The DRA

Hall Serving the

community for

over100 years

For over one hundred years, the building that now houses the DRA has been the centre of the community’s social life. Starting life in 1919 as the new home of the Orange Young Briton Lodge No. 43, it replaced the Lodge’s original meeting place, a log building that was directly across the road. The log building was dismantled and moved to the Glengarry Pioneer Museum as the main reception area and offices. The hall was built in 1919 on land purchased from John F. Macgregor and Janet Agnes of Alexandria for the sum of $45. The structure was constructed from cement block and was originally two stories high. By 1974, support for Dunvegan’s Orange Lodge No. 43 had declined to the point that the building was sold to the Dunvegan Chapter of the Women’s Institute. Shortly after acquiring the building, the Women’s Institute had to raise funds to remove the second story and replace the roof. Due to declining membership the Women’s Institute decided to give up the hall and in 1982 an agreement was reached with the Dunvegan Recreation Association to purchase the building and its contents. Thanks to a Trillium Grant, the Hall has been refurbished and is looking great. 2019 renovations have made the hall accessible. From weddings and anniversary celebrations, to ceilidhs, pot-luck suppers, Halloween and Christmas parties and even shelter during the ‘98 Ice Storm, the space as brought much joy and comfort to the residents of our tiny corner of Ontario. And it is our hope that it will continue to do so for many years to come.

The Hall Continues to Serve the Community

The DRA Hall continues to serve the local community by hosting local events such as the Festival of Small Halls, Christmas parties and private events. The facilities are accessible, includes two washrooms, has a Health Unit inspected kitchen, a stage with top notch sound system, projector and screen and chairs and tables to seat close over 80 people. It also has WiFi Access. It is available to rent by reservation. Contact Hall Rental for more information and to make reservations.