Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen-Auburn, 2004-07-29, Page 27PAGE 6. AUBURN - 150 YEARS OF HISTORY WI part of Auburn for 82 years 4,2,2 Heart of community The Auburn Memorial Hall, constructed in honour of local residents who lost their lives in the two World Wars, has been the centre of community activities since 1962. Hall built in 1962 as tribute to veterans Auburn Memorial Hall has been the centre for community activities in the village since 1962. The dream of a hall to commemorate area residents who had lost their lives-in the two World Wars dates back to the formation of the Community Hall Association in 1947. Serving on that board were some of the village's most prominent names: Harry L. Sturdy as' president; Bert Craig, vice-president; Charles E. Asquith. secretary: and Alfred Rollinson, treasurer. Over the years dances, concerts, field days and social events were held to raise money for the hall. Finally in 1957 the Auburn Women's Institute asked the village council to hold a meeting to re-organize the Auburn Community Memorial Hall Board. The new executive included Mr. Asquith as honorary president; W.L. Craig as president; Keith Arthur as vice-president; and Mrs. Gordon R. Taylor. secretary- ! reasurer . In 1958 a meeting was held to choose a site for the hall and the following year land was purchased from the Athletic Association. In Sept. 1960 it was decided to proceed with building a 40-by-80-foot, laminated-arch building with polished concrete floors. In October Dr. B.C. Weir was assisted by John Houston as they turned the sod for the new building. Tribute was also paid to Charles Asquith as the chief promoter of the building. Donations of labour and money helped close in the building by December. The next spring work on the interior of the building began, led by W. J. Craig as head carpenter. That fall a well was drilled. All tolled, the building cost $22,000, with $7,000 in grants received. - • The hall was officially opened in October 1962. Among the ceremonies was the unveiling of a plaque by Mrs. Charles Straughan and Mrs. and Mrs. John Houston. The plaque, which had been presented by the Women's Institute, honoured the memories of those who served from Auburn community from 1914-1918 and from 1939- 1945. Recently the hall has had improvements to the washrooms including addition of facilities for the handicapped. The Auburn Women's Institute has also provided funds to improve the kitchen over the years. The hall is experiencing the same problems with expensive new provincial requirements for water testing and treatment as other small rural halls across the province. For 82 years the Women's Institute has been a vital part of the community of Auburn. . Mrs. Herbert Mogridge and Mrs. Charles Straughan were the first presidents in 1928, with the latter being named in April at the beginning of the WI year. The membership at the time was 27. At the time of the hamlet's 125th anniversary the Auburn WI was strong, with a total of 35 members enrolled. The president that year was Eleanor Bradnock. Since that time, Mrs. Ken McDougall, Mrs. Archambault, Mrs. Donald Cartwright, Mrs. Ken Flett, Mrs. Lawrence Plaetzer and Mrs. William Empey have served as president. Today, the WI membership sits at approximately 18, a far cry from its heyday, but relatively strong compared to many other branches. They now meet on the third Thursday of each month at 2 p.m., usually in the Auburn Community Hall. The Hall has been an integral part of the Branch's community good works. When it was built as a memorial to war veterans in 1961, the WI members furnished the kitchen and each year since have maintained it. Their other efforts over the years have included support of 4-H clubs and the historical record, the Tweedsmuir" book, published in 1974. These days. the WI is catering to the Auburn Lions' dinner and Blyth Festival dinners for theatregoers. They give annually to the Children's Aid Society, both monetarily and with gifts. They offer financial assistance to the Adelaide Hoodless and Erland Lee Home in Stoney Creek, a tribute to the WI founders. Me;nbers attend a convention each year. This one is being held in Holmesville, sponsored by the Huron West District, of which the Auburn Branch is a member. In May of 1997 the Branch celebrated its 75 anniversary with guest from West Huron Societies. The Auburn WI has presented life memberships to Mrs. Robert Phillips in 1964; Mrs.. Wesley Bradnock, 1968, Mrs. Gordon Taylor, 1972 and Mrs. Leonard Archambault, 1985. Fifty year-pins have been presented to Mrs. Oliver Anderson, Mrs. Tom Haggitt, Mrs. Tom Lawlor and Mrs Archambault. The executive of the Auburn WI in the 150th anniversary year is: past president, Betty Archambault; president, Marg Fraser; first vice- president, Irma Cartwright; secretary, Tena Empey; treasurer, Teresa Roetcisoender; District director, Betty Arhcambault; card convenor, Laura May Chamney; public relations officer, Jean Plaetzer; curator, Laura May Chamney; agriculture and Canadian affairs, Lois Elliot; health, Gwen Bidwell; pianist, Laura May Chamney; examiners, Laura May Chamney, Jane Glousher; nominating committee, Betty Archambault, Teny Empey and Marg Fraser. The executive Auburn WI executive, back row, from left: Jane Grouther, Laura May Chamney, Margaret Siertsema, Grace Cartwright, Maureen Bean, Lois Elliott, Jean Plaetzer, Janis Vodden, Evelyn Christensen. Front: Margaret Fraser, Teresa Roetcisoender, Betty Archambault, Tena Empey. Missing: Erma Cartwright, Sheron Stadelmann, Gwen Bidwell and June Robinson. (Photo courtesy of Auburn Women's Institute) Congratulations to Auburn on their 150th Celebrations Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd. Walton 887-9261 1-800-786-1476