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The Citizen, 2003-01-29, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2003. Cherished landmark gets second chance Saving history Residents from St. Helens and the surrounding area are working to retain the hall which has served as a meeting place for generations in the small community. Contributions of building materials, time or cash are sought as the group endeavours to bring the building up to code. (Janice Becker photo) By Janice Becker Citizen staff A community hall is often the tie that binds, serving as a place to gather, meet friends and neighbours and celebrate special occasions. For residents of the hamlet of St. Helens in the former West Wawanosh Twp., it is hoped that the connecting link will not be lost as service club memberships dwindle and amalgamated municipalities are forced to look at the bigger picture. The Women’s Institute held ownership of St. Helens hall since 1954, until maintenance costs became too much for the ever-shrinking numbers of aging members. In 2000, with the amalgamation of West Wawanosh into Ashfield- Colborne-Wawanosh, the hall was sold to the new municipality for $1. As a municipally-owned building, new standards came into effect, jeopardizing the future of the gathering place. It was then that a group of citizens, led by Jo Ann Todd, began efforts to improve the structure by bringing it up to moderr; standards. “We want to make (the hall) a viable part of the community,” said Todd. “The W1 played a major part in the history of the county and they were a very active group,” she added. “As a large group, they had been able to fundraise to maintain the hall.” Though not a native of St. Helens. Todd moved to the community in her youth, eventually marrying and staying in the hamlet. Her husband, Hugh, recalls the building being used for youth dances, meetings, showers and girls’ 4-H club gatherings, she said. In the early days of St. Helens, the hall, known by many names, served several purposes in the commun­ PEOPLE AROUND AUBURN By Margaret Fraser Call 526-1112 Margaret and Ron Livermore had dinner Friday with her mother Mrs. Lois Haines. Sorry to hear Mrs. Kay Lapp is still in Clinton Hospital. Get well wishes goes to Derek Ball, son of Ethel Ball, who is in Chatham Hospital. Seniors meeting on Jan. 22 watf postponed due to weather and will be rescheduled sometime in February. ity. Bui't in the late 1860s, on land that is now owned by the Todds, the Temperance Hall was the place for concerts, lectures, suppers and dances. The Presbyterians apparently used the hall annually for a dinner and dance and the Methodists worshipped in the hall. In the late 1880s, repairs were made to the hall so that a Mechanics Institute, or library, could be established. “The hall was moved from the comer of our property ,” said Todd. “We still find some bricks when picking rocks.” The building was moved to the northeast comer of the St. Helens’ intersection in 1923. At the time of the move, the owner enlarged and improved the structure. A stone memorial stands in the side yard, commemorating those from the community lost in World War I. The WI was contacted in 1981 about re-opening a library in the hall as the service had been gone for many years. The old Mechanics Institute Hall on the second floor was prepared and the library served the community for almost nine years. When the WI first assumed ownership they were able to maintain the building through catering and fundraising activities, said Todd. “They raised money for the (street) light on the comer. They had a “light fund” bucket on the counter in the general store to help pay for the electricity as it was wired through the store,” she said. Though she is not sure how long this collection process was in place, she knows the bucket sat on that counter through the time of two owners prior to her parents. When the store eventually closed, Auburn’s 150th celebration committee chair meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Knox United Church. Some ideas are starting to come together. At Knox United Church, Rev. Ted Nelson’s message was to Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Jesus. Readings were from the Old Testament Genesis 1:1- 13 and from the New Testament Matthew 14: 22-33. Friends were happy to see that Bernice Anderson was able to attend church on Jan. 26 for the first time in quite awhile. Groundhog Day is on Feb. 2. We are all hoping that the groundhog sees his shadow so spring will be here in six weeks. Keep a smileon your face because January thaw will be here someday. Have a good week. the WI took on the task of replacing those funds by hosting potluck suppers. However, as the WI members aged, supporting farmers retired and lands were sold to those less connected to St. Helens, support for the hall slowly diminished. When the hall was sold to the municipality, the WI was allowed to continue to use the facility at no cost as long as they desired, said Todd. The condition of the building was checked by the municipality and the roof was found to be leaking. Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh council was told about the needed repairs, but they were concerned about the expense for a building that was being used so little. The hall was still being used for WI potluck suppers and a few showers and parties, said Todd, but the volume was not high. Unfortunately, if the repairs were not completed, the hall could not be rented and without the rental income, it would be difficult to find the funds to do the repairs. “If the building is no longer used as a meeting hall,” said Todd. “It will be sold, though the money is to be used in St. Helens. Todd was asked to co-ordinate a project to save the structure. “The building is the same as it was in 1974,” she said. As a public building (because of municipal ownership), it had to be The Citizen It will have the newest listings in a convenient large type format. In one book you have the listings that you would need three Bell Canada books to find. Here is your chance to advertise in a product that stays around 365 days. Reserve your space today call Alan at 523-4792 or 887-9114 or fax us at 523-9140 or 887-9021. Deadline: Feb. 1, 2003. If you have a new phone number, or if you have just moved into this area, and your phone number is not included in the new Bell phone book, please call 523-4792 or 887-9114 and we'll be sure to include your listing. brought up to code. “It doesn’t even have flush toilets,” said Todd. “The hall is one of the few heritage buildings left in St. Helens. Though the store remains, it is no longer used for that function and the old mill is deteriorating.” When the community learned of the situation, they began to rally together. Donations of construction materials and items such as eavestroughs, windows and fire doors arrived and residents began to contribute their time to repair the old building. One local company even donated fire extinguishers. The Amish community contributed their time and skill by helping to repair the roof. Though Todd said materials have been donated, they are still looking for items such as sinks, a hot water tank and a new furnace after the old one was condemned. C INSURANCE PREMIUMS TOO HIGH? A fZJOmni Insurance Brokers Save 20-40°° on your auto insurance and more on other insurance services * Free No Obligation Quote Paul Hallahan R.R. #3 Blyth (519) 523-9110 Fax: (519) 523-9278 Clinton Office: (519) 482-3434 \^email:phallahan@odyssey.on.ca * The Citizen's New 2003 Telephone Directory Will Be Available Soonl Skilled tradespeople are also needed to help install the equipment. Used construction materials would also be appreciated. A second exit which was closed off some years ago must be re-opened and the facility must be made wheelchair accessible. “Everyone wants to keep St. Helens hall,” said Todd, “We are all committed to it. It is hard to keep a community together and we are hoping this will be a catalyst for St. Helens.” The community is seeking a little assistance to achieve their goal. Anyone wishing to volunteer their time, donate materials or cash can contact Todd at 528-2050 and leave a message or e-mail address on her machine. With notes from Reflections of West Wawanosh as compiled by the West Wawanosh Twp. historians. Offering Insurance & Financial Services Farm/Commerciat/ Residential/Auto Accident/Sickness J 2003 PHONE BOOK Serving Auburn Blyth Brussels Clinton Goderich Gorrie Listowel Wingham