A very successful tea was held Friday, October 20, 2006 to celebrate 20 years of the Wawota Drop In building.

The original forming of a seniors group was on May 8, 1974 when a group of interested persons met in the Legion Club rooms. This meeting was chaired by Fred Markowsky. The elected officers were President Daisy Edwards, Vice President Neil McConnachie, Secretary Helen Allison and Treasurer Thompson Wilson.

They received a grant of 40% of their year end budget from the department of Social Services, and a New Horizon Grant of 60%. The first membership was $1 to cover immediate costs.

They held their meetings in the Legion Club rooms at the cost of $480 a year. They formed a group of 111 members. They took bus trips or journeyed by cars to local areas or visiting between clubs.

In 1978 they bought a plaque to honour their deceased members. At that time there were 10. There are now 135.

After 12 years of dreaming of a new building, it became a reality in 1986. The town donated two lots, each 60×100, to build a 36×80 building. Pledges of 74 members realized $12,435. Then they went to the public.

Mountney Ladies had a bike-a-thon and raised $1,900. The Heritage Committee presented a cheque for $1,000. Many other fund raising events were held. Mrs. Petterson was the first one to lay her $100 on the table.

Dueck Construction of Wawota was let the contract on the 24th day of April, 1986 for $81,500.

The dishes were gathered for the kitchen by each member buying a place setting for 99¢ with a $5.00 order at the I.G.A. Store.

On February 1, 1986 a special meeting was held to select a new name. Thirteen were suggested and two for a final Ballot: Wawota Jets and Wawota Drop In.

They moved in October 15, 1986 and set about getting shelving, coat rack and supplies in place. The official opening was February 26, 1987, with Mayor Dan Vandresar cutting the ribbon held by Rose Tetterton and Edith Hickson.

Elmer Wilson played O Canada and God Save The Queen on his accordion to open and close the celebration.

It was a grand affair with dignitaries, entertainment and about 200 people for tea and the biggest thing about it was “it was completely paid for”.

It started out with Elsie Howarth as President, Art Brehaut as Vice President, Daisy Edwards as Secretary and Ross Houghtaling as Treasurer.

Many things have happened in this building so far and continue to do so. There are cards three afternoons a week and their night, and pool six days a week for $1 a day.

Our membership is $20.

Within the last three years a new metal roof has been put on, the building painted throughout, new window decor and vinyl flooring installed.

We were very pleased to have Ross Houghtaling  and Daisy Edwards present for our celebration.

A beautiful bouquet of flowers was sent from the Town of Wawota. $115 was collected at the door for the Regina Safe Houses for Women and Children.

-Submitted by
Betty Walker, Secretary
of Wawota Drop In