Congelin Hall

Statement of Significance

The building is notable for the part it played in community activities in the area and giving the district a sense of identity. The hall is a fine example of buildings of an earlier period and makes an important contribution to the district's building stock.

Physical Description

Located north of Williams at what was the junction of the York/Williams and the Congelin/Narrogin Roads (the latter road is now 1 km to the south). The building has buttressed side walls and the northern end has a Gothic arch. It is located on a reserve 13107 which was excised from the property of Thomas Whitford who gave the land free of charge. On 15 March 1911, the foundation stone of the 14 Mile Brook Hall was laid by Mrs Harry Rintoul. Mrs Rintoul was the eldest daughter of TA Whitford, a pioneer of the area. The official opening ceremony was performed by GSF Cowpher, ML A. (1)

History

The 14 Mile Brook, so named for its distance from Williams on the York Road is generally known as Congelin. About 1901 Thomas Augustus Whitford and his sons, Harold and Roy, selected 1,500 acres near 14 Mile Brook which they named Congelin. In subsequent years they progressively acquired more land until their total acreage reached about 6,000. The Whitford's were recognised as good farmers as well as excellent judges of stock. Their working horses of Clydesdale breed were often admired. Thomas Whitford was a public spirited man and served for many years as a member of the Williams Road Board. For a period he was chairman. He was also a foundation member of the Williams Agricultural Society. (2) During April 1933, a Government assisted school was opened at the 14 Mile Brook with Miss Audrey Northwood, of Toolibin, as the first teacher. This was the culmination of many years of agitation by the local settlers to have this service for the eduction of their children. The local hall was made available free of charge by the hall committee and the parents were held responsible for carrying out the sanitary services. On her resignation on 18 December 1934, Miss Northwood wrote that the attendances at the school had been regular and had averaged 11 for the past two years and that she expected a further two pupils to enrol at the commencement of the new school year. She recommended that the status be raised to a Government School. On 4 February 1935, M/ss Stimson re-opened the school as a Government school which meant that the parents were no longer responsible for paying part of the teacher's salary. Harold Hamon, a settler living six miles distant, boarded the teacher so that it was necessary for her to drive to school each day by horse and sulky. The horse and conveyance plus the necessary chaff was made available free of charge by Hamon. Attendances at this little school gradually dwindled over the ensuing years with the result that the then teacher, Miss Thelma Phillips was transferred to Lake Grace and the school was finally closed on 23 February 1942.

Integrity/Authenticity

Modifications: Some Extent of Original Fabric: All

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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