Port Huron Town Hall Offers a Long Look at History more than 70 Years in the Making

Since 1955, Port Huron Town Hall volunteers, members, and speakers have provided a front-row seat to culture, diverse worldviews, and unique learning opportunities. This all-volunteer organization began as a local effort to engage the community in public affairs and points of interest through first-hand storytellers.

Former Town Hall member Joan Cleary recounted in the video “50 Years of Class & Culture” that “Monica Conroy and [her husband] Frank moved to Port Huron and she began telling women in her Bridge group about attending Town Hall in Detroit.” From this inspiration, the women who founded Port Huron Town Hall then brainstormed how to bring an on par experience to their community, ultimately settling on the Desmond Theater as the initial venue. On Monday, October 24, 1955, 1100 women attended the opening presentation, which featured Cornelia Otis Skinner, an American author and actress. In 1960, Town Hall relocated to McMorran Place Theater where it remains. Its Board today still consists of 23 volunteer women.

In the early days, the events offered women a chance for attendees to dress up, enjoy each other’s company, educate themselves, and be entertained. Former Town Hall member Isabelle Smith described it as a “broadening” experience, exposing women to diverse experts, topics, and fields. She noted, “Once you came to one session, you were really hooked.” Joan Cleary added that for “Most of the women going out to Town Hall, this was a special day for them. They loved going out to the luncheons we had afterwards. It was a special time for us.”

While the early years saw only women attendees and members, speakers included both men and women. Initially, Town Hall also served as a fundraiser for the Women Auxiliaries of local hospitals. Former president Andrea Wine-Cansfield stated, “Every year, since we started, we have given a donation to a charitable organization.” This philanthropic aspect, coupled with direct access to notable figures, continues to offer a rewarding opportunity for those involved.

Former member Barb Kostoff found her membership fulfilling beyond just service. “It’s being with friends; friends who are on the board and are in the audience and the opportunity to meet members of the audience, greeting them at the door. … This is just lush and full of warmth and welcome.” Rosella Mirabelli highlighted the appeal of local attendees gaining access to national and international perspectives. She observed, “Growing up in a big city, you take for granted the arts and the different things that are out there. Then you realize a town like Port Huron could have, I would say, a high profile lecture series.” Jane Rosbolt-Heitoff echoed this sentiment, sharing, “I really just kind of fell in love with it. It was like I was living in a big city … Every time I came to a performance, I would learn so much or I would just feel lighter, like I learned something. I was kind of changed once the lights went down and the curtain opened, I felt like this could be our little Hollywood.” Former member Mary Lou Creamer articulated the timeless appeal of great storytelling: “Storytelling is a tradition that gives us a sense of who we are. The people who touch our lives and where we can go in the future. It’s not something that everybody is able to do.”

For some, Town Hall became a cherished generational family tradition. Board member Patty Lawrence shared her initiation into Town Hall volunteerism: “My Grandmother and some of my great Aunts worked on the Town Hall board. They would host Teas to sell tickets in the early stages of Town Hall. As a teen, I would help my Grandmother and pour the coffee and tea at these functions. Little did I know what it was all about; I really was there for the goodies and to help my grandmother clean up after the event. I am the fourth generation in my family to be involved with Port Huron Town Hall. I have always found it to be a very worthwhile organization.” Board member Susan Tisdel had a similar experience: “I was inspired to join for two big reasons: my Grandmother was a “founder” and she spoke through her whole life (98 years) of the experiences of being a part of Town Hall. She was very proud of what was begun in 1955 to provide enrichment to (mainly in those days) the women of Port Huron and surrounding communities. I had been attending the series for a few years as a season ticket holder and I knew what a unique experience Town Hall brought to attendees. I was very excited to be involved at a deeper level.”

As interests and speakers evolve, Town Hall’s appeal remains strong. Membership consistently provides access to selected speakers, followed by a luncheon at Port Huron Golf Club where attendees can meet the speaker. Former board member Ann Durand pointed out the exceptional value: “You could not get [these] tickets to the price of anything for the price that they’re asking. People in Port Huron are used to going to the movies and they’re not used to having a live speaker come to town and I think it’s hard to differentiate for some people. They don’t realize if they went to Detroit or Ann Arbor or any of these cities, these same people are there and they’re charging three or four times for these tickets.” Andrea Wine-Cansfield agreed, emphasizing the value of the luncheon: “The luncheon is very fun and … and you can actually meet the speaker, get your picture with the speaker, get an autograph or a book signed. It’s a really great value.”

The quality of guests and the overall experience Town Hall provides remain impressive. Former president Julie Moak stated, “When [people] come to Town Hall in the morning, they want it to be fun, they want to be entertained. They want it to be interesting. They want it to be something that they’ll remember.” As Town Hall launches its 2025-26 season, its impact on the community continues to grow with every cultural moment and memorable presentation it creates.

Susan Tisdel reflected on its lasting legacy: “The impact of Town Hall is in its history now. A history of bringing speakers from out of the area to speak on a wide variety of topics, giving the people who attend the opportunity to be impacted. It’s worth noting that the very first ‘lecture’ was given to an audience of 1100! That’s a very good sign that you’re offering something of value in Town Hall. It’s rather intangible but yet, when you think about it over all the years and the fact that it’s still such a well-attended event, especially on a Monday morning, you can’t help but know the value is still recognized. Whenever I mention who I’ve seen at Town Hall over the years, people cannot believe it. The fact that Port Huron Town Hall hosts such noted celebrities and thinkers and writers and musicians really puts us on the radar as a leader in this avenue of ‘entertainment.’”

To learn more about the history of Port Huron Town Hall and its current season, please go to porthurontownhall.com Buying a ticket makes you a part of the fabric in this fascinating and ever-changing, exceptional storytelling experience.