Francis Nicholson Darke was a notable figure in Regina. He was a prominent businessman and real estate magnate and his philanthropic efforts improved the quality of life for Regina's citizens. He was Regina's youngest mayor and he served on city council for many years.Francis Darke's philanthropic efforts greatly enhanced the City of Regina. He donated the money to build the Darke Hall for Music and Art in 1929. Darke Hall quickly became a bastion of culture for Regina and many musical and theatrical productions took place there over the years. It also served as the home of the Regina Symphony Orchestra for 41 years. Darke also donated the church bells that currently reside in the Knox-Metropolitan United Church. The bells, which were donated in 1927, were
given as a memorial to Darke's son Clifford, who had died in an automobile accident in 1926.Darke died in 1940 of a heart attack. He was laid to rest in the Darke mausoleum, one of the few mausoleums in Regina.
Darke’s legacy still lives on in the city, however. It is said that Darke's spirit has been seen in and around Darke Hall.
2 comments:
we went to Darke Hall over the summer and we heard rumors about mr Darke. To see they were real it really freaked us out!!!
Anonymous
I personally knew Mr. Darke before he died. Yes, I am very old, was a kid. The voice I hear when I recently visited does not sound like his voice to me. More of a reedy wind sound, like I remember the wind sounding as it whipped up the bald prairie before Hillsdale and the new University were built in the southeast of Wascana Lake. A real wild wind, not like now, all cluttered up by buildings and people.
Post a Comment