From our Network:
Start your engines! Driving.ca is Canada's leading destination for the latest automotive news, reviews, photos and video.
Find out more ›
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Delhi’s Hungarian Hall celebrates milestone

Delhi’s Hungarian Hall is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

“We are proud of our Hungarian heritage,” said Andy Putoczki, hall president since 2008.

Distroscale

“And we encourage our Hungarian friends and community friends to help preserve our heritage, culture, and Hungarian foods.”

The hall was completed on May 15, 1949, after a group of Hungarian immigrants created an association to preserve their heritage, culture and language. The group was incorporated on June 7, 1947.

The hall is used for all kinds of events from weddings to funeral luncheons. Regular meals are served on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Before becoming president, Putoczki, whose father was vice-president at one time, served on the executive for a number of years. But he stepped away for a few years because of the workload of being a school principal.

Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

“I came back on, they elected me as president, and that’s been about 10 years now and I’m still here,” he said.

As president, Putoczki organizes the events calendar for the year and oversees the financial books, among other duties.

Mary Jane Kekes, president from 2002 to 2006, is the only woman to serve in that role.

“I grew up in the hall; this was like a second home to me,” she said.

“It means a lot.”

Kekes was joined by three other women on the board during her tenure as president.

“We shook the walls, but they’re still standing,” she said.

Over past 70 years, the hall has gone through many renovations. The basement, which used to be a bowling alley, is now home to the Danube Bar and the Delhi Belgian Archery Club.

The hall has been an integral part of the Multicultural Heritage Association of Norfolk since it was created 41 years ago, participating in and being host to many events.

This Week in Flyers