The historic Butler Building, located in the idyllic Northern Minnesota city of Aitkin, has just launched its Yellow Brick Road Campaign this month, giving fans of Judy Garland and the Wizard of Oz and members of the community, the chance to help build their very own yellow brick road while preserving a place in American history.
View Detailed Printable PDF of Yellow Brick Road Campaign
In tribute to the history of the buildings turn-of-the-century Opera House, notably the first venue where a young Judy Garland, known then as Baby Gumm, got her start on stage in 1925, owners of the building are creating an opportunity for those to help protect the legacy of this important part of entertainment history by helping to build a yellow brick road around this distinguished 1903 building.
Funds raised through the purchase of each golden brick will go to helping bring the Opera House back to its original grandeur, allowing the building to be inducted into the National Historic Registry, officially claiming its place in history.
The building, which was recently named one of the top five reasons for why people travel to the area and honored by Minnesota Governor Dayton, is selling each brick for $100, giving donors the unique opportunity to have ones name embedded into the Yellow Brick Road around the building. This is an exciting opportunity states building owner Sylvia Allen to be a part of history. The brick wall will be duplicated on an inside wall of the Butler building so it will be available for all to view.
Each brick donated gives one the chance to memorialize a loved one, honor a family or friend for their birthday, holiday, or special occasion, such as a wedding or anniversary, while helping to retain the legacy of this historical landmark. Each donor will receive a numbered certificate acknowledging and commemorating their purchase. If given as a gift (what a great Christmas gift idea!) the recipient of the honor will receive a certificate as well.
To purchase your very own engraved part of the Yellow Brick Road, follow the yellow brick road to www.yellowbrickroad.net or call building owner Sylvia Allen at 218-678-2441. You can also visit www.thebutlerbuilding.org.
