Fonds MG23 - Lake Cowichan Community Club fonds

In 1929 United Church missionary, H.E. Gridley contacted several residents in regard to the building a hall suitable for the social life of the community. As a result of this survey a meeting was called and it was decided to build a hall. A subscription list was opened to raise funds to buy property. Dances were held at the Lakeside Hotel. The Lake Cowichan Community Club was incorporated on March 13, 1930 under the Societies Act and a month later two lots were purchased on Renfrew Ave. for one hundred dollars each. At a meeting held at Scholey's Store the first slate of officers was elected: President:W.F. Grosskleg; Vice President: F.G. Reed; Secretary: H. Potentier; Treasurer: H. Thomas; Governors: S. Scholey; A. Castley, M.L. Douglas and J. Morley. Committees were appointed including a building committee. The lots were cleared and the foundations were laid out. Mr. Douglas supervised the project and did the structural work while the remainder of the work was done by volunteers. The hall was completed within the year and officially opened March 7, 1931 with Premier Tolmie officiating. The objects of the society were to improve the social conditions of the community residing in and about the District of Lake Cowichan; to promote objects of a patriotic, religious and charitable character among the club members and to promote sports of all kinds. The mortgage was burned in April 1941.The hall was in much demand for church services, Boy Scouts and children's activities, meetings and public dances. The club sponsored Junior and Senior badminton. The IODE held its annual flower show there for many years. In 1958 the club gave four hundred dollars to Centennial Park. The Community Hall operated for 30 years until it became unsafe. On June 21, 1963 the hall and property were sold to the school board. The assets were given to the Village and the club disbanded. The school board used the hall as a storage place until it was demolished. On the site now (1997) is the Senior Citizens Centre which has been plaqued to commemorate the original site.