Local Government
Williams
Region
Wheatbelt
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
48 Albany Hwy Williams
Location Details
Construction Date
Constructed from 1898
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHP - To be assessed | Current | 29 Aug 2003 |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | ||||
| Register of the National Estate | Indicative Place |
|
Heritage Council | ||
| Classified by the National Trust | Recorded | 12 May 1975 |
|
Heritage Council | |
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 30 Jun 2000 | Category 2 |
Category 2 |
|
Statement of Significance
The building is notable as the first community building in Williams. The building is a fine example
of building style from this period and makes a substantial contribution to the town's stock of early
buildings.
Physical Description
Hall (Originally measured 35' x 22')
Situated on the Albany Road, opposite the then sports ground. Since being used as an Arts and
Craft Centre, trees and shrubs have been planted around the building (contrast 1975 & 1995
pictures)
History
The foundation stone was laid by a prominent settler, Michael Quinn of "Glenfield" in 1898. It
served many uses and has a colourful hidstory;
- meeting place - the Williams Roads Board met here and later at Cullen's Hotel (1905) until
ratepayers resolved to build a Roads Board Office in 1909.
- Buffalo Lodge - Catholic Church
- Non denominational Sunday School (conducted by Mrs Skewes who rode
out from Narrogin on a auto cycle)
- Weddings, dances and socials.
It was the principal public hall until the construction of the larger Kings Hall in 1912.
It is said the name "Agricultural Hall" had its origin in the Ball following the Williams Agricultural
Show (from 1905).
During the Second World War (1939-1945) the hall was used as an aircraft spotting station. At this
time, after the bombing of Darwin, Wyndham and Broome by the Japanese, Army authorities
considered it probable that Perth could also be attacked. Accordingly they set up spotting stations
throughout the State to report on the sighting of any aircraft. In Williams the spotting station was
staffed by women during the day and men at night, working in pairs on four-hour shifts. (1)
Integrity/Authenticity
Modifications: A concrete block kitchen was added in the 1950's
Extent of Original Fabric: Most
Condition
Fair - Good, some cracks in east and west gables after the Meckering earthquake
References
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Williams Heritage Trail no. 3 |
State Heritage Office library entries
| Library Id | Title | Medium | Year Of Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12279 | Condition report: Williams Agricultural Hall Albany Highway, Williams | Heritage Study {Other} | 1993 |
Place Type
Individual Building or Group
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL | Agricultural Hall |
| Present Use | SOCIAL\RECREATIONAL | Other Community Hall\Centre |
Architectural Styles
| Style |
|---|
| Federation Free Style |
Construction Materials
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | STONE | Local Stone |
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| Wall | BRICK | Face Brick |
Historic Themes
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Settlements |
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Community services & utilities |
Creation Date
30 May 1989Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
01 Jan 2017Disclaimer
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.