Wickepin Town Hall

Statement of Significance

The place is significant in demonstrating the evolution of a community though the changes in the ways of social life. The place demonstrates an evolution in response to the changes in the community. It demonstrates an association with early settlers and local identities, civic functions and administration, with war time, community organisations, and significant community events and celebrations. The place is representative of civic architecture of the period.

Physical Description

The original hall was a brick construction with a corrugated iron roof. Some of the bricks used in the construction were re-used from the Tarling Hall which was demolished in 1917. The roof was hipped with a small gable feature at the front and rear, and along the length of the hall roof. The 1939 extension was added to the front of the then existing hall. In red brick with a cream coloured render treatment to the pediment, horizontal layered sills and entry parapet, the new section had an orange tiled hip roof. A central cupola air vent is a feature of the extension. A new hall floor was laid in 1938 during extensions. The lighting was installed by the Roads Board secretary T J Mc Crackan. The facade is classical in its symmetry, balance and proportion, and includes detail of the art deco style. In 1960, new toilets were constructed on the east side of the hall. In the 1963 refurbishment new kitchen facilities were incorporated at the rear of the hall, the hall roof painted, and new stage curtains were fitted. After the refurbishment, Brady & Co fitted acoustic tiles in the hall.
The place shows very clearly the stages of development it has undergone.

History

1921 West Pictures were granted exclusive rights to show pictures for a year. In 1923, by-laws were introduced to prohibit smoking in public halls. In 1925 Mr Nelson took over the rights to the pictures which he continued until 1931 when his lease was cancelled, after a period of reduced hall charges. After a deputation to the Wickepin Roads Board in 1926, a new supper room and general improvements were undertaken. The bio box was removed from the supper room in 1932, after the movies finished in 1931. In 1927 the Wickepin Tennis Club leased part of the hall grounds on the west side, and built tennis courts. In 1935 some alterations were necessary to comply with the health act, and a new bio box was constructed after Paddy Baker was contracted to show fortnightly movies. With the popularity of the dances in the 1930s it was decided to modernise the hall and offices in 1939. The existing Roads Board offices in the original Yarling Hall were inadequate by the late 1930s, and new Administration facilities were added to front of the Wickepin Town Hall. At that time, the laws were enforced with regard to the prohibition of drinking and smoking in the hall.
The popularity of the dances continued during the 1940s, with welcome home dances and war effort fundraising providing a popular diversion, with the Red Cross being granted the use of the hall for no charge when fundraising. The smoking by-law was severely enforced in the 1940s. The dance was popular after the Saturday afternoon and evening shopping in Wickepin. The balls at the town hall during the 1930s, 40s and 1950s were held as a number of annual events, special fundraisers or celebrations; New Years Eve Balls, CWA Balls, Catholic Ball, Military Ball, RSL, Show Ball, Sportsclubs Balls (Football, Tennis). Weddings and dances were often held at the hall as well as luncheons which attracted large crowds during World War Two. The music at the dances was always provided by Charlie Rose on piano and Jack Chick on drums. In 1963 when the hall refurbishment was completed, a Public Ball was held to celebrate, and during the cesqui-centennial celebrations in 1979, a Colonial Ball was held with the proceeds going to the Cottage Homes.
In 1980 the Shire administration offices moved from this building to new Shire offices and the vacated offices have since been used by various community groups and government agencies. In 1985 over 200 young people aged between 8 and 18, attended one of the blue light discos run by Senior Constable John Vivian. They were entertained by the Yilliminning Rockers and Eric Swift's Music. The Blue light discos were a regular event in the district, as was the Friday night rollerskating. The P & C held a number of fundraisers at the hall, including Rock'n'roll nights and a very successful fashion parade to raise money for the Pre-primary School. In 1994, a full Mormon funeral service was conducted at the hall in memory of Len Walters.
The rear of the hall is the site of the Town's electrical power generator which was operated by Theo McCracken.
Opposite the hall entrance across Johnston Street is a water fountain and flag pole in a rose garden. The water fountain has two plaques commemorating the opening of the scheme water, and the grid electricity at the same time on 21 December 1964.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact
Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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