After 72 years, Town Hall is rededicated
By Becky Clark
Co-publisher
Invited community and county representatives descended on Cedar Street Saturday morning for the formal Town Hall rededication ceremony where speakers included Riverside County Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington and Riverside County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen. Washington said it was the first time he recalled a county executive officer appearing at an Idyllwild event.
Idyllwild Community Center (ICC) President Stephanie Yost emceed the event, which focused on the renovation of Town Hall. The American Legion Post 800 Honor Guard presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Idyllwild community built Town Hall following World War II on property Jerry Johnson donated, spurred into action by Town Crier founders Betty and Ernie Maxwell.
PHOTO BY BECKY CLARK
“On Dec. 5, 1946, all of Idyllwild’s businesses closed, and the entire business community and many residents came together as a volunteer construction crew to pour Town Hall’s foundation,” said Yost. “Thereafter, a volunteer crew led by local grocer Harold Sanborn worked every Friday for months to build the two-story, 4,000-square-foot building, complete with a beautiful large stone fireplace and chimney.”
The first dedication occurred July 10, 1947.
Town Hall was operated by various organizations over the years, the last being the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s dissolution several years ago meant the property reverted back to the Johnson family, who put it up for sale.
Tom Hawthorne, and Loie and Dave Butterfield purchased Town Hall on Aug. 16, 2019, “with the intention of renovating the property and thereafter donating it to ICC to operate for the benefit of the mountain communities,” said Yost. That donation occurred in July 31, 2020.
The property needed major maintenance and upgrades after 72 years of continuous use, including asbestos removal, and bats and other wildlife living in the attic.
Following Washington’s and Van Wagenen’s speeches, Yost commented that the county donated new chairs on which guests were sitting and new tables in storage.
Hawthorne, 92, spoke after his daughter, ICC board member Chris Perrault, introduced him and gave a history of her family’s involvement in Idyllwild beginning in 1954 when her father’s church purchased property that became Buckhorn Camp.
Though Loie could not be present, Dave Butterfield spoke about what it meant to him to see Town Hall, a “community house,” renovated. He read a letter Shane Stewart, renovation manager, wrote to him describing the building’s issues, including substandard electrical, heating and plumbing; worn-out flooring, back decking and cedar shingle siding; non-American Disabilities Act compliancy; and cracked and crumbling parking and walkways. “But it has really good bones,” Butterfield said Stewart told him.
“Many of our children have grown up in this building,” said Butterfield. He especially felt the basement, where many children attend afterschool and summer programs, was uninviting.
Along with other improvements, downstairs now has windows instead of a dungeon look.
PHOTO BY BECKY CLARK
The Butterfields and Hawthorne received standing ovations.
“All work was done by local Hill vendors, including Terry Griner and his crews at Griner Construction, Keith Smith of Harold K. Smith Excavating and Materials, Steve Holldber of Idyllwild Heating and Cooling, and Larry Donahoo of Village Hardware, to name just a few,” said Yost. “Additionally, Idyllwild Gardens (owned and operated by Eva and Kenny Gioeli) kindly donated many of the plants and the watering system to refresh the front garden.”
She also said, “In this renovation, materials were used that are made to stand the test of time, including mountain weather. So long as Town Hall is properly cared for — which it will be by ICC — it should last for generations to come. Since 1947, Town Hall has been a staple in Idyllwild’s history, and with proper care and maintenance, it should continue to be a staple well into its future.”
Guests then self-toured the building. Town Hall Director Will Steichen pointed out details, including that the original bit used for the tongue-and-groove that remains was found and put to use for new tongue-and-groove throughout.
An open house for the entire community is scheduled for Saturday, July 31 with details to follow in the Town Crier.
Renovation features:
•Fully upgraded electrical and plumbing
•Wiring for internet, cable, audio and video
•New main floor restroom
•New under-stage storage area
•New larger double-door entrance foyer
•ADA-compliant inside and outside
•Huge outdoor stage with wrap-around access and railing
•New flooring upstairs and downstairs
•New ICC staff office
•Exterior lighting around building and backyard
•New kitchen appliances and fire suppression system
•New front garden plants and watering system
•Heating and air conditioning
•Efficient LED lighting
•Backup power generator
•New doors and fixtures
•New wall and ceiling insulation
•Upgraded indoor stage and green room
•Repaved and expanded parking lot
•New exterior siding, trim and windows
•All-inclusive alarm system
•Indoor staircase for a new upstairs meeting room
•Fully enclosed outdoor trash area
