Yabberup Hall

Statement of Significance

Yabberup Hall is a rare hall of red Flemish bond brickwork with contrasting blue and dark red half bricks . It was constructed with local volunteer labour and has been the focus of social activities in the area since its completion in 1896.

Physical Description

Yabberup Hall is a medium sized hall constructed of Flemish bond brickwork with a moderate to steeply pitched gable roof of corrugated iron. A skillion addition at the rear (west) side is constructed of matching brickwork. A verandah runs along the south (front) wall which buts into the skillion and a tall chimney protrudes from the centre of the same wall. The bricks are red with a blue or dark red brick providing a contrast in the half bricks of the bond work.

History

A meeting of the Upper Preston Progress Association at ‘Diverbrook’, the home of John Charles, discussed a proposal to erect a hall in the area and decided to erect a brick hall with an iron roof at an estimated cost of £60, with the assistance of a government grant of £30. In 1894, John Charles, and his brothers William and Jim, who had built ‘Diverbrook’ and also made the bricks and built houses at ‘Sunnyvale’ and Woodland) began work on the hall, a single room, 6m. x 4.5 m., and completed it in 1896. Clay for the bricks was dug at ‘Diverbrook’, and the bricks were laid in Flemish bond. In August 1896, the official opening of Preston Agricultural Hall as it was then known was celebrated by a dinner, the chief guest being Mr. Venn, and the dance in the evening was largely attended. It pre-dated Donnybrook Agricultural Hall of timber and iron construction, which Premier Sir John Forrest, opened in September. Preston Agricultural Hall, latterly known as Yabberup Hall, which was considered ‘a very substantial building’ (Western Mail 14 August 1896, p. 30), provided an important community facility, a meeting place and social venue for local people, and Church services for most denominations have been held in the hall. An Honour Roll in the hall commemorates soldiers from the district who died in World War I. In c. 1920, at the rear of the hall a supper room constructed in matching brickwork was added and, in November 1920, a grand opening night celebrated completion of the addition. In 1973-74, a lean-to kitchen was added to the hall and free standing toilet facilities were built. In c. 1988, two tennis courts were constructed in the grounds at the rear. The hall has continued in use for social activities including farewells for residents leaving the district and 21st birthday parties, for sporting activities, including badminton, and as a play-group centre. The annual Christmas Tree celebration at Yabberup Hall is the only one in the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup that has been held continuously from the late 1890s-early 1900s. In the early 2000s, a metal framed gazebo has been erected, and the hall continues in use for a variety of social activities.

Integrity/Authenticity

High. Modifications include a new Kitchen and Toilet block constructed in 1973/74

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.