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FLASHBACK SEPTEMBER 1974 Believe it or not - it was 40 years ago this month, when Scugog Township Mayor Lawrence Malcolm, above left, handed over the keys for Town Hall 1873 to Dr. Ralph Price, one of the chairmen of the “Save The Town Hall” committee. Nine months earlier, in January 1974, the local coun- cil had decided not to restore the historic old Town Hall and it was slated for demolition, but there was immediate resistance from the community. A group of local residents determined to save the hall was formed, and six months later council was con- vinced it was worth saving, and unanimously accept- ing an offer from the group to lease the building for 99 years at a charge of two dollars annually. In November of 1974 the Town Hall 1873 committee began an aggressive campaign to raise funds for the restoration of the aging building. Eight months later, the old hall received its crowning touch when a full-sized replica of the bell tower was raised to the top of the building. The tower was the generous gift of Mrs. Merlin Letcher, whose husband had been the respected reeve of the town for 12 years. One year and one month after saving the hall from destruction, The Town Hall 1873 committee celebrated the official opening of the historic restored hall. Mau- reen Forrester, internationally known contralto, was the guest entertainer. COACH HOUSE STUDIO ANTIQUES, UNIQUES, DECOR & MORE IT’S A DESTINATION SHOPPING LOCATION 605 Regional Rd. 21, Port Perry (The Old Utica Store) 905-982-2705 * www.coachhousestudio.ca 18th ANNIVERSARY == @= RAY HOBBS GARAGE Call Brian Tassell service is all about! 182 Northport Road Units 8 & 9, Port Perry 905-985-0059 www.rayhobbsgarage.aaro.ca MARKET EAT FRESH! BUY LOCAL Preserves Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Home Baking Local Meats ¢ Local Honey Herbs Plants & Flowers ¢ Maple Syrup ¢ Crafts FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2014 51