It’s a charming place, full of fond memories of egg hunts, dances, picnics, proms, movies, musical and theater performances and general community camaraderie.

That rich history may end, however, leaving just the memories behind.

Bayview Community Hall was built in 1927, and has been in continuous service for more than 75 years.

But, since the hall is owned by the residents of the South Whidbey School District, it’ll take the whole village to keep it up and running.

Hall manager Melanie Lowey and board member Karyle Kramer recently shared their concerns about the future of Bayview Community Hall and what will be lost if money is not raised to keep it maintained.

“This is a resource in the community that needs to be taken care of rather than just a place to rent,” Lowey said.

“We’re operating at a loss and can’t even afford regular cleaning and maintenance at this time.”

Lowey said the nonprofit-status hall is in dire need of volunteers who are willing to paint and landscape, and some who would clean the hall on a regular basis, but mainly what is needed is money.

The hall needs to be brought up to code. Projections during an inspection in 2004 gave the board an idea of what was needed to keep the building safe and well-functioning.

The hall recently received a donation of $12,000 from an off-island couple who have long-held ties to the island. That money was used to rewire the building’s electricity and to buy a new furnace and ceiling fans for conservation of heat and to cool the building in the hot weather. However, much is still needed to bring the hall up to other building code requirements.

The hall was not always in such dire straits.

It was originally created by the “Whidby Community Hall Association” with funding from 240 $25 bonds at 2 percent per annum in 1928.

The goal of the Whidby Community Hall Association was the construction of a hall large enough to accommodate social gatherings on South Whidbey. Frank Olsen, a Brooks Hill carpenter, drafted a plan and became supervisor and chief builder for a token salary. Herb Weedin donated the land and Bill Burke, then owner of the Bayview Cash Store, donated all the nails, and everyone else volunteered.

A well was dug in the basement, and a gas engine was brought in to produce electricity, 16 years before Puget Sound Power & Light could offer electricity in the area.

Frank Melendy and Fred Kohwles did the electrical work. The building was constructed of the best Whidbey Island materials, including a beautiful maple floor which was called “the best in Island County.”

As crews worked on the hall, women fried chicken, made gallons of potato salad and baked pies for the noon lunches, again and again, until the project was finished.

The new building gained a reputation for its fine dance floor, and attracted people from North Whidbey who came to dance. Income remained steady from rentals, dances, meetings and plays, and the hall was paid off. The community saw that it stayed in good repair.

Later, the association added a projection booth and movies were shown once or twice a week. The Langley High junior prom and senior ball were regular events at Bayview Hall, and Oscar and Nellie Thompson were the first to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in the hall.

In the mid 1940s, the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club was contracted for management of the hall. Later, when the club moved to its own building, the Bayview Hall became the only site for dances.

With such a rich history, the idea that the hall may have to be sold off is a painful one for community members such as Lowey and Kramer.

“The three buildings here — the Bayview School, the Bayview Cash Store and Bayview Hall — belong together and need to be secured. I think we need something to change,” Kramer said.

“From a historical perspective, I think many people care about preserving the history of the island. It’s the charm and history here that attracts people to the island,” she added.

Kramer spoke passionately of hearing stories about memories of hall dances that were told to friends by their parents or grandparents. She pointed to the controversy surrounding the closing of Langley Middle School and the outcry that comes when historic buildings are threatened.

But there’s more at stake than just the buildings, she said.

Lowey agreed, saying that the thought of losing that history is a sad one.

“I think what’s unique to the hall is that we actually own it. It’s deeded to the residents of South Whidbey. There is no taxpayer revenue. It’s just a cool legend,” Lowey said.

The hall is available for lease for both public and private functions, and is being used on a regular basis by the “Tuesday Night Dances” group.

Current rate information is available by clicking here.

There is still time to make memories at the hall. The annual Easter egg hunt will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 20.

Bayview Community Hall is at 5642 Bayview Road.