Three-day party set to mark anniversary of Old Town Hall
GLACE BAY — There is going to be three-day party and organizers say the reason is rich in history.
Elke Ibrahim, vice-chair of the Glace Bay Heritage Museum Society, said preparations are underway to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Old Town Hall.
“It feels amazing,’ she said. “I’m so happy that we saved that building 15 years ago. It’s such a beautiful landmark in the town of Glace Bay.”
Festivities begin with a concert at the Savoy Theatre at 7 p.m., Friday, May 31.
“It’s the first day of a three-day celebration — celebrating the anniversary of our beloved Old Town Hall.”
Ibrahim said the lineup for the concert is incredible.
Appearing on stage will be The Chordsmen, Corro Cantabile and Todd Hiscock, doing a tribute to A.B. MacGillivrary.
“He was the first magistrate, he came in 1901 when the town of Glace Bay was incorporated. He was there for over 40 years and had no legal training but used a common sense to law.”
Performers will also include piper Courtney MacPherson, the Glace Bay High School Jazz Band, Curtis Matheson and the Donkin Brass Band.
“It is also important, as all proceeds go to the restoration of the Old Town Hall.”
Ibrahim said in 1924, the first live radio broadcast happened in the town of Glace Bay.
“The whole Donkin Citizens Brass Band came from Donkin and set up their instruments in the council chambers on the second floor and played for the people on their little radios.”
On the afternoon of June 1, there will be an open house at the Old Town Hall with piper Courtney MacPherson welcoming guests. Dignitaries will speak at about 3 p.m. and there will be an anniversary cake from MacFadgen Bakery.
“Ten years ago when we celebrated our grand opening MacFadgen surprised us with a huge cake which had the town hall in red brick icing on the front. It was so beautiful.”
Ibrahim said people will be able to tour the museum, which includes a new display of Glace Bay’s different medical services.
“The different hospitals we had, past doctors, artifacts of nursing including the kit from the old school nurse.”
There will be a video showing the second floor.
“That is going to be running continuously, so people unable to get up the stairs, can see what is up there.” The gift shop will also be open. “The manager Isabelle Harris has stocked it with beautiful gift ideas she just got from the tradeshow in Halifax.”
On Sunday, June 2, there will be an alumni party at the Old Town Hall from 7-10 p.m.
Ibrahim said everyone who ever had anything to do with the building is being invited, from supporters to summer student workers, to the trades people, carpenters and electricians who worked on the building.
“Anyone who had anything to do with restoring this grand building for the last 14 years.”
Ibrahim said the board members will also be on hand.
“It is a tremendous board, all hands-on people, most have been here since the start.”
The band Highway 125 will play in the council chambers.
“They are a really good bluesy rock band, they might be able to wake up some ghosts in this building.”
The Glace Bay Heritage Museum Society has also kicked off a letter campaign asking for support for the Old Town Hall.
Ibrahim said it will cost about $400,000 to fix the foundation and bring the basement area up to the restoration level of the rest of the building. However she said they are working on raising $18,215 for the first phase, to excavate and fix the foundation.
When fully completed, the basement will be a continuation of the museum, with a permanent exhibit of the story and heritage of the Jewish community as well as a centre for genealogy.
Anyone wishing to donate to the project can telephone the Old Town Hall, 842-5345 or send a cheque to the Glace Bay Heritage Museum Society, PO Box 580, Glace Bay, N.S., B1A 6G4.