Description of Historic Place

Abernethy and District Memorial Hall is a Municipal Heritage Property in the Village of Abernethy at the south end of Main Street. The property features a large, one-storey, brick hall constructed in 1921.

Heritage Value

The heritage value of the Abernethy and District Memorial Hall lies in its association with the district’s First World War veterans and the community’s co-operative spirit. The citizens of the district chose to honour the returning veterans in 1919 by constructing a public hall. The town raised funds for the hall through private donation and subscriptions. The co-operative spirit extended to the construction phase as the building was erected with the help of volunteer labour and donated materials. The hall is used by the town as the central public gathering place for the community and has provided space for numerous veterans’ organizations.

The heritage value of the building also lies in its decorative front façade and roofline. The hall was designed by Regina architects Storey and Van Egmond, a well-known architectural firm in Saskatchewan. The building features a unique roof profile exhibited in the stepped front façade. The profile of front façade is further enhanced by brick pilasters, decorative columns, rounded-arch door and the window openings, and subdued decorative brickwork.

Source:

Village of Abernethy Bylaw 85-1.

Character-Defining Elements

The heritage value of Abernethy and District Memorial Hall resides in the following character-defining elements:
-those elements that honour the contribution of the area veterans, including the front signage, and open interior spaces for public gatherings;
-those elements that reflect the property's decorative front façade and roofline, including the profile of the front façade, brick pilasters, decorative columns, rounded-arch door and window openings, and subdued decorative brickwork.