HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8871INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
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To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBJECT: Cowtown Coliseum Centennial Celebration
No. 8871
August 28, 2007
As an update to the City Council, the Cowtown Coliseum will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of its
dedication on October 6, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. The Coliseum was dedicated on October 3, 1907, and
completed in 88 working days. It opened on March 11, 1908, at a cost of $250,000. It was
reported in The Telearam on October 4, 1907, to be one of the largest enterprises undertaken in
the Southwest. The City of Fort Worth purchased the facility in 1936.
Proclamations:
Proclamations will be requested from the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, State of Texas and
United States. It is anticipated that Councilmember Sal Espino will present the proclamation on
behalf of Fort Worth City Council and Commissioner J.D. Johnson will present on behalf of Tarrant
County.
Commemorative Book:
CT�vo books are being published on the history of the Coliseum by Billy Joe Gabriel. The first will be
__ paperback available at the Centennial Celebration. The other version, a traditional history book,
will be available at the Centennial Festivities in 2008. Some funding for the endeavor has been
provided by Rodeo Plaza, Inc., as well as through advertising of the paperback version.
Commemorative Poster:
Buck Taylor (known by many as Newly on Gunsmoke) is an artist dedicated to preserving the
heritage of the American West. Mr. Taylor is designing a poster to commemorate the Cowtown
Coliseum's Centennial.
Cornerstone:
On the morning of October 3, 1907, the red Texas granite cornerstone was set "with corn, wine and
oil" and dedicated with a Masonic ceremony officiated by the Grand Lodge of Texas. In celebration
of the 100th Anniversary of the dedication of the Cowtown Coliseum, the building will be rededicated
on October 6, 2007. A Masonic ceremony will be conducted by the Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of Texas. A brass plaque will be affixed to the east side of the cornerstone commemorating
the original dedication and the rededication.
Time Capsule:
During the planning stages of the Centennial Celebration, a reference was discovered in The
Teleqram to a tin box that had been placed behind the cornerstone in 1907. The presence and
exact location of the box was confirmed by x-rays. A master stone mason, Charles Carruthers, has
���lunteered his services to remove the box for inspection and to replace a new time capsule. The
�x will be accessed through the inside wall of the gift shop and the cornerstone will not be
disturbed.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBJECT: Cowtown Coliseum Centennial Celebration
No. 8871
August 28, 2007
The box will be removed in the presence of the Centennial Committee under the direction of Tom
Kellum, Fort Worth Public Library. The contents will be inventoried and placed in safekeeping for
viewing at the Celebration. The opening will be video recorded. The preservation of the contents
will be proposed once the condition of the contents have been determined.
The Centennial Committee has requested a grant from the Fort Worth Promotion and Development
Fund to purchase a new time capsule. The Committee will also propose a list of contents to be
placed in the new capsule and sealed behind the cornerstone to be reopened in 50 years. The
contents will be submitted for approval by the Fort Worth City Manager's Office in consultation with
the Mayor's office.
Wall of Fame:
Clara Ruddell has spearheaded the effort to obtain photographs of celebrities, athletes and VIP's
that have performed, competed or appeared in the Coliseum during its 100 year history. The Wall
fr�ame will be unveiled on October 6, 2007 and will include Bill Pickett, Bob Wills, Bob Hope,
L- , is Day, President Teddy Roosevelt, Enrico Caruso, Madame Geraldine Farrar, Chief Quanah
Parker, Samuel "Booger Red" Previtt, Elvis Presley, Paul Whitman, Ken Maynard, Les Brown and
many of the old time rodeo stars, Tad Lucas and Ruth Roach among others.
Celebration Ceremonies:
The agenda is being developed, however, the activities will begin with a Building Dedication by
Masonic Ceremony and brief words by local officials and VIP's. The celebration will also include
the unveiling of the Wall of Fame, sealing of the time capsule and a reception with music, and
refreshments.
Staff wanted the City Council to be aware of the planned activities of the 100th Anniversary of the
Cowtown Coliseum. Should you have any questions,
Assistant Director, Public Events at 817-392-2502.
,
Cha le . B ell
City Manager
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please feel free to contact Betty Tanner,
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS