Flat Lake got its name from a small lake located approximately 3 miles S.W of the hall site. Originally community functions would be held in neighbors homes and then at the Flat Lake School. A committee meeting was held at the school on March 26th, 1928, at this time it was decided that because the school was too small, a hall was needed. Four acres of land were donated, construction began immediately and the grand opening of the hall was held on July 27th, 1928. The ladies in the community were in charge of providing the refreshments for this occasion and all other functions. Due to this, the women were allowed to attend functions for free while the men were charged 50 cents. People would come from all over as the hall was known for its good music and solid maple dance floor. A barn was later built to shelter horses used to attend the functions.

Some interesting anecdotes taken from the original minutes were...

In March of 1931, concerns were brought up in regards to some of the men bringing moonshine to the dances, getting rowdy and fighting, so a large notice was posted at the hall to help prevent liquor from being brought to functions. Part of the membership for the hall could be paid by providing two cords of firewood with the remaining balance paid in cash. On January 11^th, 1952, a motion was passed that the ladies would bring lunch to the annual meetings. On March 21^st, 1953, as only a few ladies brought lunch, it was agreed unanimously that lunch would be purchased in the future. Over the years, the hall has hosted many events such as the annual stampede/sports day which ran from 1928-1950. Other functions included native dancers, horse races, boxing matches, lunch box socials, jigging and old time waltz contests, concerts and plays, immunization center, baseball tournaments, potlucks, harvest balls, election time speeches, voting polls, funerals, family reunions and weddings. For many years, Our Ladies of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church were an integral part of preparing the food, organizing and hosting the annual Flat Lake picnic.

Utilities were brought in over years based on availability and funds. In 1954, electricity was brought in. In 1979, natural gas and in 1980, running water.

The hall was completely destroyed by fire in the early hours of October 10, 1991. The fire burnt a landmark in the community but not the spirit. A community was rejuvenated and on October 31^st, 1991, a meeting was held in the church basement to discuss the rebuilding of a new hall and all members present were in favor, so the process began. The new hall was opened in November 1992, and the new drop-in center was built and opened in June 2001. The hall has been the heart of an ever-changing community, but it has been those members of the community that have made it the place it is today.

We would like to acknowledge all the founding members and all those who have contributed in the past and present to make this community what it is today.

A special thank you to The Alberta Centennial Fund, Historical Society of Alberta, MD of Bonneville and to the community members.