News Release Archive
AGRICULTURE AND MARKETING--HISTORIC CUMMING HALL RE-OPENED ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Atlantic agricultural community gathered at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro yesterday for the official re-opening of historic Cumming Hall, the original building of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. Renovations were recently completed which provided Cumming Hall with modern efficiencies while maintaining the character of the traditional architecture of the 1900s. "We are very pleased with the quality of the renovations which have transferred the interior of the building, highlighting its historic features while making it more accessible," said Dr. Garth Coffin, principal, Nova Scotia Agricultural College. Cumming Hall, was established in 1905 and named in honour of first college principal Melville Cumming. Transportation and Public Works Minister Don Downe, whose department oversaw the project said, "What we now have is a highly accessible, versatile building that will meet the modern requirements of the college while preserving a piece of our province's history." Dr. Les Haley, deputy minister of Agriculture and Marketing was principal of the college when the decision was made to renovate Cumming Hall. He said, "The wonderful historical features of the building were discovered and preserved in the restoration-the tin ceilings upstairs were uncovered when the work began. I am very proud of the work that has been done on this building to make it fully functional and modern, to capture the best of the past and create the present." Cumming Hall houses the college's administrative offices, financial services, the International Centre, research and graduate studies, boardrooms and Alumni Theatre. The C.A. Douglas Room, home to the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame, is also located in Cumming Hall. It was rededicated during official opening ceremonies by Agriculture and Marketing Minister Guy Brown. "I am very pleased to rededicate the C.A. Douglas Room, home of the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame, and to acknowledge the strong support of the Atlantic provinces." He said each province made a contribution to go toward furnishings and a display system for photographs. Mr. Brown also presented a plaque during the ceremony recognizing the support from the Atlantic provinces. C. A. Douglas was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979 after a 35 year career with the Department of Agriculture and Marketing, serving as Deputy Minister from 1973-75. His leadership and dedication to new technology and positive thinking are all recognized in the Hall of Fame. "The new location of the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame will continue to honour all former and future inductees," said Hall of Fame chair Bob Murray. "And we are very pleased to be working in concert with the Nova Scotia Agricultural College to continue to honour those who have made significant contributions to the agricultural industry." -30- Contact: Stephanie Brown 902-893-7247 jlw Mar. 26, 1997 1:15 p.m.