AGRICULTURAL HALL

114 years old in July 2024

     GNOWANGERUP AGRICULTURAL HALL     #1

The erection of the hall was already underway at this time. He was assisted by Mr. Michael Corbett, Chairman of the building committee, who presented him "with a handsome trowel." A large number of visitors from Gnowangerup and surrounding districts attended. Following a brief ceremony, numerous guests retired to Mr and Mrs Miles McDonald's residence at 'Springdale', where a 'sumptuous dinner' and entertainment was provided for the guests.
The official opening was held on July 20, 1910. The festivities included speeches of congratulation which were followed by the opening of the hall doors - disclosing “a most attractive banquet, the result of so much labour and skill on the part of the ladies of the district, with Mrs. M. McDonald as leading spirit!”
A concert followed: 'The programme opened with a piano overture by Mr. J.A. Carr. Songs were rendered by Misses Searle and Porteous, Messrs. Gmeiner, Bird, Gunther, Phillips, Stewart, and Hotson, a recitation by Mr. Rowe, and a cornet solo by Mr. Kelly (one of the Barnardo boys who some time ago delighted Katanning audiences).
As the conclusion of the programme, on motion of Mr. Allardyce, J.P., a vote of thanks was passed to all who had assisted in the building of the hall, and in the functions of the day, mention being specially made of Messrs. M. Corbett, J. Bell, the chairman, and the ladies.
"The hall was then speedily cleared, and dancing was indulged in till the small hours”
The hall was used frequently for church services (by all denominations); harvest festivals; polling days; meetings, school and social activities.
In October 1911 a concert in the hall followed a picnic on polling day, hosting "the largest audience yet seen in the hall", this function raised almost 9 pounds towards 'hall funds'.
In April 1912 a similar fund raiser was heralded as a Grand Concert and Dance. It was in the hall in 1911 that the residents gathered to form the Agricultural Society and the Agriculture and Pastoralists Society.
The former group was responsible for the inaugural and very successful Gnowangerup Show in 1912 - their first action was to apply for 10 acres of freehold land to be used by the Society for this purpose.

 

AGRICULTURAL HALL NOW MASONIC LODGE           #2
AND ART GALLERY

 

The district was developing rapidly, and by 1921 the following comments were made in The Gnowangerup Star: "No one who has attended at the old hall on the occasion of any popular entertainment or function can doubt that the building does not meet the requirements of the present time, and while that condition lasts the district will never be visited by any of those higher-class entertainers and lecturers who delight and instruct the folk of more favourably circumstanced places."
Many times the hall was filled to overflowing and many had to stand outside at the doors.
The Gnowangerup Road Board was given permission to sell the hall in 1923 in order to assist with the costs of building the Memorial Hall.
It was sold for around 750 pounds, and taken over for use by the Freemason's Lodge in 1924.
In later years Jimmy Lauriston assisted by William Black repaired the building and replaced the flooring.
The hall is presently used by the Masonic Lodge and for an Art Gallery. (2010)

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

References:                 Article:              Merilyn Stewart

                                  Image:            1, 2

Copyright : Gordon Freegard 2024