Grateful to see restored Paramount

I attended the awards event May 4 at the CSPS Hall in Cedar Rapids to accept the honor for the Coggon Community Historical Society for restoration of The Clemons House, Old Hotel. This well-planned event was sponsored by the Cedar Rapids and Linn County historic preservation commissions.

I noted when the Paramount Theatre was named and referred to its 80-year history. Seventy-seven years ago, after our junior-senior banquet (now prom) in our town, our entertainment was to see a movie at the Paramount showing Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald in “Rose Marie” or “Naughty Marietta.” It was not my first time there; others agreed what a wonderful place.

I have held season symphony tickets, other series and attended many individual concerts. A friend, Richard Shireby in England, who restores pipes and other organs, is kept informed of all actions concerning the wonderful one in the Paramount.

How devastating the flood was and how grateful to have this place restored.

Helen Kurth

Coggon