Brookton Memorial Hall

Statement of Significance

Brookton Memorial Hall is of considerable significance from its origins as the Agricultural Hall in 1906, additions during the prosperity of the developing town and region of Brookton in 1913, and the post war optimism of the mid 1950s when the Memorial Hall was formed. The architectural representations of the 1906 Agricultural Hall in its Federation vernacular, and the 1956 Post war Functionalist style both represent fine examples of their type, existing side by side, expressing the beginnings and future of Brookton. The sense of place for generations of Brookton residents is significant for all the events that have taken place.

Physical Description

The predominantly single storey building comprises three distinctive periods of development. The brick building has gabled metal clad roof and features vertical block elements that form a distinctive corner entry statement and function as the bio box to the hall.

History

In September 1906, the new Brookton Road Board held its first meeting in the Agricultural Hall that had been opened in June. Later in September a gala sports day, ball and concert, attracting more community than ever before, and a farewell dinner for the Stationmaster. Most religious denominations utilised the Ag Hall for their services until they established their own churches, right through until 1955 for the Catholics. In 1913, the original Agricultural Hall was converted to a stage, dressing room and supper room and a substantial “hall” was added along the Whittington Street frontage. The hall was the venue for all social events including the Drama Club presentations, silent movies, Glee Club concerts and balls, fundraisers, and Road Board meetings. The hard times of the depression years postponed expenditure on the Agricultural Hall’s proposed extensions in 1930. The post war prosperity in Brookton saw the advent of many services and facilities, and upgrades of existing, as well as the Memorial Hall in honour of the District’s war veterans. The premier A.R.G Hawke opened the Memorial Hall on 9 May 1956 followed by a grand ball. The 1913 hall became the supper room and the original Ag Hall (1906, a store room). The ball was a gala event, also commemorating the jubilee year of the Road Board. Two picture shows a week were scheduled for the new hall. The Memorial Hall continues to be the social and civic centre of Brookton.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity : High
Authenticity : High

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.