Pantapin Community Hall

Statement of Significance

The Pantapin Hall is a significant representation of the community of Pantapin. It demonstrates the changing ways of life and customs in the agricultural community. It has significant associations with the pioneers of the district. It is a significant element in what was the main street of Pantapin.

Physical Description

Timber framed and weatherboard clad with a corrugated iron roof. Originally measuring 20' by 30', it was unlined and unsealed, lining, ceiling and additions were made at later times.

History

A number of community members decided a hall was necessary. John Sullivan, Herbert Wishart and James Falconer were the three guarantors, or trustees for the hall which was constructed by voluntary labour for a cost of £150.00. The Hall opened on 10 March 1922, with the formalities conducted by Charles Latham MLA, a fancy dress ball, tea and concert were enjoyed by all. The local musicians included Wally and Vera Everitt (piano), Fred Everitt (Banjoline), and Mr Stewart on the violin. Dances were organised for moon light nights, so that travelling home was assisted by the light of the moon. The church services for the district all took place in the hall, with particular effort for events such a s the Harvest Festival. The school was conducted in the Hall on a number of periods that the local school was closed.
The hall is located next to the home and store of the Sumners who also operated the telephone exchange. Amelia Sumner was the daughter of the Everitts who came to the area in about 1910.-The annual fete at the Pantapin Hall attracts people from far away and raises many thousands of dollars every year. The original school which opened in 1921, and subsequently closed in 1924. When school resumed again in 1934, it was in the hall, it closed temporarily in 1938 due to lack of numbers, but when the main road was put through about that time, the numbers increased, until in 1952 a school room was relocated from Dangin and used for schooling until 1962 when it was again relocated to Bruce Rock. Pantapin community groups including the Progress Association, Wheat-growers Association, regularly used the hall for meetings. Square dancing had a few periods of activity in the hall in the mid 1930s and 1950s. Between 1930 and 1960 the annual Christmas tree was held at the hall, and until the 1970s the hall was used regularly for dances and send offs. In 1940 the Tennis Club was active and four courts on the west of the hall continued to be used through until the mid 1980s, although the club had disbanded many years previous. An active Badminton club existed during the early 1960s, using the hall weekly. The comprehensive water supply was connected to the hall facilities in 1984.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: intact
Authenticity: High degree

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.