There was a time when the local hall provided some of the only entertainment for the community. Such an event attracted people for miles around. This is the story a concert held at Coleman, P.E.I. on a winter evening in 1928...Summerside Journal, 12 March 1928.

“The concert held at Coleman Hall on February 20th came off with a rousing success, the hall being filled to overflowing, Mr Russel Rogers presiding explained that the concert was in aid of the Protestant Orphanage, and was a most worthy cause, he then announced the opening chorus, ‘Out where the West Begins,’ with instrumental music by Mr Jerry Dalton, Lot 7, accompanied by Miss Greta Rogers.”

“A solo, ‘Neo Nights,’ by Mrs J A MacKinnon; one-act play ‘Keeping Him Home’ by the Misses Etta Stewart, Freda Brown, Eileen MacKinnon (later Mrs Willard Oulton, Alberton), Greta Rogers, Messrs James MacKinnon and Albert Rowe. Step-dancing, Mr McLean, Lot 11, accompanied by Mr Dalton, with an encore.”

“A duet, ‘The Bells of Saint Mary,’ by Mr and Mrs Wilmot Reid, with an encore. Monologue, ‘Dish Washing’ by Miss Olga MacNevin; instrumental music by Messrs Boulter and Dalton with an encore. Reading, ‘Conversation at Winnipeg Depot, by Mr Profitt with an encore; Recitation, ‘ Past Mistakes’ by Elwin Mitchell; Step dancing, Mr Dalton, accompanied by Messrs Guy Boulter and Neil MacKinnon. Dialogue, ‘Axin Her Father,’ Mrs Russell Oulton, Helen MacKinnon, Greta Rogers, Messrs Calvin Campbell and Albert Rowe, who took Bruce McNaught’s place, he being detained at home through illness.”

“Acrobatic performances by Wilbur MacQuarrie; Song, ‘Ain’t She sweet?’ by Greta Rogers, accompanied by Harris Rogers with an encore. Closing chorus, ‘Red, White and Blue’ followed by the national anthem. After this a sale of baskets followed, the bidding being spirited and lively; prices paid being most satisfactory. After lunch the chairman announced the handsome sum of $84.25 had been realized, and thanked all present, who came, and helped to make the evening such a success.”

“The following week, February 28th, the Coleman Hall was again filled to its utmost capacity, the occasion being a joint entertainment and basket social in aid of Coleman and Carleton Lot 6 school. The night was ideal and many drove in from the Brae and adjoining districts. The program was of a high order and one which was a real pleasure to attend. Choruses, dialogues, recitations, solos, duets, step and acrobatic dancing, all were well rendered and enthusiastically received. To the casual visitor, the musical talent was abundantly evident.”

“The preparation and presentation of this program speaks volumes for the leadership of the teachers in charge, Miss Tierney of Coleman and Miss Mulligan of Carleton. The sale of baskets and pies by Mr W R Rogers brought spirited bidding, especially when the double basket prepared by the ‘school marms’ came under the hammer. About $90 was realized. Dancing brought the entertainment to a close, the orderly conduct reflecting very highly on the young men of the vicinity. The program has been pronounced one of the best ever presented in Coleman Hall.”