Blyth Memorial Community Hall

[building/bâtiment]

BLYTH
MEMORIAL COMMUNITY
HALL

LEST WE FORGET

[storyboard/scénarimage]

Blyth
Historic Village

THE STORY OF BLYTH MEMORIAL HALL

In the late 1800s and early 1900s when many communities had already built town halls with large auditoriums to host local and touring concerts, Blyth's entertainment was confined to a number of small halls, many on the second floor of buildings. Industry Hall at the southwest-corner of Queen and Dinsley, for instance, today serves as the Masonic Temple. The Temperance Hall was on Dinsley Street. Following the sacrifices of many young lives from the community in the Great War of 1914-1918, the
community decided to honour their memory with a magnificent new hall.

COMMUNITY EFFORT
"One of the greatest days ever held here was celebrated Tuesday, June 3. There was a calathumpian parade and then the main feature of the day was the flights of two aeroplanes from Toronto which made some splendid ascensions. The receipts amounted to $2000 which is to be applied towards the memorial which the citizens are going to build to commemorate the brave deeds done by the boys from this section. This hall is to be built by voluntary contribution and this will give over $8,000. There is no doubt they will be able to go ahead and erect the hall at once."
— From the Huron Expositor, June 6, 1919

CORNERSTONE LAID

On July, 1920, with great ceremony the cornerstone of the new hall was laid. "This hall is a credit to the zeal and energy of the committee who have had charge, as it is probably the first time in the history of America where a hall costing more than $20,000 has been built by voluntary contributions. The plans were made by architect W. Murray of London. The hall will be a noble structure of stone, cement and brick with the following dimensions; Length 88 feet, Height 15 feet from ground, Width 52 feet, Stage 40 feet wide, Stage 20 feet deep. The lower storey will be fitted out with a council chamber, fire hall and other compartments in accordance to the plans now in the hands of the builders. The auditorium will have a seating capacity of 350 with gallery 150 making a total of 500."
— From the Clinton New Era, July 22, 1920

OPENING CEREMONY, JUNE 5, 1921
"The official opening of the Memorial Hall which has been erected here to commemorate the Blyth solider boys is to take place Sunday June 5, at 2:30 o'clock and also the unveiling of the memorial plaque which is a wonderful piece of work done by Rev. Mr. T. Telford. The sermon is to be preached by Rev. Mr. McKegney, of Clinton and the musical part will be taken by a united choir from the local churches. Then on Monday, June 6, Tuesday, June 7 and Wednesday evening, June 8 there will be three splendid entertainments put on in the hall."
— From The Clinton New Era, June 2, 1921.

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