The History of Looma Hall
By Dave Hughes
By Dave Hughes
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.
In the fall of 1938, 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.
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.