MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Harden, Horhn

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING EDWARD HOLDEN HENRY FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE ALAMO THEATER AND THE FARISH STREET COMMUNITY.

WHEREAS, Edward Holden Henry was born on August 17, 1902, in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, and moved to Jackson, Mississippi, in 1908; and

WHEREAS, Edward Holden Henry attended school at Smith Robertson, Kosciusko Industrial College in Kosciusko, Mississippi, and Greer College in Chicago where he studied electronics; and

WHEREAS, in 1919, Edward Holden Henry began work as the first projectionist at the Alamo Theatre at its first location in the 100 block of Farish Street, and continued working at the theater at its subsequent locations on Amite Street and on 333 Farish Street; and

WHEREAS, during his career at the Alamo Theatre, Edward Holden Henry worked with usher, Richard Wright, who later became a renowned writer, and trained several young men in the operation of projectors and spotlights; and

WHEREAS, Edward Holden Henry organized the Flack Local 589-A of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees; and

WHEREAS, Edward Holden Henry retired as a projectionist in 1977, but continued to work at the Mississippi State Coliseum, the Jackson City Auditorium and the College Park Auditorium, and on occasion, at the Paramount, the Lamar and the Capri Theatres; and

WHEREAS, Edward Holden Henry had the pleasure of working with film crews on various motion pictures made in Mississippi, such as "Thieves Like Us," "Muhammad Ali," and "Huckleberry Finn," and was featured in the movie made for television by American Classics "Long, Long Ago"; and

WHEREAS, he has received accolades from numerous professional and civic organizations, and his knowledge of the Farish Street area made him a jewel of information as a docent at Smith Robertson Museum; and

WHEREAS, Edward Holden Henry is currently a devoted member of Mt. Helm Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature to commend the exemplary service of its citizens:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Edward Holden Henry for his many years of service to the Alamo Theater and the Farish Street community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Edward Holden Henry and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.