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This was a busy decade for the HHAC. The first Thursday of each month was still popular for serving up delicious dinners. To keep up with expenses, dinners were raised to $1.50. Rental fees were increased to $75 for evenings, $25 for decorating the day before, $15 for business meetings, $35 for receptions and whatever else, and $50 for use of the kitchen. The custodian fee was raised to $300 per annum. In addition to rental of the hall, the club held benefit dances, flea markets, and card games. An amendment to the Constitution was made to collect dues in October instead of May. Dues were $2 per couple and $1 for singles. The membership fluctuated in this era from 39 paid members in 1978 to 109 in January 1981. A big issue was raised in February of 1972. The HHAC, which since the 1900’s has maintained and operated the Freeland Community Hall, had been informed by the County that, legally speaking, was trespassing. It had been clearly established that the land on which the building rests, a 3 acre site including extensive waterfront and boat launching facilities, had been deeded for public use and the County must administer the building. The Park board indicated the County could not afford the money or personnel to maintain the building, and noting the HHAC had done such an outstanding job of maintaining and improving the building, the Park board moved that the HHAC lease the building for ten years at a nominal fee. The County would pay the fire insurance on the building, plug perform some repair and maintenance work to the interior and exterior. It was stipulated that the HHAC be responsible for the liability insurance and the surplus funds earned in the operation of the hall be expended annually in the development of the park and building, and the building be made available to community groups under reasonable terms. The County Commissioners had the final say on the leasing of the building. Throughout the years the HHAC purchased a new range, refrigerator, 48 cup coffee maker, new baffles and stage curtains. Windows were replaced; new chimney installed, new toilets in the ladies restroom, new heating elements for the water heater, the roof was repaired, new front steps and railings, new formica around the kitchen sink and counter tops, new rug for the entrance hall. The piano was even tuned. In May of 1973, the boat ramp at Freeland Park was extended 30 feet. In May of 1978 the floors of the building was resurfaced. There was always constant maintenance to the building and grounds. Many thanks were given to the board for their planning and to the many volunteers for their work to keep the HHAC operating efficiently and profitably. In February of 1981, the South Whidbey Kiwanis Club invited HHAC to participate in the “Par Course” event and enjoy the new facilities recently installed at the Freeland Park. It consisted of 14 activity stations placed east and west along the parks north roadway. Material and work all donated by the Kiwanis Club members, and the public was invited and encouraged to use them and enjoy it.
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