Name/Title
Dardanella Dance Hall - PhotoEntry/Object ID
2020.24.1Scope and Content
A photo of The Dardanella Dance Hall, copied and enlarged from a postcardContext
The Dardanella Dance Hall, built in 1918 by Alexander “Sandy” McLean and his brother Hugh Wilson McLean, sons of Sarah and John McLean who built the Capstan Inn in 1912, was one of numerous dance halls in Wasaga Beach. The Dardanella attracted many of the top orchestras and big bands, vocalists and musicians over many years. It’s “house band” was The Dardanella Red Jackets. The popular dance hall had a bowling alley on the lower level, a soda bar, lunch counter, tea room and a beauty parlor over time. The McLean family operated the Dard until the 1950's. The Dard evolved to a bar and nightclub featuring artists like Kim Mitchell, Colin James, Platinum Blonde and many others. The Dardanella was operational until the fall of 2024.Acquisition
Accession
2020.24Source or Donor
UnknownAcquisition Method
Gift