Duncan Hall celebrates 70
years of memories
By Jenny Jones
Senior
Writer
Lafayette residents gathered at Duncan Hall Sunday
dressed in 1920s and1930s-style clothing to honor the hall's 70th birthday
celebration.
Guests were encouraged to share any memories they
had of the hall with the hall's executive director, Aura Lee Emsweller.
One couple told about their wedding, which took
place at the hall in 1933, Emsweller said. They even celebrated their
50th anniversary in the ballroom.
Not everyone had memories of the hall, however.
Ann Crone, a Lafayette resident, said she attended
the party because she wanted to learn about the history of Duncan Hall,
which is located at 619 Ferry St. in Lafayette. "I wanted to come when
it was an open house," Crone said.
Crone was not the only guest visiting the hall
for the first time.
Ernestine Kendall, a West Lafayette resident, has
lived in the area for more than 40 years, but has never visited Duncan
Hall. "(The open house) was a first and a (good) opportunity (to see
the hall)."
In addition to reminiscing about the hall, guests
enjoyed listening to swing music performed by The Big Swing Band, a
local group.
As the band entertained with music, the Purdue
Night Train Dancers demonstrated swing dancing.
"It's so much fun seeing the young people dancing
(dances from the guests' era)," Emsweller said.
Although many of the guests were hesitant to get
out on the dance floor, the Night Train Dancers provided a free dance
lesson, which encouraged guests to start swinging.
Emsweller said she was surprised to see how many
people like swing music, which was popular during the hall's erection
in 1931.
One reason the members of the hall have been able
to maintain its beauty is because of the money it has gained through
renting the hall.
Considering the age of the hall, many guests are
astonished at how good of shape it is in, Emsweller said. She hopes
people continue to rent the hall so it can remain a resource for future
generations.
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