By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Victoria Hall Volunteers observed their 50th anniversary June 23 with a lovely garden party that celebrated all that they have achieved since 1975.
The Society for the Preservation of Victoria Hall spearheaded the efforts that literally saved the King Street treasure from the wrecker’s ball, and the VHV came together to look ahead beyond the restoration to preservation and enhancement of the finished product.
Following live entertainment, current President Donna Londry honoured past presidents.
“The value of volunteerism is woven into every corner of Victoria Hall, from the restoration of the clock tower to the purchase of new display cases, to the sound and lighting systems that bring our events to life. Each achievement is a testament to the dedication, generosity and vision of our volunteers, past and present,” Londry said.
“It’s the collective effort – the willingness to give time and talent for the greater good – that has preserved Cobourg’s architectural and cultural gem.”
Certificates were presented (or set aside to deliver at a later time) to Mary Jane Pocock (1979-1980), Barbara Jean Taylor (1981-1982), Anne Wilson (1988), Miriam Mutton (1993-1995), Judy Kerr (1995-1997), June Mackenzie (1997-1999), Jane Greathead (2000-2001), Paula Glaser (2002-2003), Madeleine Thibault-Smith (2008-2009), Sarah Holland (2010-2011), Claire Lloyd (2012) Patricia Commins (2013-2015), Fran Richardson (2018-2019), Leona Wood (2020-2021), Diane Chin (2022-2023) and Donna Londry (2024-2025).
Mayor Lucas Cleveland honoured the four remaining founding members Barbara Jean Taylor and Mary Jane Pocock, with certificates to be presented to Jane Greathead and Anne Wilson at a later date, as they were unable to attend.
“To all founding members – thank you for laying the foundation of something truly lasting and meaningful.”
“Your tireless work has helped preserve not just a building, but a legacy, and your impact has been felt by everyone who steps through the doors of Victoria Hall. And with the visitors coming through, you have connected Canadians with their roots and inspired others.”
“For town staff and council, being able to work in such a stunning and historic building is not just a privilege, it is a daily reminder of what makes Cobourg so special. Victoria Hall is more than a workplace or a meeting space. It is a symbol of our shared identity, and that experience is made even richer by the care and commitment of the volunteers who help bring it to life.”
“For our citizens and visitors, your efforts have made this space accessible, welcoming and vibrant.
Through tours, events and historical interpretation, you have helped connect generations of Cobourg residents, and more broadly Canadians, to their roots and inspired pride in the place we call home.”
“On behalf of the Town of Cobourg, thank you for 50 years of service, stewardship and community spirit.
You are a shining example of what it means to give back, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do.”
Historian Trisha Essery reviewed 50 years of highlights.
Founded in 1975, the group did not keep records until 1983 so there is no definitive way to know how many founding members there were. A 30th-anniversary photo shows 13 founding members, and Barbara Jean Taylor thinks there may have been closer to 20. Today there are about 50 members.
Worthy of special mention is the primary instigator of the group, Marion Hagen.
Today, there are four members with more than 40 years of tenure, four with 30 to 40 years, eight with 20 to 30 years, and eight with 10 to 20 years. That means half of today’s members have a long-term commitment. While the others have fewer than 10 years, they are the future.
In 50 year, the group has had 25 presidents and 115 fundraisers, and has made 100 donations to the benefit of Victoria Hall. The total of these donations is just under $410,000 (or about $675,000 in today’s dollars).
Essery recalled an interview from 1981, when the restoration was just completed and the Society for the Restoration of Victoria Hall was closing down.
“The reporter asked President Marion Hagen if Victoria Hall Volunteers wold close too. She said, ‘The Victoria Hall Volunteers are going to stay. There will always be a need.’”
June Mackenzie commended her fellow VHVs on “50 years of maintenance and preservation of that wonderful old hall that we have all worked so hard to preserve,” unveiling the commemorative plaque that will be mounted in a place of honour in the front hall and reading it out loud.
“Victoria Hall Volunteers 1975-2025, in recognition of Victoria Hall Volunteers’ 50 years of service, dedicated to the continuing preservation and maintenance of Victoria Hall.”
