Of all the buildings that have risen and fallen in Silverhill, the one with the most memories within its walls is no doubt, Silverhill Hall. From very early on in settlement in Silverhill, residents wished to have a “Folkets Hus” (The peoples building) in Silverhill. Plans for a hall started in 1915, and the hall was complete in 1919. The hall was built by the men of the community, volunteering their time and effort. Sylver Lowe donated a piece of his land to allow the hall to operate in an ideal, central spot. They worked day after day on this hall, always staying refreshed as the women of the community ensure coffee and “kaker” were readily available. The lumber used for the hall was purchased from the Ruskin Lumber mill; it had to be floated on the Fraser River and docked at the Donatelli family property. Upon arrival at the Donatelli’s property, horses pulled the logs the rest fo the way to the building site. Both the nails and the windows used were second hand purchased. One intriguing detail was how the community patched up any exposing holes in the wood walls. The people of Silverhill spared any spare cloth they had to patch up any exposed gaps in the wood walls, ensuring that no wind will interrupt the activities within the hall. The use of their literal clothes on their back speaks volumes about the dedication and community pride that beckoned from this hall. Fittingly, the hall was completed just in time to celebrate Midsummer, a significant Swedish celebration.
Although many people worked hard on this community-driven project, there are a couple of names that stand out. David and Thyre Shugge were some of the leaders of this community-driven project. Thyre led a women’s group that was active in fundraising for the hall in the early days of its existence. One of their first efforts to raise money for this hall was an auction of local goods. Syver Lowe played auctioneer, and Tyre organized the event. If you recall, Syver was the man who donated some of his property for the hall to stand on.
David and Thyre Shugge
The Silverhill hall was home to many fascinating and culturally strengthening events. In the hall’s ninety-nine-year history, the list is almost endless of activities that continued to weave tightness within Silverhill with all its inhabitants. When examining an event book, we see the actual plethora of events that took place. We see events ranging from Jam Sessions almost weekly, birthday parties, wedding celebrations, and 4-H Club meetings. It is also noted that for many meetings regarding the operation of the hall, anyone was invited. Despite there being a committee in charge, public voices were welcomed. This only furthered echos the notion that this was a community-run and operated hall and a place for everyone to enjoy. Hall records from 1961 show that Silverhill wanted to create a welcome committee. They would be in charge of ensuring that new residents felt welcomed into Silverhill upon their arrival.
When speaking to Karen about what events she remembers in the hall, one comes to mind in particular that created a focal point to the diversity of the hall. Potlucks were frequent in Silverhill Hall as a way to both raise money, while simultaneously etching further diversity. People from all backgrounds would attend these potlucks, each bringing their unique dish with them. Karen recalls seeing the spread at the table and how robust and world reaching it was. There would be Japanese dishes courtesy of the Fukijawas, Italian dished from the Donatelli’s, and various Scandinavian dishes from the other residents. These potlucks were almost always well attended and essential in binding a community even further together.
As one would imagine, Silverhill Hall holds an extraordinary place in many people’s hearts and minds. This notion is concreted when examining a logbook of events that took place in the hall. When the hall turned 40 years old in 1959, it held quite the party, bringing people back to Silverhill from all over the place. Rose Grady travelled from Tacoma, Mr. David and Astrid Thomson travelled from Alberni, and Donald and Brenda arrived from Chemainus. We see thank you cards from guests celebrating decades of the existence of the hall up to its 80th birthday celebration.
Silverhill Hall was a place where people got together to celebrate, discuss, or even mourn the loss of a loved one. Silverhill Hall stood for 99 years, and in those years, there was always something happening within its walls. It appears the hall itself was integral in creating a sense of place for many settlers who called Silverhill home. A unique identity blossomed in Silverhill; one can argue that residents may call themselves “Silverhillish.”