who we are and what we do
About
The Fort Langley Community Hall has always had a wonderful relationship with the people of Fort Langley. The heritage building is owned and operated by the Fort Langley Community Improvement Society (FLCIS). The volunteer Board of Directors, elected by members, governs the work of the society, preserves the records of operations and ensures the heritage building is maintained for the community for years to come.
The FLCIS mandate includes supporting the arts, music and other cultural activities. The society regularly sponsors events and hosts activities that fit within their mandate including recreational fun such as Bingo and Lawn Croquet. The Voyageurs Scottish Country Dancers, local scout groups and other community groups meet at the hall on a regular basis.
Did you know?
The cost of our lifetime membership has not changed since the society was formed in 1924
The Fort Langley Community Improvement Society grew from a movement established long before the society incorporated in 1924. The Fort Langley Women’s Institute was established in 1914, and remained an active part of the community of Fort Langley.
The Women’s Institute movement began in Ontario in 1897. The Founder and first president was Mrs Adelaide Hoodspith who saw the need for for women across the country to meet, discuss common problems, and work together for their homes and their country. Groups formed to enable women to further their skills, take part in wide ranging activities, and campaign on issues that mattered to them and their communities.
Today there are branches all over the world working with their Canadian motto “for home and country” and using their colours- green, white and gold; Green for the forests, white for the snowcapped mountains and gold for the riches that safeguard homes, the treasures and hearts of a nation. Across Canada members include daughters of pioneers, First Nations women, and ‘new Canadians’ who bring their customs and cultures to blend with the old and create new life and interests.
*Dance held in ballroom – Photo Credit to: Langley Advance Collection, Langley Centennial Museum #2015.010.001
The Fort Langley Community Improvement Society grew from a movement established long before the society incorporated in 1924. The Fort Langley Women’s Institute was established in 1914, and remained an active part of the community of Fort Langley.
Today there are branches all over the world working with their Canadian motto “for home and country” and using their colours- green, white and gold; Green for the forests, white for the snowcapped mountains and gold for the riches that safeguard homes, the treasures and hearts of a nation. Across Canada members include daughters of pioneers, First Nations women, and ‘new Canadians’ who bring their customs and cultures to blend with the old and create new life and interests.
at a glance
20's
The original old town hall was built around 1900 and sat in the northeast corner of the current property. It was a two-storey building, which served as the original municipal hall. After the municipal administration moved to Murrayville, the building was used for recreational activities.
Langley Centennial Museum #4859
The Women’s Institute and the Langley Farmer’s Institute shared equally in maintaining the Old Town Hall as a community center.
By 1924, it became apparent that there was a need for a new hall. The Women’s and Men’s
Institute sponsored and met several times until a workable constitution was formulated. On
November 18, 1924, the Fort Langley Community Improvement Society was formed and held its first annual general meeting. In 1925, the Fort Langley Community Improvement Society bought the property off the municipality by paying the back taxes of $137.13 and the property became community property. Mrs. Hector Morrison, the President of the Women’s Institute presided over the first meeting and was the first Chairman Interim. Mr. G.F. Young was the Secretary Treasurer. The Fort Langley Community Improvement Society was incorporated under the Societies Act on December 9th, 1924.
Mr. F.C. Jones was elected as the first President in January 1925. The first directors were Dr.
B.B. Marr, `W.R. Major, Mrs. C.E. Hope, Mr. Alex Hope and Ernie Brown (Representatives for
Native Sons), Mrs. Harry Leader and Mrs. I. Rennie (Representatives for the Women’s Institute), Mr. John Ormrod and Mr. Percy Worrall (Representatives for the Farmers Institutes). Lifetime membership was $10 and a one-year membership was $1. All other charges for rent were set by the directors.
30's
By 1930, the Fort Langley Community Improvement Society had saved over $3,500 for the building of a new hall. Archibald Campbell Hope was the architect commissioned to design the hall. Construction of the hall began on October 15, 1930 and was overseen by Mr. James Souter.
Langley Centennial Museum #0932
These were the days of the Great Depression, so it was decided to borrow enough to build a shell and then to finish bit by bit as they earned the money. Carpenters involved in the construction of the hall were Alex Tewinion, William (Billy).M. Brown, Joe Sales, and Wilfred Muench. With the help of hired carpenters and volunteers, the hall took shape.
Langley Centennial Museum #2771
The opening dance was held on March 6, 1931, attended by civic dignitaries and local member of parliament. Len Chamberlain’s twelve-piece orchestra from Hotel Vancouver was hired to play for the dance for a fee of $85. Tickets for the opening dance were $1 and it cleared over $600. The second dance held in early April 1931 and sponsored by the Telephone Girls had over 500 people at the dance and cleared $500. Photochrome reprints of painting by John Innes decorated the walls.
Langley Centennial Museum #3436
In 1931 board members planted maple trees which still stand today. The heritage trees located on the north side of the property were planted by the women,while the trees on the south side were planted by the men. Cherry trees were donated at a later date. Originally, the hall was painted a dark brown. George F. Young, the original and longstanding Secretary-Treasurer wanted the colour of the hall to be lighter. It is because of him that the blue strip of board on the front of the hall remains to this day.
Langley Centennial Museum #4513
40's
The Klondike Nights was an annual celebration that began in the late 1940s. The celebration took place in October each year at the Fort Langley Community Hall and welcomed a dance floor and skits, along with novelty booths and bingo.
Langley Centennial Museum #3051
The event was sponsored by all the organizations in the community. Proceeds went to various fundraising efforts, including starting of the Langley Centennial Museum. Kelsey Moore and Roy Seney was a major organizer of the event.
Langley Centennial Museum #3156
50's
Klondike Nights continued each year at the Fort Langley Community Hall into the late 50’s. Events like the Douglas Day Banquet were popular with the community.
Langley Centennial Museum #4919
Langley Centennial Museum
#2015.010.001
80’s & BEYOND
The Fort Langley Community Improvement Society continues to maintain the historic property. Projects such as the paving of the circular driveway and redesigning of he landscape for improved visibility and use of outdoor space for community events were a focus during the 80’s
Every year, the society’s volunteers work diligently to maintain the historic building and improve the facility to shine as the star of the village for both new and traditional celebrations and events that fit within the mandate of the Fort Langley Community Improvement Society.
Langley Centennial Museum #3225
Langley Centennial Museum #3327
60's
Community gatherings, such as the annual Douglas Day dinner was a well attended event each year at the Fort Langley Community Hall and continues to this day. The celebration of Douglas Day is recognized by the Township since the 1920’s and was established as a municipal bylaw in 1946.
Langley Centennial Museum #201001989
The village of Fort Langley grew up around the 88-acre river front location of a major sawmill that had been open since 1921 becoming a blue-collar working class community through the 60’s and 70’s. The mill brought jobs and prosperity to the struggling town.
Langley Centennial Museum #2010.001.1295
70's
The Fort Langley Community Hall became a designated Heritage site on September 10, 1979. The Annual May Day celebration was popular with the community. Raised stage in front of hall was erected for Judges and/or viewing stand during the Fort Langley May Day parade.
Langley Centennial Museum #1996.055.011
80’s & BEYOND
The Fort Langley Community Improvement Society continues to maintain the historic property. Projects such as the paving of the circular driveway and redesigning of he landscape for improved visibility and use of outdoor space for community events were a focus during the 80’s.
Every year, the society’s volunteers work diligently to maintain the historic building and improve the facility to shine as the star of the village for both new and traditional celebrations and events that fit within the mandate of the Fort Langley Community Improvement Society.
Did You Know?
In the 1930’s a group of young men held a series of 3 dances to raise money to paint the newly constructed Fort Langley Community Hall, but refused to hand it over when the plan was revealed to paint the hall chocolate brown.
The gable board was originally painted a cream colour and was later requested by a director to be painted blue. The teal blue arrow is painted blue to this day in the honour of long time board member, George Young.
*Langley Centennial Museum Photo #2770
Did You Know?
The Fort Langley Community Hall is NOT a Township Building. The iconic building and property has been lovingly maintained by the Fort Langley Community Improvement Society since 1925 when the old town hall grounds were purchased from the municipality for $137.13, the amount of the taxes owing. The construction of the building began in 1930 and on March 6, 1931 an inaugural dance was held as the formal opening of the current building. Since 1931, the Fort Langley Community Hall has been at the heart of many events and festivals.
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
The original location of the first town hall was on the North-East corner of the property where the current kiosk building is located today. Check out this historic photo and you can see the old town hall to the left , the highest building just up the road from St. Georges church.
*Langley Centennial Museum Photo #0222
Do You Have a big event coming up?
If you are interested in booking the historic Fort Langley Community Hall please contact us for more information, to schedule a viewing, or to ask about rates. We will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.
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