at Christmas, brought packed audiences, and of course the arrival of Santa Claus made lots of excitement and merriment for the children. The hall also saw, joint political meetings with both sides participating in public debate, vying for the good will of their constituents. These meetings drew large audiences and were quite exciting.

The Birch Grove Hall Co. became inactive in the 1950s, part of the foundation had collapsed, the exterior and interior were badly in need of painting, the stage curtain was worn out and there were debts against the company. In 1956, the Birch Grove Women’s Institute took over the hall and its operation. They immediately began to repair and renovate the building. In 1960, the Birch Grove Hall was a winner in its class in the Provincial Rural Beautification Competition. The hall’s uSe decreased but the building has been kept in a reasonable state of repair. Bridal showers, card parties and afternoon teas are still held there. The

hall has served as a Polling station for elections since it was built, and for a number ofyears, ice cream socials were held there almost every week in the summer months.

OTHER CENTERS After school consolidation in 1972, the schools in each of the districts were declared surplus and were offered for sale. Organizations in the districts were able to purchase these buildings at reduced rates. The South Freetown Sewing Circle secured the South Freetown School and kept it for a number of years. The 4H Club has now taken over that building and renovated it for its use, and other community activities.

The Lower Freetown School was taken over by the Lower Freetown Women’s Institute. It is now used as a recreation centre for senior citizens meetings, card parties and other community activities.

Upper Freetown School was purchased by the Birch Grove Women’s Institute but after a few years they decided to maintain the Birch Grove Hall and sell the school. In 1984 the school was sold to Donald Doucette of Summerside.

In 1984, each of the original Freetown School Districts has its own centre. These centres help to kindle a community spirit, which suffers so much due to the attractions available in the larger centres.

IOYAL ORANGE ASSOCIATION The Orange Lodge obtained its name from King William III of England, who was also called the Prince of Orange. Members of the Orange Lodge were to faithfully regard the Protestant religion, believe in the maintenace of Christian principles and practises, and be obedient to the law and order of government. Members were also to proclaim loyalty to the British Monarchy, believe in freedom in the state, church, politics, and religion and practise brotherly love to all loyal subjects regardless of political persuasion.

The Loyal Orange Association had several halls for their meetings. There was one in Bedeque called Prince William, organized in 1860 with Duncan MacCallum as Master. In the early 1900s, there was one in Upper Freetown called Rose of the Valley Lodge with Daniel Auld as Provincial Deputy, and one in Lower Freetown called Harmony Lodge with CO Maxfield as Provincial Deputy. They kept the old Foresters hall in Upper Freetown until 1921 when it was sold to Charles and Ben Beairsto.

For years the Orangeman’s day of celebration was the 12 of July. This day was set aside for celebration and Orange teas would be held in a different community each year. There would also be a parade of Orangemen in uniform. The director ofthe parade would act as King William and would ride on the back of a white horse. D.M. Bernard and Davis Ward were among those who would marshal the parade. Louis Fowler, James Carruthers, T.J. Inman, Peter MacCaull, Allison Profitt, Ernest Moore and others were active

Orangemen.

Special trains were arranged to take people to the Orange Tea in Freetown. In 1901, the tea was held at the “Birches” in Freetown. A train left Tignish in early morning and fourteen passenger cars were eventually loaded to capacity. Many people also came by the regular trains and horse and buggy. It was an ideal summer day and the parade was carried out in fine order. The booths set up in the Birches were well patronized.

About the mid 19305, the Kensington, Malpeque and Freetown Presbyterian congregations catered to the Orange Tea in Kensington. The parade and tea were carried out in good order and there was a large

attendence.

In recent years, the Orangemen have shifted to picnics instead of the “teas” of former years.

A project of the Orange Lodge was the establishment of the Protestant Orphanage at Mt. Herbert, P.E.I. In its day it was a godsend for hundreds of children who were without homes. Some children from the Freetown area were cared for there.

134