LAUVSTAD CENTER

Senator Harkin visited Corning, where city officials, business leaders and others gave him a tour of the Corning Opera House which received a $20,000 Main Street Iowa grant in 2004 for preservation and restoration. The Corning Opera House is on the National Historic Register.

Our second stop of the day was Corning. Corning recently received a federal Main Street grant, and the town has been using these resources - and their creativity - to revitalize the downtown district. Corning's community spirit is inspirational.

I first toured the Corning Opera House which has fallen into disrepair over the years. It is such a shame to see such a beautiful, old building in that condition. It is unfortunate that this and other historic buildings are not better preserved and maintained throughout their life. Fortunately, these new federal resources will allow for the complete restoration of the Opera House. And, once completed, the beautiful new space will be used for community and high school plays, dinner theaters, town meetings and more.

We moved on to the Corning Center for Fine Arts. This innovative center will bring artists-in-residence who will have use of studio space and the opportunity to rent apartments on the top floor of the Center at an affordable rate. In return, the artists will offer art classes to the community and other help for local art students.

In addition to the downtown revitalization, I heard about other efforts to expand business opportunities and grow jobs. Community leaders told me of plans to recruit a new ethanol plant in the area which will provide a much needed boost to the local economy. I was glad to hear that the ethanol provisions in the recently-passed energy bill will help them tremendously in their efforts.

My trip to Corning gave me the opportunity to reunite with a dear old friend, Mary Morrison. I got to know Mary very early in my days as a legislator, and have always appreciated her generosity. Over the years, when I traveled through Corning, I never missed the opportunity to share a meal and good conversation with Mary and her husband, JC.

QUOTE

"The Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant, spearheaded by Senator Tom Harkin, awarded to Main Street Corning in partnership with the Corning Opera House Cultural Center is helping preserve this National Register treasure. These monies provide critical matching funds to spearhead the preservation and restoration of the Corning Opera House at the center of our downtown.

Beth Waddle and Tom

This grand structure housed a variety of theatrical productions from her birth in 1902. The legacy of Milo Green, Warren Lee, and Mary Pickford lives on in dated graffiti and memorabilia. Future Icarian Theatre Productions, concerts, weddings, school and community events will resound against its raked, antique horseshoe balcony and bring tourists and alumni to stand in awe, rise in ovations, and share laughter with new and old friends. When renovated, this gracefully aged beauty will again be a cornerstone for this Great American Main Street community."

- Beth Waddle, Director of Main Street Corning