Delta's community spirit was inspired by its pioneering families following incorporation in 1879 and extended to the first community centres, which were all built with volunteer labour.
Ladners Landing opened its town hall on Elliott Street in 1885. This was the site of the first fall fair in 1888, organized by the Delta Agricultural Society. The corner of Chisholm and Elliott streets was a hive of civic and community affairs with its proximity to the municipal office and nearby hotel.
With a substantial increase in population following the First World War, there was a need for larger facilities in Ladner, as well as in the Sunbury/Annieville area and in East Delta.
In 1919, the residents of the predominately fishing community in Sunbury opened their community centre adjacent the Fraser River. In 1962, their current hall opened at Sunbury Park on Dunlop Road and remains in operation today.
In 1926, and largely with volunteer labour, Ladner opened its community hall at the corner of Elliott and Chisholm streets. This was the site of Delta's civic and community activity until it was destroyed by fire in 1968.
Generations of families celebrated New Year's Eve galas, weddings and anniversaries, movies, theatre productions, talent contests, amateur boxing tournaments and the list goes on. Forty years of documented family memories were lost that tragic night.
The third, and likely the highest profile, community hall still active is the East Delta Hall on Highway 10. In 1875, John McKee and family settled in the East Delta farm community and McKee donated land for St. David's United Church.
Discussions ensued on the need for a church hall to meet the social needs of the congregation. The community agreed to build a separate centre with free use for church activities. John's son, David McKee, donated land for the hall site.
In 1930, the McKee Athletic Association was formed and volunteer labour organized. Driftwood logs were hauled off the beach and Douglas fir logged off Sunshine Hills. The logs were hauled by horses to Lester Embree's farm and
sawn into building material.
The main builders and organizers besides Lester Embree were his brother George, Thomas Robertson and Leonard Dennis. These original settlers and many volunteers opened the hall doors on Feb. 11, 1931.
For 50 years, Dennis was East Delta's Santa Claus, first at the St. David's Church and then the East Delta Hall. In those days, East Delta had its own elementary school and held school plays as well as Christmas and Halloween parties at the hall. It was the home for wedding receptions, dances and famous fundraising box socials.
The hall was also known for its many athletic competitions: boxing, basketball and tennis in the two outdoor courts.
East Delta's civic spirit was tested in 1993 when fire engulfed one-third of the hall. Like their fathers and grandfathers before them, the directors of the McKee Athletic Society rallied to the cause and the hall was reopened on Sept. 24, 1995.
As a result of this phenomenal accomplishment, the directors of the McKee Athletic Society were recognized as Delta's 1995 Citizen of the Year.
Now that's community spirit! And a good night to you, McKee Athletic Society.
