SUE McBEE – AUSTIN HERITAGE SOCIETY

100th Anniversary Countdown Paramount Theatre Continued!

Sue McBee was one of the first five true believers in the project to restore, save and rejuvenate the Paramount in 1975.  That same year, she rallied her colleagues to make a $20,000 grant to the project.  We were able to convince the Texas Historical Commission to match that grant with another $20,000.  The majority of the funds were used to restore the facade and to repair the marquee.

Sue McBee was a total blast.  Her devilish personality, incredible wit and her world famous “rolling of the eyes” made everyone feel like her best friend.  We were so blessed to have her as one of our first benefactors and our champion.  Frank McBee, her husband, founded Tracor, Inc. They were both great friends to the Paramount. Their biggest contribution was to give us Tracor’s senior legal counsel, Russell Painton, who guided us through some tough times.

Sue was president of the then Austin Heritage Society which purchased historic properties to save them from demolition until a residential buyer could be found.  Elaine Mayo, Mary Margaret Farabee and Betty Wilson were on her team as well.

Would love for all of you to share this so we can reach a wider audience of possible new Paramount patrons!  God love you, Sue McBee!!!