The ABC Hall Celebrates 75th Anniversary

For Immediate Release

Contact: Christine Ormsby, christine.abchall@gmail.com

The ABC Hall Celebrates 75^th Anniversary

Join them on Saturday, October 15 from 1 to 4 pm at the ABC Hall to celebrate 75 years in the Althorpe Bolingbroke Community. Drop in to see a display of memorabilia, meet neighbours, share memories, and check out the latest interior upgrades. And please, enjoy some cake and refreshments! For those new to the area, the ABC Hall is located at 3166 Bolingbroke Road, about 10 km south of Maberly, and 16 kms north-west of Westport.

The ABC Hall has been connecting neighbours since 1947 when founding family members from each district came together to build a hall for meetings and family entertainment. Fundraising efforts, both big and small ensued, until 1952 when the land on Bolingbroke Road was purchased. By December, 1953, construction of the new hall was complete and the first event, a Christmas Party, was held.

In 1974, the ABC Club (as it was then called) was incorporated, and in 1980, it was registered as a non-profit organization.

Over the years many renovations have taken place, thanks largely to the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. With each update, present-day standards are met, and the comfort and function of the hall improves. Ultimately, it better meets the needs of a growing number of seniors in the area.

Recent additions include a commercial dishwasher and new kitchen appliances. The hall interior has been freshly painted, the floors refinished, and the stage enlarged. The main entrance door and men’s washroom door are now both equipped with the required automatic door openers.

In 2015, the exterior of the hall received most of the attention when it was insulated and sided, and a new roadside sign and post-and-beam portico at the entrance were erected.

With the lifting of Covid restrictions nearly all the regular activities and programs have resumed. These include Yoga, Gentle Pilates, Line Dancing, Mahjongg, CPHC Senior Exercise Class, and the Musicians Circle. The next special event, the Festival of Small Halls concert on October 8, features a dynamic musical duo, Suzie Vinnick with Miss Emily. See abchall.ca/events for details.

As in the beginning, the ABC Hall continues to be a hub of activity, thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteers and the help of generous sponsors. Come out on October 15 and see for yourself why the ABC Hall is so well loved by the Althorpe Bolingbroke Community. New members are always welcome!

The Althorpe Bolingbroke Community Association is an active group of volunteers working together to build a vibrant and caring neighbourhood. Their mission is to sustain the ABC Hall as the cultural and social heart of their community by sponsoring activities which foster a spirit of friendship and a sense of belonging for all. For more information, see abchall.ca.