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70th anniversary of Dance Township Fire being marked this fall
Submitted by
Rosanne Kellar
The tragic history of 1938 which took place Thanksgiving Day (October 10) in Dance Township, is being brought to the forefront of current events once again. This year (2008) marks the 70th anniversary of that great fire, which took 17 lives and changed a community forever.
Residents and families of those lost in the fire have been working hard for the past two years to organize a fitting memorial to remember the people whose lives were taken that fateful day.
The monument is being placed in Dance Township on Hwy. 613 North on the original homestead of Frank LaBelle, who lost his daughter, two sister-in-laws and nine nieces and nephews in the fire.
After many months of planning and excavation, the site is ready for the next step. Funding for this project has been done strictly through donations, in the form of volunteer labour, materials and money. In order to have the memorial completed in time for the anniversary, further donations are needed.
If you would like to make a monetary donation, please mail your contribution to Mrs. Sadie Smith, R.R.2, Emo, ON P0W 1E0, or Mrs. Donna Haglin, Box 115, Emo, ON P0W 1E0. If you are able to help by volunteering some time, please contact Donna at 807-482-2837.
To help raise money for the memorial, a fundraising concert hosted by “Country Blend” will be held at the Emo Legion on Friday, September 5, 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available at various locations throughout the district.
To further honour and remember those lost in the fire as well as those that survived, a book detailing the Dance fire, written by Neil McQuarrie, is nearing completion. Pre-orders are now being taken by committee members, by emailing info@dancefire1938.com or by contacting Karen Kellar at 807-486-3657.
The unveiling of the memorial will be held Friday, October 10, 11 a.m. at the site with a reception to follow at the Dance Hall. Everyone is welcome. If possible, please advise if you will be attending by calling Donna Haglin at 807-482-2837.