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Denman Hall reaches century mark

On its 100th birthday the Denman Hall is getting a special gift — a new foundation, floor and some wall refinishing as well.
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The Denman Hall is seen in days gone by.

On its 100th birthday the Denman Hall is getting a special gift — a new foundation, floor and some wall refinishing as well.

The work is almost done, and this Saturday, there will be a 100-year celebration.

Everyone is welcome to attend the party, which starts at 1:30 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Inside, a short program will acknowledge the sponsors who donated funds and feature a short visual history of the hall, stories from some of the old families on Denman, and songs from the United Church Choir.

The crowd can join the choir sing Happy Birthday to the hall, and there will be birthday cake and coffee, tea or juice for all.

After the program, locals and visitors alike will have the opportunity to shop for Denman arts and crafts. Denman has some amazing artists and craftspeople.

There will also be a chance to visit the information tables of organizations that make Denman such an innovative island. The  Growers’ and Producers’ Association will have an apple display.

Concerts Denman will sell tickets for some world-class jazz and classical music performances. The Conservancy, the Volunteer Fire Fighters, Denman Island Ratepayers Association and the Denman Island Memorial Society (who are creating a green graveyard) will be there as well.

You can view a historical display including a gas lamp from before the hall got electricity. At a dance in the 1940s, one of the gas lamps burnt a hole in the wall, and the fire chief shut the hall down until they got a generator and electric lighting.

Later on Oct. 27, at 7:30, there will be an all-ages dance with lots of local musicians and other entertainers. Admission is free and treats will be available for a donation.

This will be wonderful day of celebration for the renewed Denman Community  Hall, which has been standing since 1912, thanks to periodic work from the people of Denman Island.

— Denman Island Recreation Commission Society