TITLE: Recognizing the Aztec Theater in Eagle Pass for its contribution to that city's cultural heritage.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the Aztec Theater in Eagle Pass for its contribution to that city's cultural heritage.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Many generations of Eagle Pass residents visited the beautiful Aztec Theater during its long history; and WHEREAS, Constructed in 1915 by Hungarian immigrant Sam Schwartz, the Aztec is considered the first documented theater in the Mayan Revival style, which embraced pre-Columbian decorative themes; it was designed by architect Leonard F. Seed, who also served as contractor; and WHEREAS, The theater initially offered silent movies and vaudeville acts, charging ten cents for adults and five for children; in 1929, the Aztec was one of the first venues in the border region to screen The Jazz Singer,a milestone production featuring recorded dialogue; and WHEREAS, Sam Schwartz ranked as the oldest independent theater owner in Texas at the time of his death in 1969; the Aztec continued to operate under the management of his son, Arnold I. Schwartz, and his son-in-law, Lloyd T. Munter, until 1982; subsequent generations of the family utilized the space for a law office and for periodic events; and WHEREAS, An example of a distinctive architectural era, the Aztec Theater has captured the imagination of innumerable Texans, and it holds a host of memories for local cinephiles and the many residents who have attended programs in this notable building; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby recognize the historic Aztec Theater in Eagle Pass for its long-standing contribution to that city's cultural heritage. Nev rez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 813 was adopted by the House on March 12, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House