History of the Albert Hall 1920-1985
With the population of Wamuran increasing, by 1917 the need for a general meeting place became very apparent. Meetings were being held in the open air, with attendees seated on a log, behind the Wamuran Railway Station. Dances and other social gatherings were usually held at the home of the obliging Mr. and Mrs. Salisbury on Newlands Road.
The Wamuran & District Progress & Fruitgrowers Association called a Special Meeting on 4th October 1917 and from this meeting it was decided that the Association would build a hall in Wamuran as soon as possible. It was decided that the hall would be 40ft x 20ft in size, [12.2m x 6.1m].
Mr. J.E. England agreed to lend 100 pounds, [$200.00], at 5% interest, and Mr. E. J. Grigg agreed to give the Association one allotment on which to build the hall. In April 1918 Mr. Thomas Brown & Sons donated 2 acres, and a further 4 adjoining allotments were purchased at a sale in August 1918. Mr. George Salisbury and Mr. Dick Williams were appointed Trustees to hold this land for the Progress Association.
Shares were sold to raise finance and work in connection with the hall would be paid for in shares. Mr. J.C. Jensen donated Tallow -wood hardwood for the hall flooring and the use of his machinery. Mr. R. Whiting gave sufficient hardwood logs to build the hall. Mr. George Salisbury cut and carted the timber. Mr. E.J. Grigg donated a pair of cedar doors. Many other donations of money, time and expertise were given by many other local residents. The first Albert Hall had been built completely by volunteer labour and donated materials.
This was all achieved during a time when Community was important and Community involvement was critical to the development and survival of a small country town.
Albert Hall was named after Albert Salisbury, the treasurer of the Wamuran & District Progress & Fruitgrowers Association. Mr. Salisbury was killed in 1918 when a limb hit him on the head when falling timber.
The Albert Hall, located in the township on Woodford Road (now the D’Aguilar Highway), was officially opened on 9th April 1920 with a very successful Sports meet, followed by a Grand Ball that night. The hall was decorated with balloons and coloured paper. The hall was packed; music was supplied by Mr. Dolf Deventier on his button accordion and a sit down supper was provided by the ever-willing ladies committee. “SMOKING IN HALL PROHIBITED” signs were prominently displayed in the hall, almost unheard of at that time. A glimpse of a more subtle and simple time.
This hall was used for education of the local school children from 1921 until the first Wamuran School was moved onto the Old North Road site in 1925. The Weeping Fig on the footpath near the hall driveway was planted by the school children on Arbour Day on 29th June 1923. Three other trees were also planted that day, but they have disappeared over the years.
Public toilets were built by the Caboolture Council in 1976 after Wamuran Hall Committee approved 281 sq. metres of hall land to be transferred to Council for this sole purpose.
The closing dance in the ‘Old Albert Hall’ was held on Saturday November 24th 1984, with the hall decorated with balloons and coloured streamers, and posters of old dances. Dances had been held regularly for most of the hall’s life. Use of the hall continued until the new hall opened in 1985. Old Albert served Wamuran well for 65 years!
Wamuran Community Hall from 1985
After years of fundraising by the dedicated committee members and many community involved local residents, the new Wamuran Community Hall was completed and opened in April 1985, with a “Back to Wamuran” Day. Many old-time residents, teachers and students returned for the opening celebration.
Almost uniquely the Wamuran Community Hall is totally owned by the Community of Wamuran. This is a great achievement in this day and age when most such building are Council owned and operated.
Like the previous hall, this new building has a wonderful hardwood floor, considered the best dance floor in the area. The hall is a comfortable and practical place to hold formal functions such as wedding receptions, engagement parties, conventions, church services, public meetings and other similar activities. Yoga classes are held every Monday evening and dance classes every Tuesday night.
Wamuran Dances are still held at 8pm on the 2nd Saturday night of each month with a live band and a delicious supper served during the evening. Come and join in a fun night of dancing – old time and new vogue!
Wamuran Indoor Bowls began in 1965 in the ‘old Albert Hall’, and is still held in the Wamuran Community Hall every Tuesday morning at 9.30am. New players are always welcome! Phone Ailsa Warman 54966335
This beautiful community owned & community funded hall is a credit to the residents of Wamuran.
For further inquiries regarding Wamuran Indoor Bowls, or to hire out the Wamuran Community Hall at 1050 D’Aguilar Highway, Wamuran, please phone Roy on (07) 54298178 or Rose on 0439105100
