Lake King Pioneer Memorial Hall

Statement of Significance

The site of the former hall, and the existing hall demonstrate considerable significance in the development of the region in terms of education, social, war effort, community organisations, and religious services. The place demonstrates ways of life still practised and no longer practised, and associations with generations of Lake King families.

Physical Description

Timber framed and fibro clad. The hall has a gable roof and a gabled portico centre front. A gabled pavilion on the west side is linked to the hall by an enclosed connection in the form of a room.

History

The first community hall in Lake King was a building from a Ravensthorpe Mining Company which was rebuilt at Lake King. At the opening ceremony conducted by the Newdegate publican, Bill Moran, he declared that it was the oraly hall in the area free of debt. The RSL held their meetings in the hali in the early 1930s. The first schooling in Lake King took place in the hall from 1935 for a few years. The sustenance workers constructing the dam in the 1930s helped keep the school open for those years with their families attending. The hall was the school venue again in 1953 until the new school on the east side of the hall was completed in 1954. During the World War Two years, fundraising dances were a regular event, and the VDC (Volunteer Defence Corps) met in the hall. In 1952, a busy bee organised by Nelson Hetherington resulted in ths hall size being doubled.
In 1963, as a result of a Shire and local community cooperation, a new hall was constructed. The old hall was used as the supper room, but this was later replaced in 1965 (and the old hall was relocated to G Hewson's property) The official opening of the existing hall took p ace on 29 February 1964. An honour roll was formed to commemorate the pioneers of the district. The hall has been the venue of weddings, fundraising dances, community and social events, and civia gatherings. The movies were held in the hall as were religious services prior to the church being constructed. In 1966 the Lake King Parents and Citizens allowed food in the hall for the first time, previously not permitted due to the precious dance floor! The first kegs were enjoyed at the hall in 1968. Fundraising efforts resulted in equipment and furniture for a playschool in 1970, in the supper room. In 1971, a lending library was established, and in 1975 an external playground was built by the fathers. In 1978, the Rural Initiative program resulted in the 5 year old education facility being based in the hall's former supper room where the playschool operated.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact
Authenticity: High Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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.