Ticketholders Spanning Generations

Port Huron Town Hall is an organization whose members can boast a powerful claim, they witness and share history. Each individual attends the presentations given by carefully chosen speakers and hears inspiring storytelling, then sets out amongst their personal network and continues to share the insight and lessons gleaned from the speaker. It’s a special and uniquely human endeavor that has been ongoing for more than 71 years since the organization’s founding.

Susan Tisdel is a member of the Board of Directors and feels “The impact of Town Hall is in its history now. A history of bringing speakers from out of the area that have included First Ladies and a U.S. President, 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 1,100. That’s a very good sign that you’re offering something of value in Town Hall.” Tisdel’s grandmother was not only in the audience for that very first speaker, she was also one of the organizers. “My mother was in the original group who brought Town Hall to the Port Huron area,” noted Ann Durand, who is Tisdel’s mother and a former Town Hall President. “There were no local hotels or motels at that time. So the presenters would often stay at the homes of women who were on the Board. Ann Landers stayed at our home and through that experience, she and my mom became friends and continued to send Christmas cards [to each other] throughout their lives.”

Special experiences blended with practical needs when Town Hall was developing. Durand recalled, “The original location was the Desmond Theater in Port Huron. The women from Town Hall would ‘spruce up’ the theater and its facilities before a speaker event. It was very hands-on.” “My grandma spoke about bringing her own ‘nice soap’ and hand-towels from home for the bathroom so that the celebrities could use them,” Tisdel recalled. In addition to daughter Susan, Ann Durand’s other daughters Theresa Durand and Claire Durand are sponsors of PH Town Hall and daughter Martha Miller is a previous Board member.

“My decision to join Town Hall was a craving to bring the outside in to us,” Ann Durand explained. “I am happy my girls have seen the chance to learn as I have and their grandmother did before us. Also, it is a pleasant experience. We have made many speakers from all around the country aware of Port Huron. They in return are in awe of our beautiful lake. Joining Town Hall is a real positive.”

For a newer season ticket holder to Town Hall, Karynn Carrell was intrigued by the organization’s history and acclaim. “I love that Town Hall brings speakers from all over the country and all walks of life right here to Port Huron,” said Carrell. “I am a huge Windy City Rehab (HGTV) fan and Allison Victoria is who drew me in to purchase my first season ticket. I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived at Town Hall and saw so many familiar faces and absolutely loved how intimate the McMorran Theatre venue was/is for a speaker. The experience exceeded my expectations that first time and I have continued to purchase season tickets since then.”

Karynn is a busy working mom to four young children. The organizations she chooses to devote her time and energy to are carefully chosen and Town Hall has lived up to its reputation. “I would tell others who are considering season tickets to take the plunge,” she said. “Town Hall always has such a variety of speakers, and I look forward to that block of time each month in the fall. In addition to the speaking engagement itself at McMorran, the luncheon is also a great networking opportunity, as well as a way to hear the more intimate Q&A of the speakers.”

That blend of inspiration, community, and conversation has kept Town Hall thriving through generations. Another family deeply connected to the tradition is Brenda and LeRoy Stevens and their daughter Tiffany Francis. “I joined Town Hall about seven years ago with a friend from work,” explained Francis. “We have since grown our group to four in our same seats and eight for lunch. We thought it was a fun way to support local entertainment and a treat to ourselves!”

“I think Town Hall has given the community a chance to meet world class authors, artists, and television personalities in a small setting that is familiar and part of our home. I would absolutely suggest the luncheon add on, as it is a way to meet new community members and ask the guests questions.” Tiffany used to attend sporadically when a speaker peaked her interest. Now she is a proud season ticket holder. “I have, over the decades, gone occasionally to a Town Hall event here-or-there so when the opportunity arose to decide to join, it was a ‘no brainer.’ My mom and dad both go. Their friends go, my friends go. It is a lot of fun!”

Buying a ticket makes you a part of the fabric in this fascinating and everchanging, exceptional storytelling experience.