe Com`hission, and strongly recommend to them, that official action be taken immediately to rename this facility the Morris Municipal Auditorium. Thank you" Mayor Voorde then announced that the following had been appointed to serve as the Advisory Commission: Mr. Paul D. Gilbert Dr. Alex Jardine J. Alan MacLean Judd Leighton Aaron Huguenard W. J. Morrow J. Arthur Haley There being no further business to come before the Council, Councilman Hahn made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Kroll seconded the motion. Motion carried and the Regular Meeting of the Common Council adjourned at 8 :29 P.M. ATTEST: CLERK APPROVED: