The Civic Auditorium was dedicated on March 19, 1930, as a gift to the City of LaPorte from Maurice Fox in memory of his parents, Samuel and Fannie L. Fox. Samuel Fox was born in Bavaria in 1838 and came to the United States when he was 16. He moved to LaPorte in 1858 where he engaged in the mercantile business with Jacob Wile. In 1864 the Fox Woolen Mill was built. Maurice, one of their 6 sons and donor of the Civic, was born in LaPorte in 1871. After his education in both local and private schools, he entered the office of the woolen mill as an employee in 1889. He continued in the mill office until his father’s death in 1894 and then became head of the organization, where he remained until his death, Feb. 25, 1930. The woolen mills were closed and all work on the new auditorium was suspended until after the funeral, and the dedication ceremony was moved from March 7 to March 19. The first director of the facility, William A. Goering, wrote: "This beautiful structure is a living monument to a truly great man, who shall live forever in our midst, a builder, not of concrete, stone and steel, but of character. We of LaPorte point with pride at our fair city because we have been blessed with such an outstanding citizen of such keen foresight, whose example of unselfish service and undying love of fellow man, has made this community a better place in which to live." One of the original stipulations of the Civic was that it would be made "available to all individuals and civic and educational groups or bodies, membership in which is not limited by race, nationality or religion." Just about any kind of activity, from flower shows to boxing and other athletic events, to conferences, trade shows, parties & receptions, to symphony concerts and stage plays, have been held there. All of the home season games of the LaPorte Slicers basketball team were played on the Civic court before the new LaPorte High School gymnasium was built in the late 1970s. Looks best zoomed full size. Thanks for looking & commenting. Previous Photo: ----------- * RangeRiderRichard's Photo Albums: Architecture | Atmosphere & Mood | Landscapes | Critters | Flowers & Plants | Miscellaneous | Food | Artwork | Poetry | Holidays | People