RESOLUTION NO. RS2016-383

A resolution to honor Captain Tom Ryman on his 175th birthday and proclaim October 12, 2016 as Captain Tom Ryman Day in Nashville.

WHEREAS, Captain Tom Ryman's 175th birthday is October 12, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Captain Ryman was a successful entrepreneur and businessman who contributed significantly to Nashville's growth as a river port; and

WHEREAS, his Cumberland River fortune enabled him to fund building of the Union Gospel Tabernacle in 1892; and

WHEREAS, The Union Gospel Tabernacle was renamed the Ryman Auditorium in his honor after his death in 1904; and

WHEREAS, The Ryman Auditorium has helped put Nashville on the international map as a premier entertainment and tourist destination, hosting appearances by legendary figures such as W.C. Fields, Will Rogers, Charlie Chaplin, Mae West, Katharine Hepburn, Sarah Bernhardt, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Helen Keller, Anne Sullivan, President Theodore Roosevelt, President William Taft and many others; and

WHEREAS, the building he built served as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974; and

WHEREAS, "The Ryman Diaries" musical stage play will honor his memory with a special presentation on his birthday at the Nashville Public Library; and

WHEREAS, he has never been honored on his birthday with a special proclamation from the city of Nashville; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize Captain Tom Ryman for his many contributions to the city of Nashville and its citizens.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as to honor Captain Tom Ryman on his 175th birthday and proclaim October 12, 2016 as Captain Tom Ryman Day in Nashville.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented during a ceremony before the start of "The Ryman Diaries" musical stage play at the Nashville Public Library on October 12, 2016.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Brett Withers