Page 62 of Savoring Christmas
The original wood sign—restored and sealed—hung from a black iron bracket above the double front doors, now repainted a deep cranberry red. The wordsSugarville Grove Social Hall – Est. 1919were stenciled in gold leaf, lovingly reapplied by a local artist.
Tall windows stretched along the sides, letting in floods of natural light. Wreaths hung in each one, framed by crisp white trim. A new ramp had been added beside the steps, thoughtfully blending accessibility with aesthetics.
Though the hall no longer echoed with the sound of big band music and dancing feet, it looked ready to come alive again.
She glanced over her shoulder as Kris, Reese, Thelma, and Harold approached, bundled in coats and scarves.
“What are you all doing here?” Mia asked, delighted to see her friends.
“Harold called us to tell us the good news and we kind of invited ourselves,” Reese said.
“I’m so glad,” Mia said, hugging her and then Thelma. “You’re all such good friends.”
“We feel part of it,” Thelma said. “Even though it’s really yours.”
“Youarea part of it,” Mia said. “I would never have had the courage to pitch him the idea without your support.”
“That’s what nosy friends are for,” Kris said.
“Let’s go in,” Harold said, fishing a key from his coat pocket.
He unlocked the heavy door and pushed it open. Cold air greeted them, followed by the faint scent of aged wood and time.
They stepped inside, their footsteps echoing across the worn wooden floor. The space was empty, save for a few leftover chairs stacked near the stage. Dust motes danced in the shafts of sunlight streaming through tall windows. It felt quiet, sacred.
Mia took a slow turn in the center of the room. “Oh, guys, this place is perfect. Reese, you were so clever to think of it.”
“It just kind of popped in my head,” Reese said.
“That’s how it happens when a thing is just right,” Harold said.
Reese turned a slow circle. “Oh, I love it already. Can you imagine the tables set up along here?” She gestured toward the row of windows. “And twinkle lights across the beams?”
Mia nodded, heart lifting. “It used to be where the town came to celebrate. What if it could be that again? Great food. Live music. Maybe even a dance floor for Friday nights. People needsomewhere to gather. Somewhere that feels special. Not just a place to eat—but a place to live a little.”
“And a place to make memories.” Thelma walked toward the back corner, fingers brushing the wood-paneled wall. “I danced here when I was sixteen. Wore a red velvet mini dress and white go-go boots. My Henry wore a ruffled shirt and a too-big navy blazer he borrowed from his brother. The music was The Carpenters, maybe a little Marvin Gaye. The whole town came out for the Harvest Ball that year.”
“I wish I could see you in those boots,” Reese said.
“I looked good.” Thelma smiled wickedly. “Although, I had to change clothes before I went home. My father would never have let me out of the house in that short skirt.”
Harold chuckled. “This reminds me of the night Ruby caught me sneaking out with my best friend to have a quick swig from his flask. She was so mad at me, it took her an hour to agree to dance with me. Place was packed so tight we barely had room to swing our arms.”
Kris chuckled. “For me, I was six. I remember holding my dad’s hand and staring up at all the lights. The floor was slick as glass, and I kept slipping in my church shoes. I think I spilled half a cup of punch down my front trying to copy the older kids dancing.”
Reese’s eyes softened as she looked around the space. “I took my first ballet class right over there. I was just five years old. Mrs. Donna taught us basic steps on Saturday mornings—plié, tendu, all that. Nothing fancy, but it was the first time I felt like I belonged somewhere. She told my mama I had real talent. That’s how I ended up going to the academy later.”
“There was a time when this place was the beating heart of Sugarville Grove,” Thelma said, a little misty-eyed. “I’d love to see it come alive again.”
“I will make it come alive,” Mia said. “And I’ll fill it with food and music and joy. Just like it used to be.”
Reese crossed the floor and wrapped her arm around Mia’s shoulder. “We’re proud of you, Mia. This place is going to shine with your spirit in it.”
“And we’ll be your first reservation,” Kris said. “The whole class here to support you.”
Harold gave her a warm nod. “This is going to be a huge success.”
“We’ll help too,” Thelma said. “Not necessarily in the kitchen, mind you, but with whatever else you need.”
