HR1313 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1313 LRB096 22515 KXB 41813 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the volunteers, staff, and patrons of the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Center; and

WHEREAS, On April 18, 1985, the purchase of the building located at 4626 N. Knox Avenue in Chicago, was completed; the building had, at one time, been a grammar school and Mayfair Junior College; and

WHEREAS, The April 18th date coincided with the anniversary of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, a warning to American colonists that "the British are coming"; and

WHEREAS, Over the last 25 years, the Center has become home to an Art Gallery, a Library, a Museum, and two Theatres; the Center is home to additional rooms that are available for larger events, including the Fifth Province and the Erin Ballroom; and

WHEREAS, The building underwent extensive repairs and restoration with the help of Hugh O'Hara and the Shamrock American Club, and the Irish Fellowship Club members under Martin J. Healy; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Center illustrates the Irish proverb "There is not strength until we work together"; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate everyone involved in the Irish American Heritage Center and wish them the best for the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Tim McDonnell, Executive Director of the Irish American Heritage Center, as a symbol of our respect and esteem.