Residents of this small community have come together to do what they can to keep Vicky going - Vicky being the Victoria Hall across the street from Dominion Chair.
"With small communities, we're losing so much. We already have to get our gas in Great Village or Parrsboro, and we've lost our school," said Wendy Cox, one of the residents who have formed a committee to help raise money for much-needed repairs.
"This is the only place, other than the fire hall, where the community can come together to have variety shows, community functions, wedding or baby showers, birthday parties, or youth group functions. This can be used for anything the community wants to use this for."
The hall was built in the late 1890s, with an ell being built on the north side in 1901. Extensive repairs and improvements were made in 1953.
In order to survive, Vicky needs a new roof, and she needs it bad.
Back in the middle of May, the community called a meeting in regards to the hall.
"It hasn't been really used in about three or four years," said Cox. "There was no insurance on it, so no one could use it. It fell into disrepair."
The meeting in May saw more than 30 in attendance, with ages ranging from teenagers to those in their 90s.
Since then, insurance has been acquired and fundraising has already started to help get Vicky back on her feet.
"We need a new roof. That's our main issue. There are holes in the roof. We have to have a new roof before the winter."
The group is raising at least $12,000 for a steel roof this year, but repairs after that include a new heating system, followed by new flooring, which is now warped thanks to the leaking roof. The leaks have also wreaked havoc on one of the interior walls, which needs replacing due to mold.
Bill Elliott, a well-known musician along the shore, spent many hours performing inside Vicky.
"This is a place for everyone to get together. It's a community thing. It's the glue for the whole community, you might say."
Elliott, who is the chairman of the committee, says they are open to suggestions of what the hall could be used for when it's back up and running.
"And hopefully we can bring a series of (musical) showcases here," said Elliott, who is also involved in the Economy Fall Sessions.
Since that meeting in May, more than $4,200 has been raised through a number of initiatives, including a community bottle drive.
"We also sent a flyer to every household and we've gotten a huge response," said Cox.
Coming up in a few weeks time, the committee is hoping to see a sell-out crowd for a musical evening, featuring Julia McLellan, Mike Cox, and the Elliott brothers - Bill and Mike.
Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at Dominion Chair in Bass River or the Marigold Cultural Centre in Truro. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 11, with doors opening 30 minutes. Depending on availability, tickets may also be available at the door.
All proceeds will go to the fundraising cause, as all musicians have donated their time and talent.
Twitter: @TDNRaissa
