The Crystal Beach Ballroom, 1925-1989
Planning and Construction
The Crystal Beach Ballroom was a world famous dance hall which attracted the biggest bands of the Swing Era. The plans for the ballroom designed by the Schultz Brothers of Brantford, Ontario, were approved on October 2, 1924, with construction set to begin the following month. The first task was the leveling of a 60 foot sand hill to create the foundation for the structure. A concrete breakwall had to be constructed to retain the sand, or else the entire landfill would wash into the lake. Minuet dancers were gracefully carved into the breakwall facing the hall. Between the breakwall and the dance hall was a promenade, first made of wood, and later, concrete. Benches were positioned along the promenade so dancers could rest and take in the cool breeze blowing off the lake. The building was an architectural wonder, as there were no support beams anywhere. An unobstructed 3500 square meters (50 by 70) of dancing space was provided as the entire structure was supported by steel girders (see interior photo below). The wall facing the promenade was comprised of sliding doors which could be opened to allow dancers to enter or exit the hall, and also to allow the lake breeze to enter to cool the dancers. At either end of the hall was a balcony, allowing wallflowers to watch the dancing below, or just relax and listen to the music. Although advertised as "The Quarter-Million Dollar Hall", in actuality, the final cost was just over $80,000.
The ballroom opened to the public on May 1, 1925. It held the largest dance floor in North America where 1500 couples could dance at the same time! Dances cost 10 cents each, or 3 for a quarter. Originally, the bandstand was located in the center of the building, on an octagon (8 sided) platform. Eight wooden deflectors allowed the music to spread through the hall, and a mirror ball was hung above the bandstand. Later, the bandstand was moved to the south end of the hall, with an updated art deco look, and a new amplification system. Every night, except for one day a week, an American and a Canadian band would entertain the dancers. In 1928, a dance marathon was held, but was stopped by Ontario Attorney General, who frowned upon such displays of jubilation.
Some of the biggest big bands of the era played The Crystal Ballroom. Among the notables were The Glenn Miller Orchestra (minus Glenn Miller), Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra featuring Frank Sinatra, Gene Krupa, Jelly Roll Morton, Jimmy Dorsey, Santer Finegan, Clinton Buelman, Ray Anthony, Stan Kenton, Artie Shaw, Les Brown, and Johnnie Ray. During one performance by Stan Kenton, a riot ensued with the dancers storming the stage and destroying instruments. The cause of the riot was the much delayed arrival of Mr. Kenton, who had been detained at the US-Canada border due to his "difficult" nature.
The Beginning of the End
The decline of the big band dancing era, no doubt caused by the introduction of those "dirty rock and rollers" during the 1950's, brought an uncertainty to the Ballroom's future. During the 1960's, the ballroom was converted into a roller rink, causing much damage and deterioration to the beautiful hardwood floor. In 1974, a massive fire struck the Crystal Ballroom. $750,000 was spent restoring the hall, with new washrooms being added, and a new restaurant being opened, called "The Big Top", where alcohol was served for the first time in the park's history. In 1984, with new owners taking over park operations, the restaurant was removed, and a new dance area and stage were constructed. Despite a few notable events, the Ballroom soon became neglected, and fell into disrepair. The last major event held in the Crystal Ballroom was the return of the Lionel Hampton Orchestra in 1985.
Just hours before the Crystal Ballroom was demolished, a long time Crystal Beach resident and his daughter returned for one last dance. To see footage of this touching event, check out "The Life and Times of Crystal Beach" video.
Let the music play on!
Midi music courtesy of The Nostalgia Jukebox.
For more photos, see the Postcards section of this website
