Wickepin Town Hall

Values

· The place has associations with the development of the Roads Board of Wickepin.
· The place has social value as the hall was used for over 70 years by the local community as a venue for dances and other social events including movie screenings.
· The place is a good example of a rural Town Hall designed in the Interwar Free Classical architectural style.

Physical Description

‘The original hall was a brick construction with a corrugated iron roof. Some of the bricks used in the construction were reused from the Tarling Hall which was demolished in 1917. The roof was hipped with a small gable feature at the front and rear, and along the length of the hall roof. The 1939 extension was added to the front of the then existing hall. In red brick with a cream coloured render treatment to the pediment, horizontal layered sills and entry parapet, the new section had an orange tiled hip roof. A central air vent I a feature of the extension. A new floor was laid in 1938 during extensions. The façade is classical in its symmetry.

History

‘In 1919 when the hall was built, the ratepayers doubled their subscription to finance the hall. In 1921 West Pictures were granted exclusive rights to show pictures for a year. In 1923 by laws were introduced to prohibit smoking in public halls. In 1925 Mr Nelson took over the rights to the pictures which he continued until 1931 when his lease was cancelled after a period of reduced hall charges. After a deputation to the Wickepin Roads Board in 1926, a new supper room and general improvements were undertaken. The bio box was removed from the supper room in 1932 after the movies finished in 1931. In 1927 the Wickepin Tennis Club leased part of the hall grounds on the west side, and built tennis courts. In 1935 some alterations were necessary to comply with the Health Act and a new bio box was constructed after Paddy Baker was contracted to show fortnightly movies. With the popularity of dances in the 1930’s it was decided to modernize the hall and offices in 1939. The existing Roads Board offices in the original Tarling Hall were inadequate by the late 1930’s and new admin facilities were added to the front of the Wickepin Town Hall. At that time, the laws were enforces with regard to the probation of drinking and smoking in the hall.’ ‘The popularity of the dances continued during the 1940’s with welcome home dances and war effort fundraising providing a popular diversion, with the Red Cross being granted the use of the hall for no charge when fundraising. The balls at the Town Hall continued during the 1930’s. 40’s and 1950’s.Weddings and dances were often held at the hall as well as luncheons which attracted large crowds during World War Two. The music at the dances was always provided by Charlie Rose on piano and Jack Chick on drums.’ ‘In 1980 the Shire administration offices moved from this building to new Shire offices and the vacated offices have since been used by various community groups and government agencies. In 1985 over 200 people aged between 8 and 18 attended one of the blue light discos run by Senior Constable John Vivian. They were entertained by the Yilliminning Rockers and Eric Swifts music. The Blue Light Discos were a regular event in the district as was the Friday night rollerskating.’

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate

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.