Netherhill Hall has hosted 40 years of dancing

By Joan Janzen

The Netherhill Memorial Hall has been a landmark in the community since 1938. That year construction of the hall began, utilizing lumber from a barn that had been dismantled. However, it wasn’t completed until after the war ended in 1945, at which time it was dedicated as a memorial hall.

Lionel Story from Netherhill said the last dance was held at the hall in 1971. Thirty-eight years later, in 2009, the community got together, cleaned out all the pigeon droppings and began renovating the hall.

Today, the 100-person capacity hall is booked for weddings and local dances during the warmer months. A generator powers lights since the hall has no electricity and the walls aren’t insulated. Portable washrooms are brought on-site for any occasion since the hall doesn’t have restrooms.

A peek inside the Netherhill Hall is like walking back in time. Original wooden benches are lined up along the walls, the same benches which seated spectators at Christmas concerts years ago. If the wooden floor could talk, it would tell stories of many dancers throughout the years. There are two spacious cloakrooms and a small kitchen devoid of sinks or appliances.

A hallway is tucked behind the stage, where entertainers line up before getting on the stage. While they were waiting, young couples would autograph the walls with their signatures, which are still on display for everyone to see.

Today the hall is owned by the community and is utilized for local dances, like the event which was held in June when the band Fox and the Hound entertained. “We usually have country music at our dances,” Lionel said. Along with the country music, folks continue to have a whole lot of fun in the old Netherhill Hall.