Victoria Hall, Petrolia
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Hard Oiler
N 42° 52.850 W 082° 08.795
17T E 406363 N 4748219
This national historic site recognizes Victoria Hall in Petrolia, Ontario. Built in 1889 in the midst of the oil boom, this opulent town hall reflects a time when Petrolia was one of the wealthiest towns in Canada.
Waymark Code: WM9TM
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 04/03/2006
Views: 57
Victoria Hall in Petrolia , built in 1889, is a national historic site, and a fine example of the Queen Anne style by Canadian architect George F. Durand. Durand was born in London, Ontario and had worked on both the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa and the New York State Capital building. The building that Durand created as Petrolia’s town hall exhibits a lightness of touch in the detailing and ornamentation. Victoria Hall combined the municipal offices with the police station, town jail and fire hall and, uniquely, the entire second floor was given over to a 1000 seat opera house.
Gutted by fire in 1989 it has been restored and continues to serve as the municipal offices and is home to the Victoria Playhouse, offering popular summer theatre as well as local community theatre and events.
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