The History of Looma Hall
By Dave Hughes

 In the fall of 1936, people around Looma started thinking about a community hall. A meeting was called and it was decided they should proceed, as there was no place for young people to meet. A committee was set up. Wm. Cheshire, Alex Hughes, Albert Wensel, Johnston Paterson, John Donnan, Hugh McClean, Mr. Kilford, Mr. Peck, Matt Forester and all their wives were the main group. They decided to go ahead and build the Hall in 1937. Josh Atkinson donated some land that was hilly so Wm. Cheshire, with his 15-30 McCormack and plow, loosened the soil and Cyril Peck and Len Mantle with four horses each and fresnos. Then big rocks were placed in lines and heavy timbers were put on top (no concrete anywhere). Then men came and pounded nails, some for a day or two, some for a month or two. Johnston Patterson was the official carpenter and there almost every day. He later built the chimney with his son Pat as a helper. Albert Wensel had a big truck and hauled the lumber at cost. Wm Cheshire, a painter, painted the Hall when it was finished. He later painted it again. The rate of pay was 20c per hour and shares were sold for $2.00. Most got shares instead of pay and most were never redeemed. A real community project!

The first orchestra was the McLean Family from New Sarepta. They played many times for the first few years. There were others including the Melody Rangers, Penmans, George Roper group of Hay Lakes, Len MacDonald from Edmonton, and Klenschroths from Ministik. The opening dance was held July 15, 1937, and 300 people came. Through the years many different bands played. Many wedding dances were held in the Hall, the first being Sarah McClean to Joe Radstaak.


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