The Chamber Members Sit Down To Breakfast

And Consider Edmond Town Hall’s Future

By Kendra Bobowick

Silverware tinkling against porcelain teacups echoed down from the Alexandria Room’s high ceilings at Edmond Town Hall as more than 30 guests mingled, laughed, and settled into a seat where they discovered invitations for the building’s 1930 dedication.

The out-of-place sound of a trilling cell phone broke the spell of days long gone and pulled guests into the present this week as Chamber of Commerce members gathered with the Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers for a Mardi Gras Breakfast sponsored by Avance Esthetiques.

Guests and speakers reached back for the past nonetheless, as Chamber President Patricia Linnell explained, “I think a lot of people are here to learn more, especially when the town hall is going to move somewhere else.”

Edmond Town Hall’s status in town is poised to change as town offices prepare for a move.

The nearby Fairfield Hills redevelopment scheme incorporates plans for a new town hall, and coming months will determine if all or just some of the municipal offices at the Edmond Town Hall will relocate.

Board of Managers member Jane Sharpe added to the morning’s intrigue as she briefly admired the building’s potential.

“I am impressed with what is going on in this structure, but you don’t really read about its heritage,” she said. The town hall — one of several significant gifts of Mary Elizabeth Hawley — enjoyed its initial introduction to the public on August 23, 1930, just several months after her death. An image of the invitation appeared on the front of a flyer distributed to guests this week by board Chairman Jay Gill. On the flip side was his smaller introduction detailing the building’s future plans. He credits board member Sandra Motyka with locating the original “programme.”

The town hall’s history touches a time period where guests could enjoy a “talking picture programme,” as offered on the original introduction. On that day, the building opened for inspection at 1 pm followed by a “recital of orchestral music” at 2, and a talking picture free to visitors followed by a reception.

This week’s agenda was simpler. The Board of Managers gave a 10-minute talk about the town hall’s recent renovations and the newer restoration plans. Hoped-for projects include improvements to the Alexandria Room, where guests sat Tuesday morning, and its adjoining kitchen area, which Mr Gill and others hope to see restored to its potential as a catering facility. Already removed are many of the outdated appliances including the stove and ovens. Remaining is a center island sink and counter that need replacing. Updates will require a hood and ventilation among other additions like a freezer/refrigerator and newer conveniences.

Mr Gill spoke about the brick building’s historic significance, multiple uses, and central point of activity in town once housing the police station, post office, town offices, movie theater, a bowling alley, gymnasium, and more. Town offices, the theater, and gymnasium remain, while the police station and post office have moved. Also gone today is the bowling alley. Although the past and present are clearly defined, the future is not as clear. Officials have not yet decided if some or all offices will be relocated to the new town hall. Fairfield Hills planning hinges on which building best suits the idea of a new town hall. Ultimately budget constraints and desired usage will determine what will be located within the new town hall.

Money issues further cloud plans. Mr Gill explained that Mary Hawley had established a trust fund for the Edmond Town Hall. Along with these funds — approximately $60,000 of interest on roughly $1.2 million — are town budget funds allotting about $125,000 to the Board of Managers. The rest of any money comes from ticket and concession sales. Space rentals for different activities in the gym and other rooms also contribute to income.

Tuesday morning’s guests wondered if town funding would be compromised as offices relocated.

“I hope not,” Mr Gill said. “We’re looking into what we can do.”

As the future looms, Mr Gill said, “Hopefully the town will recognize the historical significance and keep some of the offices here and continue to support the building.”

Two primary sources of financial support are the trust fund and town budget money.

Mr Gill indicated that frugal financial planning is a priority as the Board of Managers looks ahead.

Town Hall Superintendent Clark Kathan is “absolutely” concerned, he said. “That’s why we’re looking at the future now.”

As far as generating revenue, he said, “There are all kinds of things we can do.”

Listing the rooms and spaces that will be available, Mr Gill said, “We’ll have to turn it into commercial space.” He has previously mentioned rental opportunities as a future option.