Purple Hill Loyal Orange Lodge No. 817
London, Ontario, Canada
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About the Lodge
Purple Hill Loyal Orange Lodge No. 817 received its warrant in 1857.
Purple Hill's Orange Hall is an original balloon frame structure built in 1880 on Samuel Taylor’s farm, Lot 8, Concession 5, of West Nissouri Township. It was set on cedar blocks and sheathed with tongue and groove siding. The hardwood maple, installed in 1926, contributed to the hall’s reputation as the best dance floor in the area. The Purple Hill Orange Hall established its reputation as a social gathering place for the community by hosting box socials, dinners, wedding receptions, and, of course, dances. The Orange Hall was formally donated to Fanshawe Pioneer Village on June 22, 1960 by John B. Carson, Middlesex Master of the Loyal Orange Lodge, and the Right Worshipful William Tatford, Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ontario. The relocation of the building to Fanshawe Pioneer Village was not an easy task. The hall was moved as a single unit by raising it onto a flatbed trailer. The cedar blocks on which it originally sat remained on the Taylor farm. 3 Telephone wires along the transport route had been stretched taught by the cold weather and raising them to move the hall underneath was difficult. The relocation of the building to Fanshawe Pioneer Village was not an easy task. The hall was moved as a single unit by raising it onto a flatbed trailer. The cedar blocks on which it originally sat remained on the Taylor farm. 3 Telephone wires along the transport route had been stretched taught by the cold weather and raising them to move the hall underneath was difficult. When the building arrived at Fanshawe Pioneer Village, it was placed on new risers which were cut from utility poles in order to protect it from frost and water damage. The exterior of the Purple Hill Orange Hall has been restored since its relocation to the Village, and although the renovations have not always been completely representative of the building’s original appearance, the most recent work has focused on a return to its authentic original appearance. Today the Orange Hall at Fanshawe Pioneer Village continues to be used as a meeting space and also for the interpretation of nineteenth century social pastimes. The London Orange Hall, a generous donor to the 2006-2007 restoration project, also continues to use the building for their annual meetings. |
Facts
Warrant Issued: 1857 Hall Location: Lodge Activity: Dormant |