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y | | | | 20 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, October 27, 1987 Many memories for the community Utica Memory Hall marks 30thanniversary It's hard to believe, but the Memory Hall at Utica is 30 years old. To celebrate, Utica These are the folks who organized the celebration of Utica Hall's 30th anniversary, the Utica Hall Board. The ladies are Irene Fielding auto glass itd. HB Windshields HB Auto Upholstery # Marine Upholstery BOAT TOPS - BOAT SEATS - MOORING COVERS Sunroofs Convertible Tops Vinyl Tops Safety Glass 139 WATER STREET -- PORT PERRY Call for your appointment 985-8507 Free Mobile Service | With this Coupon ... INSURANCE | CLAIMS -- WE NOW SELL MOBILE CELLULAR PHONES -- residents organized a special Open House on Sunday. For details, see story. and Georgina Sutcliffe. The gentlemen are, from left, Stephen Aked, Bruce Houghland, William Brown and Doug MacSween. ARLENE'S TOUCH in MONTE CARLO HAIR SALON featuring ... MAKEUP -- FACIALS -NAILS & MANICURES All cosmetics by LaMaison du Charles sold on premises. Call .. 985-0545 for an appointment. CAKES Real or Artificial n "Purchase or Rental . Weddings, showers, an All Special Occasions | - SF Wedding Gallery 1s Open by Appt. BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY AFFORDABLY PRICED THE RESIA'S CARE DECORATING FOR ALL OCCASIONS BLACKSTOCK 986-5509 It was a special weekend for the 'residents of Utica, when the 30th an- niversary of the community hall was celebrated. Members of the hall board work- ed for four months, organizing a beef supper (catered by the UCW) Thursday night, a dance Saturday night, and an open house Sunday afternoon. Board treasurer Doug MacSween came up with the idea of a special anniversary celebration. As he says, the occasion is noteworthy because of the importance the hall has within the community. Over the years it has been used for many occasions, by churches, musical groups, weddings and funerals. "It's bound to draw the communi- ty together to some extent," he said. On Sunday, visitors were treated to refreshments as they took a look at many old photographs and stories about the hall, including a lengthy history written by Utica resident Hilda Bailey. The following is a story written by Port Perry Star staff when the hall was officially opened in 1957. On Friday night, October 25th, the new Memory Hall at Utica was of- ficially opened by the Hon. Dr. M.B. Dymond, Provincial M.P. and new- ly appointed Minister for the Dept. of Reform Institutions. Dr. Dymond, in his opening remarks, said he felt honoured by having the opportunity of opening the new and beautiful hall and that his close connection with many of the members of the community as a "family Doctor," had made him feel a part of them. He told the audience the first hall was built in 1899 as a gift of the late Thos. W. Horn and the name "Memory Hall" is a splendid one. When Mr. Horn presented it to the community, his only stipulation was that Church and School activities could be held free of charge. The minister named the different groups who had made use of the hall through the years and praised them for efforts during the "war years." He commended the community on the fine public spirit they had shown from the day of cleaning up after the fire until the completion of the new one of which they can feel proud. Mr. Jerry Nelson introduced Dr. Dymond and Mr. Fred Wilkinson in a short address, thanked the guest speaker for honouring the communi- ty by taking time out to open the new hall. Present for the occasion also was Warden of Ont. County, Mr. Morley Bain, Reeve of Scott Twp., who brought greetings from other members of the County Council. Emcee during the evening was the building committee chairman Mr. Ralph Wilbur, who with the assistance of Mr. Chet Geer, as Treasurer, and Bruce Bailey, as Secretary, have looked after the ad- ministrative part of the building. Mr. Geer told the press before the opening that 8,000 hours of free labour had been given by members of the community and surrounding area since the footing had been poured a year ago. This is a tremen- dous effort in itself, but the money on hand was needed to build the 30' by 72' structure. $3,000 was from fire insurance, a Provincial grant of $2,285 both gave a great boost and $4,000 has been raised by donations and community activities. Built on concrete foundation, the . cement block building has a full size basement and the interior upstairs has wood panelling on the lower half of the walls and masonite panelling on the upper half. The floor is of beautiful hardwood and a fine stage is at one end. Kitchen and washroom facilities are in health designated areas "t some finishing and painting areas to be completed. After the official opening ceremony, a dance was held. Later, a draw was made for a pure-bred Holstein calf donated by Sutherland Bros., local dairy farmers at Utica. The winner was a six year old boy from Dunbarton, George Johnston who had been given the ticket by his Uncle 'Buz' Johnston of Siloam. Montgomery's Orchestra enter- tained during the evening and for the dance. The ladies of the com- munity provided refreshments for nearly 400 who attended. Remember? When Donald and Marion Taylor of Epsom won the first prize at an amateur show? When Gladys Harper won the "dishes" at the Medicine Show for 'popular girl" contest? When Grace Hastings spent a day stuffing the cracks of the walls to help keep out the 'frosty cold' before the Christmas concert in the evening? When Freddie Catherwood helped Santa Claus give out the treats? When it cost .25 cents to play progressive euchre? Editorial from Port Perry Star, 1957 Utica -- We Salute You The differences between living in a small community and in a large city are so numerous that one could not begin to give them all. Any two or sixteen reasons why life in the former is more pleasant, has more meaning, can be heard practically any day of the week by some city- soaked soul who seeks a sort of sanc- tuary in a small town in order to get away from the hustle and the bus- tle of the city. There is a chance to relax here, one will say, eyeing some little hamlet off the beaten track; there is so little doing to disturb the peace and quiet. While logically, we would not question the hustle, bustle part, we do wonder where anyone could get the opinion that any community which boasts twelve or more families could be called a sleepy hamlet. The admirable trait has been handed down from the first settlers who realized if anything was to get done, it had to get done by everyone working together. And so, nowhere has this been more ably demonstrated than out of Utica. Their "Memory Hall" was flatten- ed by a sudden fire two years ago. Utica is a small community yet in a little more than two years, they have rebuilt a fine, modern new building to serve the recreational and social needs of the people there. Besides the planning, the work, and the time involved with all sorts of events in an effort to raise money, it is reported hundreds of free labour hours were given willingly. Nothing was easy but with their combined effort, with added money donations, they accomplished the goal they had set their eyes on. Residents of Utica and community--"We Salute You!" Improve your home equity' CLARKE BROS. EAVESTROUGHING for all your aluminum needs! 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