Delton's Community Hall Faces Removal Threat

Public Spirit Once Saved Landmark
Center Holds Much Of Village's History
By KATHLEEN MUDGE
Gazette Staff Correspondent

DELTON, Mich. Jan. 30 - There is a growing anxiety in the minds of many Delton citizens these days centered on new rumors of razing the old Community Hall.

Located on M-43 between the Delton Hardware and Smith's Garage, the building may be best described as barracks type structure painted white, and to an outsider, nondescript and perhaps even drab.

But to Delton's friends and residents it is a part of history. To them it means hours of work and companionship with families and neighbors.

Even today the ghosts of the past haunt it through the new coat of paint and the new roof. Five years ago even the sentimentalists admitted it was an eyesore. Rumors began then that it would be removed to permit business expansion.

Tear down the community hall? Mothers and dads recalled the work that went into building and equipping it, the dinners, stage shows, square dances and church meetings that took place there. Their concern reached Leon Leonard, who before his death was one of the officers and trustees of the hall.

Through Leonard's efforts the Boosters Club joined with the Delton Lions to sponsor the hall. A board of directors with members from each club was organized to raise funds and direct the hall's renovation. Enthusiasm spread throughout the community.

IT SEEMED to some that ghosts of the past had joined the workers as volunteers dusted down the old hand painted roll stage curtain which advertises businesses no longer in existence. Sanding and polishing revealed a birds eye maple floor long covered by layers of dirt. The old kitchen produced huge pots and pans to be polished and replaced in new cupboards. The old wainscoting was varnished and the basement walls and massive beams supporting the dance floor were painted white.

Over $3,000 was spent in the renovation. Plumbing was installed for new toilet and kitchen facilities. A sidewalk was laid in front of the building. Eaves troughs and drains carry off excess water which formerly flooded the basement in wet seasons. The stage was made more accessible with a new entrance and stairs.

For three years the hall was lavished with attention. There was a glow in the new varnish, the freshly painted walls held a mellow warmth, and the acoustics of the hall, the best anywhere around, seemed to whisper the hall's appreciation.

To help raise funds, women of the community form the Community Hall Auxiliary. They sponsored sales, dances and parties and raised $550 for the hall. Scout activities, teen hops and square dances for young people created a new generation with its own memories to haunt the hall.

BUT ONCE AGAIN rumors are beginning to circulate. A noticeable lag in community spirit has again brought up the question of selling the hall.

The Inter-Lakes Baptist Church meets in the Hall each Sunday, the only organization making regular use of the facilities. But the Baptists plan to move to a new church this spring, leaving unanswered the fate of Delton's landmark.

"The Villain's Last Stand"
"The Villain's Last Stand" was one of the last plays performed at the Delton Community Hall. The play was presented on Thursday and Friday, March 28th and 29th, 1957 at 8:00PM.

Click here to see photos, play book, and the original script from the play. The original documents were donated to the Bernard Historical Museum by Bud Leonard.