NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1961 SESSION

 

 

RESOLUTION 59

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 335

 

 

A JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE AT FLAT ROCK, NORTH CAROLINA, AS THE STATE THEATER OF NORTH CAROLINA.

 

WHEREAS, in 1940 the Vagabond Players, a theatrical group from the State of New York, converted a hundred‑year‑old grist mill into the Old Mill Playhouse at Highland Lake, Flat Rock, North Carolina, to establish successfully the State's first professional summer theater; and

WHEREAS, during World War II, the Vagabond Players were disbanded but were reorganized in 1948 to continue theatrical productions at Flat Rock, North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, in 1952, the Vagabond Players were reorganized under the direction of a regional board of directors from the Carolinas and developed into a nonprofit, educational and cultural corporation; and

WHEREAS, the present Vagabond School and Playhouse is located at Flat Rock, Henderson County, North Carolina, and is situated in the heart of the vacation land of Western North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, patrons from all fifty states and some foreign countries attend performances of the Flat Rock Playhouse during its theatrical season; and

WHEREAS, the Vagabond Players of the Flat Rock Playhouse rank as one of the best summer stock companies of our country; and

WHEREAS, the Vagabond School of Drama, under the direction of a regional board of directors, operates a summer school at the Flat Rock Playhouse; and

WHEREAS, in conjunction with the School of Drama, a professional theater is operated for a minimum of ten weeks during the summer months at the Flat Rock Playhouse; and

WHEREAS, the Flat Rock Playhouse is one of the oldest summer attractions in the State and is the second most popular summer attraction in North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, the Flat Rock Playhouse produces a minimum of ten plays in the State of North Carolina during the summer theatrical season; and

WHEREAS, for no monetary consideration, the Flat Rock Playhouse promises to further and assist the State of North Carolina in its work of advertising and promoting the educational, cultural and economic interests of the State, and in attracting and encouraging people from other states and countries to visit the State where so many shrines and historical sites are located; and

WHEREAS, the General Assembly of North Carolina at its 1959 Session recognized the Flat Rock Playhouse as the Western North Carolina Theater; and

WHEREAS, the General Assembly wishes to recognize the Flat Rock Playhouse for its contribution over a period of twenty‑two years to the cultural life of this State by recognizing it as the State Theater of North Carolina:

 

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

 

Section 1.  The General Assembly of North Carolina hereby recognizes the contributions made by the Flat Rock Playhouse over a period of twenty‑two years to the cultural life of this State.

Sec. 2.  The General Assembly of North Carolina hereby recognizes the Flat Rock Playhouse at Flat Rock, North Carolina, as the State Theater of North Carolina.

Sec. 3.  This Resolution shall not be interpreted as placing any financial obligation on the State of North Carolina towards the support in any manner of the Flat Rock Playhouse.

Sec. 4.  Nothing herein shall be construed to discourage further promotion and development of drama and theatrical undertaking in this State and to earn similar recognition to that granted herein.

Sec. 5.  A copy of this Resolution, duly certified by the Secretary of State upon its adoption, shall be forwarded to the Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock, North Carolina.

Sec. 6.  This Resolution shall become effective upon its adoption.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 17th day of June, 1961.