Exhibition Pavilion & Commemorative Arch & Showgrounds

Values

The place contributes to the local community's sense of place for its historical and social associations with the district.

The place has value as an intact group of structures that comprise a regional Showground.

The place has had continuous association with the Northam Agricultural Society since its construction.

The place has been in continuous use as a Showgrounds since 1906.

The place has historical significance to the town and shire of Northam as it symbolises the importance of agriculture, especially wheat to the region.

Physical Description

The place comprises showgrounds which include the Jubilee Oval and Pavilion, a rodeo arena with seating and rodeo yards (including corrugated iron rodeo buildings) an Exhibition Pavilion which is located at the south western corner of the Jubilee Oval and, sheep pens, stables and an animal nursery (1975) which are located to the northeast of the oval. The 1954 gates commemorating the Royal visit of Queen Elizabeth II are extant at the corner of the showgrounds at Chidlow Street and Peel Terrace. The Exhibition Pavilion comprises a large single storey timber framed building clad in corrugated iron with an earth floor in the vernacular style. The building comprises three main areas: the exhibition hall for small animals to the west; the exhibition hall for produce at the southern end of the east wing and the administration office at the northern end of this section. The poultry shed was added in 1957 and a lean-to on the north facing wall was also a later addition. The office addition has a timber floor and the meeting room and kitchen have floor coverings covering the earth floor.

History

In 1890, the first Northam Agricultural Show was held on ground opposite May Reserve in Northam, and was such a great success, that within six years, the site was proving unsuitable for the growing Agricultural Society’s activities. Another site was acquired in 1898 on a six acre block in York Road, but by 1905, agricultural events were flourishing and it was once again evident that a larger site was required. Early in 1906, arrangements were made with the Northam Municipal Council for the use of the East Northam Recreation ground (Jubilee Oval). The old ground was sold, and the first show on the Jubilee Oval was held in 1906. The show was a highly successful event, with three trains arriving from Perth just for the event. In 1912, it was evident that additional land was required for the holding of the shows, and a portion of land facing Henry Street was eventually purchased some years later. In 1924 the original Northam exhibition pavilion was destroyed by fire. In 1925 a tender for a new pavilion by Edmondson Bros was accepted for 1,163 pounds, and with various additional items, the final cost reached 1,200 pounds. Shows were held on a regular basis at the Exhibition Pavilion until June 1940 when it was decided that owing to the seriousness of the war, no agricultural shows would be held, and that instead a large one day Patriotic Effort would be held to raise patriotic funds. The programme included a large parade, and a military band with A.I.F troops. Various sideshows, a draught horse derby and ring events were some of the attractions. In 1941, a two day show was held with half the proceeds given to war funds. The following year, it was resolved that no show be held and this decision stayed for the remaining war years, up to 1945. During this time, the military forces were using the Pavilion and other buildings for storage. Regular shows were held again at the Exhibition Pavilion from 1946 onwards. In 1947 the Northam Agricultural Society sponsored the formation of the Northam Horticultural Society, who went on to conduct the flower section at subsequent shows. In 1950, show dates were moved to Fridays and Saturdays, instead of mid-week as previously. In 1951, judges for the ring events were brought in from the eastern states, indicating the growing importance of the shows, which were said to be second only to the Royal Show held in Perth. The Northam Agricultural Society Commemorative Arch was erected to commemorate the royal visit of Her Majesty the Queen, to Northam on 31 March 1954. The arch is made of lead. In 1957 additions were built to the Pavilion to accommodate the poultry section and further extensions have been added since. In 1970 the grounds were extended by the inclusion of the Henry Street Oval. In 1974, the dining room area of the main pavilion was added, allowing more space for exhibits, which over the years have increased in number and variety, ranging from farm and dairy produce to floriculture, art & crafts, photography and baking. In 2009, the place is still in use as a Showground.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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