Have you ever been to the Little Hall in Maryvale? It is a small space, steeped in history that holds about a hundred people. Many think these old halls are kind of redundant, when there are bigger and more modern venues. But to the community of Maryvale, this little hall holds a lot of precious memories of square dances, card plays, bingo, baby showers, wedding receptions, funerals, family reunions and good old fashioned parties. Perhaps most interesting are the memories of times when it was the old one room school house where many of our parents and grandparents walked every day. When it was recently revealed that though the modest space is not terribly costly to keep, expenses are getting higher and there are fewer bookings, the community began to wonder how long they can keep it.
Maryvale has decided they won’t give it up without a fight. By having a few fundraising events, they aim to bring some attention back to the cosy hall and remind people to use this little gem more often.
The community and committee who take care of the hall have always made it a priority to keep the rental cost low for the space because, as it belongs to them all, everyone should have access to it. But many people don’t remember that it is there.
Laura Teasdale, along with family and friends will hold a concert and ‘open house,’ inviting old friends who know the hall well to come and enjoy its charms, as well as new friends, who might discover it for the first time, Saturday, Oct. 19.
“We are so lucky to have these spaces right in our back yards. It would be sad to lose them. Sometimes we just need to be reminded. And with so much talent in the area, we know it will be an excellent show,” she said in a press release.
The celebration will start at 7 p.m., with refreshments served and admission by donation.
The hall is located just after #3062 on Highway 245 in Maryvale, Antigonish County.
