Yealering Hall

Statement of Significance

The place demonstrates considerable significance for the various social activities and associations that have taken place. The architecture is an individual but representative example of the period.

Physical Description

Red brick structure with a relatively low pitched corrugated iron hip roof with no eaves overhang. The front of the hall is on the north face at Sewell street. A double entry door is central on that facade, with render topped brick buttresses each side. A large double hung window with 18 panes of glass is centred each side of the door. Along the depth of the hall 9 bays are formed by the structural brick buttresses.

History

In 1919 the Soldiers Memorial Hall was built behind where the Co-op is now. Enid Odgers and Ada Lee provided the music for the numerous fundraising dances that were held there. By 1926 moves were being made by the Yealering Progress Association, to replace the hall. In 1927 a crown grant was allocated for the proposed new hall. When the hall was built in 1927 it was financed mostly by community subscriptions, with 63 residents pledging a subscription of £2 a year for 5 years. With the depression in the following years few were able to fulfil the subscription. The Soldiers Hall was relocated to the new hall and became the supper room. An annexe about 3 metres wide separated the two structures, and this space was the venue for the Spotting Post during World War Two. Men did the night shifts, and the women the days. The 4 hour shifts covered the whole 24 hours each day, and a telephone and log book were essential to report and record everything. Yealering was (and still is) the turning point for the training planes from Pearce airbase.
The Hall hosted many balls and dances, the annual New Years Eve Ball, Anzac ball, Church of England Ball and Catholic Ball, as well as fundraising and wartime welcome home dances. The RSL and other community groups often held their meetings at the hall, and the Manchester Unity Independent order of Oddfellows Lodge was established at the hall and functioned for some time. The hall also hosted regular movie shows through the 1920s and 30s.
In 1935 the Wickepin Roads Board took over the hall, releasing the finance guarantors from the £530 that was still owing on the place. The hall continued to be managed by the local hall committee. In 1949 the Government Architects of the day drew up plans to alter the hall, and in 1954 funds were raised to construct the structural alterations as designed. The Yealering Progress Association and the Yealering RSL donated £500 towards the construction. The original hall which served as the supper room was removed in 1953. In 1958 the hall was re-floored, and in the early 1970s a new ceiling was installed.
The place continues to be the social and community venue for the Yealering district.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact
Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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