This fall Thurber Hall at the United Methodist Community Church will celebrate 60 years.
The Hall was an ambitious endeavor of a church member, Harold Thurber. Thurber believed that Patagonia was going to grow from its 100 families in 1950 and there was a need for a building large enough that could be used by the youth, for large events, meetings, pot lucks, etc. He started fundraising in 1953 for such a building but it would take six more years before the building would be constructed.
The primary challenge was that the church didn’t own enough land to build the size building he envisioned. Roland Richardson, the credited founder of Patagonia, deeded two lots to the church but the location of the second lot wasn’t conducive to the proposed location of the building. There was discussion regarding reducing the size of the building but Thurber would not concede. Luckily in 1956 the church was able to switch lots with a private resident to move forward with their plans.
In the meantime they already had plans drawn up by an architect in Tucson, who volunteered time and some expenses to help out the church. The committee had gotten several bids from contractors but the delay in raising money resulted in two of the contractors going out of business, so Lamma and Haverty, local builders were selected.
Construction began in 1959 as contributions trickled in from individuals, companies, fundraisers and a grant of $8,000 from the Church Mission. By March of that year a large cement pad was laid and preliminary plumbing was complete. There was no ceiling and no kitchen and the building was not connected to the Church. Fundraising helped create additions and improvements through the 1960’s to make the building what it is today.
At first the building was known as a Community Hall or a Youth Community Hali. It was renamed Thurber Hall in 1963.
Thurber Hall is a unique community space with its high ceilings, lighting fixtures and its stage, which was Thurber’s vision for the space.
He was involved with the Pima County Fair and was friends with Phil Arden who provided the entertainment at that Fair. Thurber wanted those acts to be able to perform in the Hall. He felt that it was difficult for people in Patagonia to get to the Fair because of transportation and costs.
After the Hall was constructed, Fair performers came to Patagonia with their aerial acts as well as others that required a stage. The Fair events also became opportunities to raise money for the Hall.
In October of 1959 the grand opening of the Youth/Community Hall was held with a large celebration which close to 250 people attended.