Last week, an 80-year old log building lumbered its way down Highway 49 in Alberta, crossed the border into B.C., and made its way into Dawson Creek where it now sits in a pioneer village that brings history to life for about six months of the year.
It's the latest chapter in the humble story of the Bay Tree Community Hall.
The Mile Zero Park Society now owns the building, ending a process that lasted "the better part of two years" according to Dale Campbell, the society's president.
Before crossing the border, it had to wait until the cover of darkness because of differing provincial regulations.
B.C. regulations say that after dark is the best time to move buildings of this size, Campbell explained. "Alberta says it has to be during the daylight. Different philosophies there."
Dave Gauthier's crew, led by his son Marty, were tasked with making the move happen.
"Getting everybody organized is the biggest chore," he said. "The amount of people that you have to get on the same page to lift wires," like Telus and BC Hydro is something that takes a bit of effort.
But, as a mover of many homes, it's not something he is new to.
Gauthier said the move went as smoothly as he could have imagined. "No problems whatsoever," he added.
Cliff Washington, a board member of the Mile Zero Park Society who co-ordinated the move, said the building was lit up like a Christmas tree as it lurched across the border in the night, traveling down the infamous "snake pit road," part of the Dangerous Goods Route that lets heavy traffic bypass the city.
"I think the fastest he went was about 20 clicks," Washington said. "There was a couple of places they had to go on the opposite side of the road."
That might sound risky, but then again, so is hosting a dance without a roof, which is exactly what happened in the hall around 1933, according to the South Peace Historical Society's archives.
Residents in Bay Tree celebrated the hall's near completion (minus the roof) that year with the first-ever dance in the building, one that had patrons jiving to the groove just to stay warm.
A few years later, in 1934, the first wedding dance was held for Emil and Alex Lehmann.
Over its time, the hall hosted box socials, Christmas concerts, and Halloween parties.
The move to B.C. ensures it will continue to play a central role in the region's history for years to come.
"It's been quite a process," Campbell said.
Article by Mike Carter, courtesy of the Dawson Creek Mirror (December 2015)
