Yarloop Town Hall

Statement of Significance

demonstration of a way of life, custom, process or function: The Yarloop Town Hall building has been used continuously by the residents of the mill town for 60 years Historical significance of development of cultural phases; association with important figures: TheTown Hall at Yarloop is one of a group designed by the architects Cameron, Powell and Chisholm in the Shire of Harvey in the late 1930s. Environmental importance; townscape or landscape value; high degree of unity of setting: The Yarloop Town Hall provides a focal point for the western end of the town, an extension across the railway line of the original mill town. *scientific I archaeological importance: *ediicational/research value: . *social signifance The Yarloop Town Hall has great significance for the residents of the milltown.

Physical Description

The main hall is a substantial brick fronted building with timber and jarrah weatherboard construction behind the facade/ and with brick refreshment rooms etc./ in an attached lesser building to one side. The front of the main building has a prominent and imposing entrance featuring tall Art Deco pillars and Egyptian inspired detailing in cement render. This feature incorporates a six pane window lighting the bio-box over the entrance porch with the words 'Yarloop Hall* in raised cement letters over the window and under an Egyptian style cartouche. The lesser building has a similar but slightly smaller version of this entry. The windows are wooden easements with hopper windows above, and both halls have tnmcated hip roofs of corrugated metal with louvred vents at the peaks, and a ventilated ridge. The main hall has special 'plaster* board sheet lining internally above a timber panelled dado. Mr. Fortune recalls his father having discussions with Mr. Malcolm Whatman (the Hall Committee Chairman for many years), regarding the use of a Swedish material called Della Conna which was used for the first time in this country for the upper lining of the hall walls. Plaster vents in these walls featutr basic art deco style decoration. The underside of the timber roof trusses and metal ties are exposed below the plaster ceiling, and a well appointed stage occupies the far end of the hall. The bearers and joists of the floor were specially sprung so that the floor moved "as if on springs" and an energetic 'Gay Gordons1 dance "literally made the floor rock".

History

Assessment 1997 Construction: 1938 Architect/designer: Powell, Cameron and Chisholm Builder: C.Storer The first Town Hall at Yarloop was built west of the Workshops. That was later replaced by this Art Deco styled construction designed by the architectural firm of Powell, Cameron and Chisholm/ who also designed the Bnmswick and Harvey Town Halls. Sir James Mitchell officially opened the Yarloop Town Hall in April/ 1938. This was followed by a grand ball attended by 500 residents. Mr. G. Fortune, who at 16 years of age/ supervised the old Southern Cross diesel engine and generator used to provide light for the varied entertainments of the time/ recalls the many dances and balls that took place in the hall. These dances regularly lasted until three a.m. and because of the specially designed floor **you could dance all night and never get tired."

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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