The Rugby Community Hall is hosting Rugby Country Store and Marketplace, a pop-up shopping experience featuring local artisans and entrepreneurs, on Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It will include seasonal decor, pottery, quilting, cards, soap, vintage items, produce, knitting, preserves and more. Most vendors accept cash only.
SS #9 Rugby Schoolhouse was built in 1872 for students in the local farming community. Then, in 1963, East Oro School was opened to consolidate the smaller schools.
Neighbours chatting thought it would be good to purchase the property for a community hall. They canvassed and asked for donations — whatever you could afford, because remember, this is 1963!
The school came up for auction and the bid was accepted.
Fast forward 60 years and the Rugby Community Hall remains a central hub.
Volunteer community members need to raise funds to pay utilities, upkeep and maintenance. Activities include Chili Fest, yoga classes, barbecues, etc.
The hall is also rented out to the public for family celebrations and other events.
As with every community, the names change. However, the rural rule "care about your neighbour" usually prevails.
Consider taking a drive out to the countryside, view the fall foliage, grab a coffee and browse the country store and marketplace at 1911 Old Barrie Rd. E.
For more information, contact Ellenor Dixon at 705-326-8247 of check out the Rugby Community Hall Facebook page.
