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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Pat Molak and Mary Jane Nalley are celebrating four |
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decades of ownership of historic Gruene Hall in May 2015, and this |
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milestone presents a welcome opportunity to recognize that beloved |
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institution; and |
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WHEREAS, The long and illustrious history of Gruene Hall |
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began in 1878, when its founder, Henry D. Gruene, first opened the |
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establishment; the 6,000-square-foot hall quickly became popular |
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with local residents, who gathered at the hall for weekly dances and |
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a range of community events; and |
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WHEREAS, Gruene Hall was added to the National Register of |
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Historic Places in 1975, and soon thereafter, Pat Molak and Mary |
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Jane Nalley bought it and several surrounding buildings in hopes of |
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revitalizing the town; over the decades, the proprietors have |
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transformed the hall into a world-class music venue by featuring a |
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broad spectrum of up-and-coming and established musical acts, |
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including George Strait, Lyle Lovett, Little Richard, Merle |
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Haggard, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, the Dixie Chicks, and Doug |
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Miller and the Rhythm Ryders; and |
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WHEREAS, Today, Gruene Hall is one of the oldest continuously |
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operating dance halls in the state, and it is a popular destination |
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for local residents as well as visitors from around the globe; |
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illuminated by the neon glow of vintage advertising signs, |
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photographs of the hundreds of prominent country artists who have |
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graced the stage adorn the walls, chronicling the venue's rich |
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legacy; nearly every night of the year, live bands take the stage, |
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furthering a proud heritage that has spanned nearly 140 years; and |
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WHEREAS, Steeped in tradition, yet as lively and fun as ever, |
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Gruene Hall is one of the Lone Star State's most cherished musical |
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treasures, and it is indeed a pleasure to recognize its owners for |
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their significant contributions to the cultural vitality of Texas; |
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now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas |
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Legislature hereby congratulate Pat Molak and Mary Jane Nalley on |
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their 40th anniversary as owners of Gruene Hall and extend to them |
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sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Mr. Molak and Ms. Nalley as an expression of high |
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regard by the Texas House of Representatives. |