Kulin Town Hall

Statement of Significance

The place demonstrates a significant association with the civic administration of the Kulin area, and with Australia during war time. The place was the social centre for the town of Kulin demonstrating a "sense of place" for many residents and descendents of early settlers. It is a fine example of civic architecture. It is one of the few remaining examples of the architects' work in rural Western Australia. It makes a considerable contribution to the streetscape, and townscape character of Kulin.

Physical Description

The place is a brick construction with a corrugated iron roof. The hall is a pavilion with a gable roof. The hall entry and the Roads Board offices form a continuum across the Johnston Street frontage, with a hipped roof. The spaces are not internally connected, a parapet wall separates them, and they each have a separate street entry. The hall entry dominates the street frontage with a parapet extending above the arched entry. The parapet feature is rendered and painted a light cream colour. The remainder of the frontage is rendered upwards from a string course level at about 12 courses. An arched entry leads onto a covered porch on the south end of the frontage. A double door then opens into the former Roads Board office and Council Chambers. The main hall entry is also a covered porch, with two sets of double doors with fanlights above. The hall has a timber floor, decorative lined ceiling on the rake, and steps up to the stage, each side. The stage is located at the opposite end of the hall from the entry. Behind the stage is an extensive kitchen area extending the entire width of the hall, under the main gable roof. The building is an example of the architects still using European craftsmanship in the carpentry, brickwork and monumental decoration. It was a relatively rare occurrence at the time.

History

The town of Kulin developed after the railway connected from Narrogin in 1915, and the trains began running on the line in 1916. A Roe Roads Board office was originally established in Day St (see Ref No), and the Kulin Roads Board was administered from that premises until this building was constructed The Kulin Road Board was formed in 1926, with R Mclnnes the inaugural Chairman. The foundation stone commemorated on 20 March 1928 is dedicated to the World War One, and a commemorative medal design in blue was printed on the cutlery & crockery. The Honour Roll was relocated from the Agricultural hall and permanently erected in the Memorial Hall. Trains arrived weekly on Thursdays in Kulin, and it became market day, with films shown every Thursday evening in the hall. Paddy Baker put on a free show once a year after thee school sports. The hall was the venue for many dances and social events in Kulin through the depression years and into the Second World War years with war time farewells and welcome homes, and the annual Anzac Day service. The Volunteer Air Defence Observer Corps formed in 1942 used the Gentleman's social rooms as an observation post. The hall was available rent free to local fundraising bodies during the war. Many fundraising dances were held, as well as many balls such as the Debutante's Ball and the Grand Ball, and school concerts. During the 1950s and 1960s, new social opportunities became available to young people, and with the development of faster vehicles and better roads, they no longer stayed in town for entertainment. After new Shire offices were constructed in 1968, the vacated former Roads Board offices was converted into a combined Doctor's surgery and Dental clinic, to accommodate the visiting professionals. In 1960 the CWA prepared an exhibition of historical items in the hall, for the 50th anniversary of Kulin's settlement. In the late 1950s Paddy Baker donated the screen for the drive in which was established by the shire, after the hall pictures had finished. The prosperity of the 1960s and the expansion of farm holdings in the 1970s and 80s has resulted in a rural population decline. Community sporting facilities rival the hall as a functional venue with modern catering facilities. In 1996 the hall is for the most part unused, although a museum committee use the hall and kitchen facility as a storage area for museum items. The Kulin Telecentre formed in 1996, now occupies the former Roads Board office and chambers.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: intact Authenticity: high degree

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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