Bruce Rock Shire Offices

Statement of Significance

The place demonstrates the evolution of the Bruc Rock Roads Board. It represents associations with the early settlers, civic leaders and generations of communities in Bruce Rock. It is integral within the mainstreet streetscape adn charcter of the townscape of Bruce Rock. It is a fine example of rural civic architecture of the period.

Physical Description

Double storey brick rendered construction with a hipped corrugated iron roof. The classical frontage has a central recessed entry with an arched pediment and a centrally positioned window either side. The upper level has three sets of 2 double hung windows, with the central set closer together. The parapet, the induvidual window pediments and the pediment in the centre of the parapet, were removed in the 1971 alterations. The face brick work was painted during those alterations. At either side of the building is a covered entry porch into side entrances of the building. The hipped roof and the brick and timbe pillars were removed and replaced with a flat roof and brick rendered columns (same as Shire Hall) in 1971. The entire hall behind the double storey section was demolished in 1971 and administration offices and a libraray were constructed. The former offices were converted into a Council meeting room, herbarium and rooms for community meetings.

History

The first Roads Board office in Bruce Rock was a small wooden building in Bath Street where the shire carpark is now located. The East Avon Roads Board, as it was at that time, had no east representation and dissatisfaction remained until late 1915 when moves were made to form a Roads Board for Kwolyin and the surrounding area. A Progress Society had formed in 1914 to look after Bruce Rock town interests and one aim was to erect an Agricultural Hall. Until that time, socials and dances in the town had to be held at Hynam's Boarding House or McDonalds. In 1916, when there was no hall in which to show pictures in Bruce Rock, a public meeting was held on Easter Monday in 1917. Subsequently the 40ft by 30ft hall constructed by ES Gillard was opened on 25th July 1917. WN Hedges was to performt the opening ceremony, but the roads were too bad for him to get to Bruce Rock, the Chairman of the Roads Board Alfred Butcher was then to officiated, but was thrown from his sulky on the way. Mr WJ Butler, the Chairman of the Hall Committee ultimately had the priveledge of opeing the hall, which was followed by a concert featuring the Kumminin Kiwis. Almost immediately the hall was proved to be inadequate for the needs of the prospering town and district of Bruce Rock and the roads Board applied for a loan for a larger hall with brick offices in front. In June 1918, the East Avon Roads Board became the Bruce Rock Roads Board with the first meeting taking place on 6th July with the inaugural Chairman JH Yelland. The Roads Board Office was lined and stables built at that time. In 1920 the New Roads Board Hall was constructed (Gillard- builder & WJ Thorne-Architect) and opened by WJ Butler, the Chairman of the Roads Board, on 28th July 1920. A footbal match and sports programme on the day was followed by the "greatest function Bruce Rock had ever seen". In 1926, the hall was lined and ceiled and the original Roads Board Office (hall) was added to the rear of the hall to function as a stage and dressing rooms. In 1924, the Narembeen Roads Board was formed and areas previously in the Bruce Rock District were seceded. In 1928, the brick offices were constructed at the front of the hall. FD Farrell, formerly of Midland, was the Chairperson of the Roads Board during this period and laid the foundation stone. The offices were opened on 5th January 1929. During that year the Bruce Rock Roads Board increased it's area from Merredin in the north. By the end of 1929, the Repertory Club was formed and a series of play readings took place in 1930, assisting in the charitable services they provided to the hospital and unemployment relief funds. In 1933, a literary and debate society was formed and in 1939, a competition was conducted for Bruce Rock and Narembeen communitites to write a play. The hall was a social focus of the community with family, community and civic gatherings and eents taking place.

During the 1940's and 1950's a consulting dentist had rooms upstairs when he visited town. In 1953, the hall (now demolished) underwent refurbishements to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Green velvet stage curtains replaced the former roll down stage curtain depicting yachts on the ocean in colours of cream, browns and pinks. In 1956 the Clerk of Courts vacated an office in the administraion building when he moved to the new Courthouse.
In 1961 Road Boards throughout the state became Shire Councils and along with the change of name came an increased responsibility which included the provision of community facilities as well as the infrastructure within it's boundaries. By the late 1960's it was again apparent that the community required a larger venue. In 1970 the hall was dimantled by Gordon Pericles who purchased it. The new shire hall was constructed and whenthe former hall was demolished, new administration offices were constructed behind the existing double storey civic office block.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact or Redeemable
Authenticity: Medium Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.