Since the early 1800s there has been a community gathering space for residents of Granville Road. Early records indicate that folks met in a “dark room over the school” until after World War I, when residents constructed our current building, which was located near the future site of The reconstructed Habitation in Port Royal. In the 1920s and 30s, plays were produced and debuted in the spring, along with productions from other halls. Variety shows and other entertainments were presented in the summer months. In the fall, school fairs were held with daytime exhibits and evening speeches, demonstrations, and chorus recitals. There were dances and famous Granville clam suppers, and the Hall served as the headquarters for the Sons of Temperance. The Hall was a vibrant part of the community and enjoyed by all ages. By the 1950s, the Canadian Order of Foresters utilized the second floor (since removed), and maintained the entire building.
In the 1960s, Parks Canada sought to expand the campus of The Habitation historic site, so the Hall was moved to its current location on the north side of Granville Road. At that time washrooms and a kitchen were added to the building. The Hall continued to serve as a community gathering place, and maintenance fell into the hands of a cadre of resident volunteers. In recent decades the Hall has been known for lobster suppers and dances, as well as a spot for private parties and receptions.
In the past handful of years, the demographic of Granville Road has swung to retirees, small farmers, and families with young children. Regular groups meeting at the Hall have included a women’s Coffee Club, Habitation Hookers & Crafters, as well as birding groups and a book exchange. These programs are held during the day and provide opportunities for seniors to socialize.
2018 saw the addition of two groups dedicated to small farmers and food growers. The Good Cheer Garden Group and Flocksters & Herders held monthly meetings and look forward to adding community markets in 2019, as well as workshops and seminars. A Women’s Clothing Exchange was held to foster inter-generational fellowship and to promote clothing repurpose/reuse. This event was well received and will be repeated annually. Local men utilized the Hall for an informal get-together one evening a week. The Good Cheer Men’s Group attracted home brewers and those desirous of a connection with their neighbours. A standout fundraiser was held on Victoria Day weekend. Costumed servers provided tea and refreshments, and historian Barry Moody gave a talk on life in Victorian-era Annapolis County. The Victorian Tea & History attracted local residents and visitors from as far away as Ontario and PEI. We’ve gotten great feedback from these new offerings and enjoyed lots of community support, including the loan of costumes from the Heritage Society of Annapolis Royal and marketing assistance from Parks Canada employees at neighbouring Habitation.
A busy roster of events and activities are planned for 2019 including community potlucks, community market days, and a lecture series. Last fall a survey was circulated to gauge interest in fitness classes at the Hall. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and we hope to procure equipment and secure instructors to launch this new program.
With the influx of families and retirees holding strong ties to their community, the future for our Hall is bright. In 2018 we more than doubled the number of regular program offerings, and we plan to do that and more in 2019. Our two-year plan is to upgrade our Hall, adding insulation and energy-efficient heat pumps, so that we can be open year round instead of the eight months we currently operate. There is interest in returning to our origins as a venue for small theatre, tapping into our rich cultural history in Port Royal, site of the first play written and performed in North America. Creating a teaching and sharing culture between elders and young people has also been suggested, as well as use of the Hall for music instruction, and for recreation and crafts days by home-schooling parents and their children.
In the 1960s, Parks Canada sought to expand the campus of The Habitation historic site, so the Hall was moved to its current location on the north side of Granville Road. At that time washrooms and a kitchen were added to the building. The Hall continued to serve as a community gathering place, and maintenance fell into the hands of a cadre of resident volunteers. In recent decades the Hall has been known for lobster suppers and dances, as well as a spot for private parties and receptions.
In the past handful of years, the demographic of Granville Road has swung to retirees, small farmers, and families with young children. Regular groups meeting at the Hall have included a women’s Coffee Club, Habitation Hookers & Crafters, as well as birding groups and a book exchange. These programs are held during the day and provide opportunities for seniors to socialize.
2018 saw the addition of two groups dedicated to small farmers and food growers. The Good Cheer Garden Group and Flocksters & Herders held monthly meetings and look forward to adding community markets in 2019, as well as workshops and seminars. A Women’s Clothing Exchange was held to foster inter-generational fellowship and to promote clothing repurpose/reuse. This event was well received and will be repeated annually. Local men utilized the Hall for an informal get-together one evening a week. The Good Cheer Men’s Group attracted home brewers and those desirous of a connection with their neighbours. A standout fundraiser was held on Victoria Day weekend. Costumed servers provided tea and refreshments, and historian Barry Moody gave a talk on life in Victorian-era Annapolis County. The Victorian Tea & History attracted local residents and visitors from as far away as Ontario and PEI. We’ve gotten great feedback from these new offerings and enjoyed lots of community support, including the loan of costumes from the Heritage Society of Annapolis Royal and marketing assistance from Parks Canada employees at neighbouring Habitation.
A busy roster of events and activities are planned for 2019 including community potlucks, community market days, and a lecture series. Last fall a survey was circulated to gauge interest in fitness classes at the Hall. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and we hope to procure equipment and secure instructors to launch this new program.
With the influx of families and retirees holding strong ties to their community, the future for our Hall is bright. In 2018 we more than doubled the number of regular program offerings, and we plan to do that and more in 2019. Our two-year plan is to upgrade our Hall, adding insulation and energy-efficient heat pumps, so that we can be open year round instead of the eight months we currently operate. There is interest in returning to our origins as a venue for small theatre, tapping into our rich cultural history in Port Royal, site of the first play written and performed in North America. Creating a teaching and sharing culture between elders and young people has also been suggested, as well as use of the Hall for music instruction, and for recreation and crafts days by home-schooling parents and their children.
