Petrolia – Victoria Hall
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Hard Oiler
N 42° 52.870 W 082° 08.790
17T E 406370 N 4748256
Quick Description: Completed in 1889 at a cost of $35,000, Victoria Hall combined the town offices with a 1000 seat opera house.
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 7/3/2006 5:59:15 AM
Waymark Code: WMG81
Views: 28
Long Description:
When Victoria Hall was built in 1889 Petrolia was in the middle
of an oil boom and one of the wealthiest towns in Canada. The
opulent town hall reflects this stage in the town’s history. The
first floor housed the municipal offices, court room, firehall,
armoury and town jail while the second floor was an opera house
capable of seating 1000 people.
Designed by London architect George Durand who was also
responsible for many notable public buildings in Ontario. When
Victoria Hall was severely damaged by fire in January 1889 Durand’s
plans, which were found archived at the University of Western
Ontario, were used in the reconstruction of the building. Still
home to the municipal offices, the second floor opera house is now
home to a popular summer theatre as well as other community
events.