GLENDO – There was a regular hootenanny held at the Cottonwood Hall last weekend. Sponsored by Platte Valley Bank, Bloedorn Lumber, Wheatland Country Store, Western Building Supply, Laramie Peak Motors and the Record-Times, there was live music by the Country Club Band, good food, good company and a hopping dance floor.
Pulling up to the building built in the 1930s was like stepping back in time. Dodging cow pies as you headed toward the ramp into the vintage hall was just like it had been over 50 years ago. There was an entryway for coats, a dining area with tables and a dance floor with a stage for the band and benches lined the room for tired dancers or spectators. Wall hangings showed business sponsors representing the many decades that have passed in that space. Most the businesses don’t exist anymore. Some even had phone numbers that were just two or three digits. The most memorable antique was the outhouse. Standing just a tad crooked with a door that wouldn’t latch just behind the building. That night there was even snow on the wooden seat. The image only needed a Sears, Roebuck and Company catalog for perfect authenticity. Thankfully a preferred product was provided.
You might expect an older crowd to be attending in such an antique venue, but that was not the case. Kids, young people, parents, the ages were as vast as the personalities. After a group prayer, partygoers first ate the potluck fare before trickling into the dance hall. Little ones played a rousing game of tag while the band warmed up and as dancers filled the floor they took care to keep a look out for the children that were playing and dancing along with them. There was swing dancing and waltzing, couples doing the two-step and others.
Editor's Note: The information about the management of Cottonwood Hall was incorrect. The Cottonwood Hall is managed by Steve and Carrie Paisley, the hall sits, and is owned, by the Coleman Trust - family of Charles and Jean Coleman. The Record-Times apologizes for the error.
