Corrigin Town Hall

Statement of Significance

Social, Historical, Aesthetic, Rarity and Representatlveness
The Corrigin Town Hall is one of the finest examples of its architectural style of which few remain in the state. It is a unique rural example of its style of architecture. It makes a considerable contribution to the streetscape and is the element in the townscape which is primarily representative of Corrigin. The historical and social significance of the place to the community of Corrigin is considerable, demonstrated by the associations with the centenary of Western Australia, dignitaries and civic leaders, community organisations and individuals. It has been the venue for fundraising, recreational, social, celebratory and entertainment events, involving generations of Corrigin and districts residents, and demonstrating ways of life and customs for generations of Corrigin people. The hall is associated with World War Two as a venue for welcome home dances, fundraising, wartime committees, and the Victory Ball, Memorial plaques in the foyer commemorate those who served their country during the wars.

Physical Description

The hall comprises an entry foyer with ante-rooms each side, which have been converted to toilet facilities. The hall is accessed by two arched doorways from the foyer, and the stage is at the far end with the backstage space immediately behind ft. the kitchen addition is located on the south side of the hall at the rear and is accessed through previously existing exit doors. The kitchen is an additional construction fitted out with 1980s modem facilities of a relatively large scale.

The large hall boasts a richly patterned proscenium with velvet curtains opening to reveal the stage. The original dark blue and gold trim curtains have been replaced by burgundy coloured velvet drapes. The stage remains intact. Behind the hall there are small dressing room spaces each side. The jarrah hall floor throughout the hall and associated space has been retained. An expansive curved large span ceiling is a feature of the hall. A bio box is located above the foyer for screening movies but access has since been concealed.
The building was constructed of locally made Corrigin bricks. The architectural style is representative of classical architecture of the period. In “Identifying Australian Architecture” the style indicators of Interwar Academic Classical are most characteristic o the Corrigin Town Hall. Elements of its style include: symmetry of the façade, correct use of order and components, a pediment entrance, Greek columns (ionic) and spacious interiors facilitated by modern materials. Pairs of columns support the protruding pediment over the entrance embossed with the words Town Hall. The conservative free standing public building is characteristic of a civic structure expressing community values and pride in the town. In 1995, in compliance with regulations for disabled person’s access, a ramp was installed at the front of the building. The place was painted on the interior and exterior at that time.

History

Assessment 1996

Architect/Designer: P W Harrison
Builder: M<Ellyard
Construcion: 1929
The Corrigin Town Halt was built during 1928 in order to be completed in time to commemorate the centenary the foundation of Western Australia in 1829. The hall was result of considerable community and Roads Board effort and was the subject of controversy, as a lot of people were
against it.
It was opened on 20 March 1929, by James Adams, the Chairman of the Corrigin Roads Board and CP Wandsworth MP. The Corrigin Amateur Dramatic Society was founded at the hall in July 1929 and in November of that year the Narrogin Operatic and Dramatic Society performed the Geisha at the Town Hall.



The Hall was the venue of community and celebratory activities which included numerous balls during the war, the annual Show Ball, the Victory Ball and Debutant balls. The annual Show Ball was a great event wth 300- 500 people sitting down to supper. Dancing was enjoyed at all the social gatherings. Throughout the 1930s, the RSL Wool Week Ball incorporated the finals of the Mis Corrigin competition. Wedding receptions, dinners, school concerts, cabarets, live ballet, live performances, theatre, YAL concerts, Repertory shows and exhibitions also took place at the hall.
Community groups have used the hall for meetings and functions: The 1930s Parents and Citizens School Sports Day were completed with free pictures at the Hall afterwards. Paddy Baker’s pictures were always a family night out and remained popular at the Hall until the late 1960s when the drive-in theatre opened in Corrigin.


During Worid War Two, fundraising and welcome home dances were the main events. Hancocks dance band provided the musical entertainment. The first meeting of the Corrigin War Precaution Committee took place in the Town Hall on 3 January 1942. Of the 2000 evacuees allotted to the
Corrigin district, the committee decided to accommodate 200. A number of war time precautions were established in Corrigin: airraid precautions (plane spotters) emergency procedures and trenches. In 1942 an alr raid warning was conducted as a trial run during a picture show at the Town Hall. In 1954 the Red Cross branch was formed at a public meeting in the hall.
During the 1960s music was supplied by Flynn’s Dance Band the the Catholic Debutante Balls were still taking place. Since then the Hall has been the venue of travelling theatre and entertainment shows, community organisations’ dinner and celebratory events, Anzac commemoration, as well as regular badminton.
PW Harrison was an architect who designed a number of civic and commercial buildings in the Great Southern during the later half of the 1920’ and 1930s. Buildings of note include the Dangin Masonic Lodge (demolished) and the Quairading Commercial Bank in 1938

Alterations/Additions c 1980s

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

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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.