Image of The Harvey Hall taken by Tracy Munson Submitted by: Jane Chrysostom
Harvey Hall celebrated its 140th birthday on September 21st and marked this milestone with a free kitchen party for all, in traditional community style!
Just stepping over the threshold into Harvey Hall provided the first sensation – the cozy smells of a full homemade dinner. Pots of chili simmered, chicken soups bubbled, and the warm aroma of creamy mushroom soup wafted about.
To add to the home-like atmosphere, the hall was set up with many cozy wool rugs, small tables draped with festive cloths, scattered candles, and floor and table lamps shedding warm light, creating a cozy, welcoming feel.
Harvey Hall celebrated its 140th birthday on September 21st and marked this milestone with a free kitchen party for all, in traditional community style!
Just stepping over the threshold into Harvey Hall provided the first sensation – the cozy smells of a full homemade dinner. Pots of chili simmered, chicken soups bubbled, and the warm aroma of creamy mushroom soup wafted about.
To add to the home-like atmosphere, the hall was set up with many cozy wool rugs, small tables draped with festive cloths, scattered candles, and floor and table lamps shedding warm light, creating a cozy, welcoming feel.
As friends, neighbours, and families entered the party, the air was filled with greetings, laughter, and conversations. They were served a supper of delicious soups, fresh outdoor-oven baked bread (donated by Hearth & Hive of Riverside-Albert), then dessert (donated by Octopus’ Garden Cafe in Alma) served with ice cream and (of course!) local maple syrup.
Image of Fundy Ceilidh provided by The Harvey Hall Then the hall lights dimmed and the music came up! A grand harp was tuned, guitar straps were donned, a collection of Celtic flutes laid out, violin bow freshly rosined, and Fundy Ceilidh performed a lively session of familiar tunes and kitchen-party originals. Toes tapped, hands clapped, whoops were whooped, as the music ramped up and more and more arrived to fill every seat available. Their big finish was given a standing ovation by the very full house!
Harvey Hall president Jane Chrysostom welcomed everyone, and pointed out a few unique features of the hall, especially noting the structural pillars on the left and right of the sturdy old building.
“Rarely noticed, but essential, they contribute more than meets the casual eye. This hall and everything that’s taken place within it could not be here without their strength and support. Rising modestly from the floor yet reaching heights far above our heads, we owe them a great deal, yet we often take them for granted. There are people, too, who stand as stalwart pillars of our community, enabling the Harvey Hall to continue and to thrive. Though they too sometimes escape our notice, we want to recognize who they are and why we hold them in such high regard!”
Harvey Hall board members then each gave testimony for the inaugural group of these pillars: Cyril Tingley for 40 years of service, David Christie for his decades of dedication, George Bishop for his vision, Mary Majka for her direction, and Jim Blewett and Tim Isaac for their musical contributions.
Harvey Hall president Jane Chrysostom welcomed everyone, and pointed out a few unique features of the hall, especially noting the structural pillars on the left and right of the sturdy old building.
“Rarely noticed, but essential, they contribute more than meets the casual eye. This hall and everything that’s taken place within it could not be here without their strength and support. Rising modestly from the floor yet reaching heights far above our heads, we owe them a great deal, yet we often take them for granted. There are people, too, who stand as stalwart pillars of our community, enabling the Harvey Hall to continue and to thrive. Though they too sometimes escape our notice, we want to recognize who they are and why we hold them in such high regard!”
Harvey Hall board members then each gave testimony for the inaugural group of these pillars: Cyril Tingley for 40 years of service, David Christie for his decades of dedication, George Bishop for his vision, Mary Majka for her direction, and Jim Blewett and Tim Isaac for their musical contributions.
Image of Plaque provided by The Harvey Hall When those tributes were completed, Jane directed everyone’s gaze to one of those building pillars, lit by a spotlight but curiously shrouded in black velvet. The shroud was dramatically pulled away to reveal gleaming brass plaques with those names on them, a new permanent feature of the Hall. An important recognition for all to see and remember for the next 140 years.
But the night wasn’t over yet, as more music was up next: began – musicians Dram & A Draw set up on the main floor, and folks gathered close to hear and sing along. A big basket of assorted musical instruments was handy for anyone to join in, as the musicians’ guitars and squeezebox belted out lively and familiar Maritime tunes. With bodhran, cello, viola, spoons, and even ribbon dancing, the kitchen party took off hard and fast and kept going.
But the night wasn’t over yet, as more music was up next: began – musicians Dram & A Draw set up on the main floor, and folks gathered close to hear and sing along. A big basket of assorted musical instruments was handy for anyone to join in, as the musicians’ guitars and squeezebox belted out lively and familiar Maritime tunes. With bodhran, cello, viola, spoons, and even ribbon dancing, the kitchen party took off hard and fast and kept going.
As night fell, as the music swelled, as bellies filled, as laughter lifted, it was joyous. It was lively. It was vibrant. Most of all, it was the true and full spirit of community that the Harvey Hall embodies and preserves.
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