Young's Siding Hall

Statement of Significance

Young’s Siding Hall has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: The place has been and continues to be an important social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community since it opened in 1923. The place is part of a group of halls that were built in the many districts established along the Denmark railway line (or Torbay line) between c1912-1923 which included the original Kronkup Hall (1912), Torbay Hall (1912), Elleker Hall (formerly Torbay Junction Hall 1920) and Bornholm Hall (now Bornholm Kronkup-Hall 1923). The halls were all constructed of timber reflecting the importance of the timber industry in this area and the Denmark line which was constructed specifically to service the many timber sawmills in between Albany and Denmark. The place is a typical example of a small district hall made possible through the efforts and resources of a local community, including the West Albany Settlers’ Association formed in 1905 which supported the individual communities and hall committees in establishing their district halls and other facilities and services. The place represents the resilience of local communities as they experience a downturn in population and services but continue to value the hall which is well maintained and continues to be used for social events, learning and community activities.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include: • Timber weatherboard walls • High pitched gable corrugated metal roof • Constructed on timber stumps Some obvious modifications include: • Original short sheet corrugated iron roof replaced with long sheet corrugated metal • Additions to the side • Porch covering added to the original front entry

History

Young’s Siding was originally developed as a railway junction on the Torbay line from Albany to Denmark by the Western Australian Land Company, who built the Great Southern Railway which was completed in 1889. In 1896 the Government purchased the railway. The Torbay line and its many sidings served the many timber sawmills in the area as well as the many farms that had been established in the West Albany area. At a meeting of residents of Young's Siding held in August 1905 it was resolved to form a Settlers' Association in the district whose purpose was to protect and further the interests of settlers. A public meeting was held at Torbay Junction on Tuesday 15th August 1905 at which a number of representative settlers assembled and elected the following officers: Chairman,. R. Knapp; secretaries A. Burvill and J. D. Smith; treasurer Herbert Hortin, as well as five general committee members. It was decided to call the new Society the West Albany Settlers' Association, the district including all the area under the then Albany Roads Board west of Perth-road (now Albany Highway) with all residents living in this area encouraged to become members of the association. One of the main remits of the association was to assist in the establishment and construction of local district halls. At a meeting of the West Albany Settlers’ Association in December 1910 the question of providing a hall in the district along the Denmark line was the main item on the agenda: It was unanimously decided that such a building was necessary, and four different locations along the line were considered which were Kronkup, Torbay, Torbay Junction and Bornholm. In the end it was decided to build the hall at Kronkup - the name newly given to the 7-Mile siding on the Denmark line. (Albany Advertiser 31 December 1910) Nearly £50 was collected from those present. Thomas Hortin (brother of Herbert Hortin) was appointed chairman of the committee and W. J. Sampson as secretary. The Kronkup Hall was officially opened on 12 July 1912, triggering the establishment of the other district halls along the line. After the end of WWI and the growth of the district, the demand for a dedicated hall for Young’s Siding Hall grew. The hall was officially opened on Saturday 14th April 1923 and reported in the local news: The ideal community spirit existing the Young's Siding district was evidenced on Saturday last, when a public hall was declared open at that centre by Mr. A. Burvill, M.L.C., in the presence of a gathering numbering upwards of 200. Beautiful weather prevailed and the occasion was celebrated in a social spirit that was gladdening to behold. It is less than six months since the erection of the building was decided upon, but such has been the unity of purpose displayed that the hall was enabled to be thrown open free of the slightest encumbrance. The cost of the building has been entirely met by direct giving on the part of residents and from the proceeds of entertainments. Mr. Burvill apologised for the unavoidable absence of Mr. J. Scaddan, M.L.A., who had been invited to be present to perform the ceremony. He congratulated residents on the evidence produced that day of their faith in the district. It was indeed gratifying to note the progress made on all sides during the past few years. The effort of the committee and residents in raising the amount necessary for the hall within such a short period was a meritorious one and was deserving of commendation. He had pleasure in declaring the hall open for the use of the residents. Mr. H. C. Sims supported Mr. Burvill's remarks and eulogised the committee and residents for their good work. The people of Young's Siding had set an example to all parts of the State by their spirit of independence, in that it had not been found necessary, as was the custom elsewhere, to approach the Government for a subsidy for the purpose of erecting the building. The hall would fill a long felt want. A sale of work and sports programme occupied attention at a later stage and both were well patronised. At night a plain and fancy dress ball was held. Mrs. Deegan captured the prize for the best fancy costume awarded in the ladies' section, and Mr. B. Freeborough carried off the honors for gentlemen. Miss Lawrence and Mr. W. Cullinane won the waltzing competition. Mr. A. Ross supplied the music and Mr. W. Prout made an efficient M.C. A dainty supper was served. The proceeds of the day and evening functions amounted to £35. (Albany Advertiser 21 April 1923) The Young family David Young was well-known as an early settler/farmer of the Young’s Siding and Marbelup districts in west Albany - Young’s Siding named after him and his family. David Young came to Western Australia from England in 1834 when he was 9 years old and moved to Albany as an adult. He married Margaret Muir (sister of Robert Muir) c1851 and they had nine children including John William, Andrew Muir, Harry, Will and Robert and a daughter, Mary (who married Thomas Knapp also a well-known family in the west Albany area). In 1881 the Youngs famously hosted the young Princes Albert (later Duke of Clarence) and George (later King George V) sons of King Edward VII at their homestead at Marbelup (also referred to as Marbellup) when the Princes were midshipmen on the HMS Bacchant. Andrew accompanied the two young Princes on excursions around Wilson’s Inlet. David Young died 28 September 1908 at age 84. Like their father, brothers John William and Andrew Muir initially pursued farming in the Marbelup/Young’s Siding area but then came to Albany and lived in Aberdeen Street, where both John and father David had bought various town lots. John took up the licence of the Albany Hotel in York Street until his death in 1908, and Andrew took up a position with Drew Robinson and Co. on Stirling Terrace where he worked until his retirement in the 1920s. Andrew many have lived in the house at 61-63 Aberdeen Street. He was married and had a son (David) and two daughters, Agnes and Olive (who became Mrs Millington and Mrs Grayson respectively). His wife died in 1921 aged 59. Andrew Young died in 1937 at age 82.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High/Moderate

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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