In a letter to the editor, Dr. Bary Williams questions the Gazette’s choice of Citizen of the Year in our annual Progress edition that was published in July.
The Gazette featured Duane Henrikson on the cover for his fundraising work with the Granada Theater. Williams writes that Henrikson is richly deserving, but without John Mallon, the project would have never existed.
What I like about the Granada Theater project is that it symbolizes a great community project. So many people had to come together and work together to make it reality — from saving the building, stabilizing the building, to fundraising, renovation and now the operation. Without teamwork this wonderful community asset would not have happened.
But Williams is right. The Granada would not be here without John Mallon.
Mallon and his family had a vision, passion, desire and resources to not only save the theater from a wrecking ball but also see the project through till the end.
Williams is also right that Mallon should have been on the cover and in fact, we did ask him. Our original concept was to feature Mallon and Henrikson as our Citizens of the Year. But, Mallon respectfully turned down our invitation.
We agree with Williams that historical record needs to reflect Mallon’s immense contributions to the project. But we also wanted to reflect others’ efforts to. To be able to raise nearly $3 million for the project was no small accomplishment for Henrikson’s fundraising committee.
I have known John Mallon for many years, and our town is truly blessed to have him in our community.
Mallon has helped save some classic landmarks like the Kress Center and the Granada as well as quietly lending his time and resources to so many other projects in the community.
I am not sure Mallon has really ever received the proper credit he has deserved for all his work.
But I do know that our community is better off because of him, and we thank him.
Chris Walker
Editor & Publisher
bobhornet (anonymous) says...
Like perhaps no other project in recent years, the Granada restoration really captures the Emporia spirit--citizens of this community giving of their time, effort, work, money, and a host of other resources to make this a better place to live. We cannot ever forget the special spirit our little town has, because it's one of our most precious commodities.
I love this town.
August 27, 2009 at 4:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )