Walter's Falls Community Centre - 100th Anniversary
1889 - 1989
HISTORY OF THE WALTER'S FALLS COMMUNITY CENTRE
1883 - the Canadian Order of Foresters formed Lodge in a Walter's Falls; the membership desired a more suitable place to meet.
1889 - this hall was framed by William Lemon Sr., Dr. John
McCullough, Arthur Smith, Alfred Ward, Charles Dobson, R.W. Quinton, George Proud, and Peter McLaughlan; these men were some of the members and shareholders. Oyster suppers were held to raise funds for the lodge.
1917 - the Canadian Order of Foresters dissolved and the Women's Institute of Walter's Falls, with president Mrs. John Wilson, agreed to purchase this hall including furniture for the sum of $550. A community canvass was held in order to purchase the hall. There were 107 subscribers and $330 was collected, including a note in the amount of $250 backed by John Laycock, making a total of $550.
1917 - the Dance Club held "11:30 Dances" to raise money. The dances started at 8:30 PM and ended at 11:30 PM. Music was supplied by local talent.
1923 - the gas lights were installed by H.R. Seabrook; the lights hung from the ceiling on a chain and were lit with a torch.
1931 - hydro was installed in the hall by McLinden's of Owen Sound; Frank Carney of Brampton supplied the fixtures: Total cost $137.50. The Walter's Falls Agricultural Society held dances and concerts in the hall to raise money for the Fairs.
1939-45 - During World War II, the Red Cross had the use of the hall rent free for their meetings and activities.
1948 - the backdrop at the stage was painted and donated by Garnet Hazard of Walters Falls.
1952 - the hall board removed the battens from the walls and covered the outside of the hall with insulated brick siding.
1958 - the raised seats at the back of the hall were removed, the walls were panelled, and acoustic tile was put on the ceiling.
1962 - the big box stove was removed and a forced air oil furnace was installed.
1966 - the old porch was removed and a complete entrance cloak room and kitchen were built unto the hall.
1975 - a lot beside the hall was purchased from Fred Mower, as well as, the old blacksmith's shop, enabling a septic bed to be installed.
1976 - the hall board applied and receives a L.I.P. grant and received approval for a Wintario grant. A donation to the memorial fund was also made.
1977 - the new addition was built unto the side of the hall containing flush toilets, more kitchen space, and two rooms in the basement. At a cost of about $56,000, this addition was opened in October of that year.
Today - the hall continues to serve the community and raises funds through dances, euchres, suppers, and rentals. The hall is now formally named:
The Walter's Falls Community Centre
Walter's Falls was my childhood home. This note from a document found with Margaret Quinton memorabilia. Filed in my blog as Aug 1, 1989 (at about the time of the celebration). This note added to my blog on Apr 21, 2021.
