Let’s take a trip back to 1968 when an important social hub in Ladner went up in flames.
On Feb. 26 that year, the Delta Community Hall was destroyed by fire. Smoke coming from the building, located at Chisholm and Elliot streets, was first noticed at 5:30 a.m. by two B.C. Telephone Company employees.
Flames reportedly leaped 60 feet above the building as Ladner and East Delta fireman hopelessly battled the blaze.
Fire Chief Cliff Cory said the trusses which held the roof were burned through before firemen arrived and the whole upper structure and balcony fell onto the dance floor. He said the fire must have been burning for several hours.
Clouds of smoke and steam were still pouring from the ruins a couple of days later.
The hall and its contents were insured for $100,000.
Built in the 1920s, the building was the scene of countless community events and headquarters for several groups.
The final event at the hall was a Tsawwassen-Ladner Kiwanis Club dance held a couple of days prior.
