Harcourt branch of the Australian Natives Association was formed in 1908, meeting in a chaff shed behind the local grocer shop. In 1911 the branch contracted with Mr Sutherland of Barkers Creek to build a hall of boxed concrete construction. Sutherland was a pioneer in the use of concrete for structural purposes.He subsequently had a career as City Engineer at Camberwell. The ANA branch conducted many social occasions in the hall and gave community leadership for upwards of fifty years in addition to its friendly society/health insurance activities.. This was the only community hall in the Harcourt community until it was superseded by the Harcourt Leisure Centre in 1991 It is now the home of Harcourt Heritage Centre.A community hall of pioneering construction method, provided to the community by a friendly society.black and white postcard depicting a community hallA N A Hall, Harcourt

The Municipality of Kew was proclaimed on 19 December 1860, then upgraded to a Borough (1863), a Town (1910) and finally a City (1921). From 1865, its offices were based in the former Athenaeum Hall in Walpole Street, which, although extended in 1883, inevitably became inadequate. Plans for a new purpose-built Town Hall were first mooted in the late 1880s, but fell prey to six subsequent decades of debate. During that time, many sites were considered and rejected, and several schemes prepared. Finally, in 1945, it was resolved to build a new civic centre as a war memorial. The council acquired Southesk, a mansion on the south-west corner of Cotham Road and Charles Street – first mooted as a possible Town Hall site two decades earlier – and plans for a civic precinct were drawn up by John Scarborough. The project stalled until 1957, when a Town Hall Committee was formed and a new architect appointed: Harold Bartlett of Leith & Bartlett. He also proposed an entire civic precinct, of which a large public hall would constitute Stage One. Designed to accommodate almost any public or official function, the space had had a small stage at one end for intimate theatrical productions, a larger stage at the other (with operable sunken orchestra pit) for musical performances, plus the most up-to-date equipment for live TV transmission. The building, befitting its original intent as a war memorial, was also to include a sculpted monument, for which a separate design competition was held. First prize went to George H Allen (1900-1972), long-time head of the Sculpture Department at RMIT and a former war artist himself (the only one, in fact, to have worked in the medium of sculpture). At the time of the Kew project, Allen was best known for his Cenotaph at the Shrine of Remembrance (1955) and a controversial abstract sculpture at Hume House in William Street (1957). Tenders for the new hall were called and the contract (worth £104,986) was awarded to H F Yuncken. The foundation stone was laid by the Mayor, Cr F C O'Brien, on 1 June 1959. Completion (initially scheduled for October) was delayed by the unavailability of certain materials; it was barely finished in time for the official opening (by Premier Henry Bolte) on 23 April 1960. The war memorial was unveiled two days later (Anzac Day) by Bolte's deputy, the Hon A G Rylah. Fittingly, that year also marked Kew's municipal centenary, and many celebratory events were held in and around the new civic centre in December, including a special council meeting (attended by the Prime Minister), a tree planting ceremony and a youth ball. Source: Survey of Built Heritage in Victoria: Stage Two (Built Heritage Pty Ltd., 2010)Historically significant commemorative plaqueMetal plaque relating to special Council meeting to mark centenary of Kew, 13th December 1960. This plaque was given to the Kew Historical Society in 1991 by the former City of Kew.A Special Meeting Of The / Kew City Council Was Held In / This Hall On 13th December 1960 / To Commemorate / The Centenary of Kew / Cr. W.H.S. Dickinson, M.B.E., J.P., / Mayorkew city hall, foundation stones - kew (vic), cr. w.h.s. dickinson, local government -- kew (vic.)

The original Kew Town Hall offices were located in Walpole Street, Kew. Before 1960, even though it had been much discussed over a number of decades, Kew did not have a 'civic hall'. When required, events such as balls, exhibitions or theatrical events were held in the Kew Recreation Hall in Walpole Street. A new City Hall was to be opened by Sir Robert Menzies in 1960. It was located beside the Alexandra Gardens in Cotham Road. It is now used as the Kew Library. Cr Hugh George Ferguson (at right) was born in June 1900 in Williamstown. After his family moved to Kew, they lived in Fernhurst Grove while his future wife’s family lived in Fellows Street. He married in 1940 and subsequently joined the Australian Imperial Forces. After the war he worked as a Billeting Affairs Organiser for the Dutch Government, resettling migrants in Australia. He also worked in advertising as an account manager, and was campaign director for Arthur Rylah is Victorian politics. He organised the first major trade fairs at the Royal Exhibition Buildings after the Second World War, including a World Trade Fair. He built a home in Brougham Street and represented North Ward on Kew Council from 1952 to 1968. He was elected Mayor for the 1959-60 term. He died in 1975, aged 75, and is buried in Boroondara Cemetery.An item of historical interest donated by members of the Dods family in 2006. The Dods-Ferguson Collection includes a number of items once in the possession of the families related to or descended from two mayors of Kew: Cr. Hugh Ferguson and Cr. Frederick Dods.Publicity photograph of two men and a woman inspecting architectural models for a new Kew City Hall. The man at the right of the photograph is Cr Hugh George Ferguson, Mayor of Kew 1959-60. The Hall, now occupied by the Kew Library, was opened by The Hon H.E. Bolte MLA, Premier of Victoria in 1960.Herald Sun Feature Service / Hugh G. Ferguson & Associates / New Kew City Hall. kew city hall, hugh g. ferguson & asociates, architectural models - kew, cr hugh george ferguson

This draft plan, a line etching, is of the wooden clipper ship "Schomberg" . It can be assumed from the heading "Ship Building." and the phrase "Built by Messrs. A Hall & Co. of Aberdeen" that the drawing is an example of plans for building a ship, and that the Schomberg ship has chosen to demonstrate this. The plan may have possibly been in a book, as it is made from two well-joined pieces of paper. The original plans would have been drawn up, discussed, reviewed and drawn in more detail before the building of the ship in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1855. Information on the draft Is as follows: “Principal dimensions: Length between the perpendiculars: 262 feet 6 inches Length of keel 245 feet Breadth extreme: 45 feet Breadth of frame: 42 feet Depth of hold: 29 feet 9 inches Burthen in tons, Builders Old Measurement: 2600 Tons” The publisher firm A & C Black, was founded by Adam and Charles Black in Edinburgh in 1807. Over the years the company has published editions of Encyclopedia Britannica and Whose Who, and reference books, guides and technical books. The printer G Aikman (1788-1865) or his son G Aikman (1830-1905), were both named George. George senior was an early-19th century Scottish printer and publisher. After his death his son became the sole proprietor of the firm until he sold it in 1876. The draft plan uses the vessel Schomberg as its example ship building plan for demonstration purposes. It is significant for its association with the Victorian Heritage Registered shipwreck, the Schomberg. It is an example of a shipo building plan. The Schomberg collection is primarily significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the Schomberg. The Schomberg collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of an international passenger ship. The shipwreck collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the shipwreck and the ship, which was designed to be fastest and most luxurious of its day. The Schomberg collection meets the following criteria for assessment: Criterion A: Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion B: Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history. Criterion C: Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history.Plan; line engraving; draft of the wooden clipper ship 'Schomberg', built in 1855. The drawing on cream paper is made from two well- joined pages. The drawing gives the principal dimensions and labels for the Body Plan, Middle Section, Sheer Plan and Half Breadth Plan. Inscriptions are on the drawing and its rough cardboard storage folder. Publisher: A & C Black. Edinburgh. Printer: G. Aikman sc. EdinborughOn drawing: "SHIP BUILDING" "Draught of the Wooden CLIPPER SHIP SCHOMBERG", Buiilt by Messrs A Halt & Co. of Aberdeen" "Vol XX" "Plate III" "Principal Dimensions""BODY PLAN" "MIDDLE SECTION" "SHEER PLAN" "HALF BREDTH PLAN" "Published by A & C Black, Edinburgh" "G Aikman sc. Edinr" On storage folder: "Receipt Number 381A: "Line engraving draught of wooden ship "Schomberg" "warrnambool, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, schomberg, schomberg plan, vessel schomberg, ship building, g. aikman ship plan draftsman, a.& c. black publisher aberdoon, a. hall & co. maker aberdeen, peterborough, clipper ship, captain forbes, black ball line, ship's plan, ship's drawing, line drawing, vessel plan, draft plan, line engraving, vol xx plate iii, a & c black, ship building example drawing, g aikman, 19th century

Inscription written onto photograph reads, 'A memento of the Charity Ball Ringwood 1.9.36. Opening night of the New Town Hall.' Catalogue card reads, 'Charity ball, new town hall - 1936. Cr. A.T. Miles front left hand side. Cr. Arthur Blood next to A.T. Miles.'

Subject had a long standing connection with the Mission Visual Record of a member of the lady of the Harbour...Black and White Gloss print photograph of a couple in evening dressHand written in black texta; David Conolly (Lay Reader) and Marjorie Stafford (LHLG) at a Dance in St. Kilda Town Hall Circa 1957lay reader, david conolly, marjorie stafford, lhlg, st kilda town hall

Subject had a long standing connection with the Mission Visual Record of a member of the lady of the Harbour...Black and White Gloss print photograph of a couple in evening dressHand written in black texta; David Conolly (Lay Reader) and Marjorie Stafford (LHLG) at a Dance in St. Kilda Town Hall Circa 1957lay reader, david conolly, marjorie stafford, lhlg

Alcock Name Plaque on a Billiards Table at the Old Colonists' HallAlcock Thomson & Taylor Pty. Ltd/ The Trufast Solod rubber Low cushions 23=31 Sturt St., Melbourne Southbilliards, old colonists' hall, alcock billiard table, alcock thomson and taylor

Invitation to celebration of the proclamation of Ringwood as a City on 23rd March 1960 at Ringwood Town Hall, a Reception. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned.

Invitation to celebration of the proclamation of Ringwood as a City on 24th March 1960 at Ringwood Town Hall, a Variety Concert. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned.

Invitation to celebration of the proclamation of Ringwood as a City on 23rd March 1960 at Ringwood Town Hall, a Night of Ballet. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned.

A member of the Old Colonists' Association of Ballarat, he has been president of both the Old Colonists' Association and the Old Colonists' Club.Colour photograph of the Gerald Jemzem pouring a beer at the Old Colonists' Hall.ballarat old colonists' club, old colonists' hall, gerald m. jenzen

Large Group of Brownies in uniform forming a circle in front of Guide Hall corner of Layzell and Patrick Street A Marshall Studios Quality Prints guides

Invitation to celebration of the proclamation of Ringwood as a City on 23rd March 1960 at Ringwood Town Hall, The National Theatre Ballet.. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned.

Invitation to celebration of the proclamation of Ringwood as a City on 19th March 1960 at Ringwood Town Hall, special meeting of the Ringwood City Council. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned.

Extract from the Australian Municipal Journal celebration of the proclamation of Ringwood as a City on 19th March 1960 at Ringwood Town Hall, with Sir Dallas Brooks and Lady Brooks. Cr Lavis, Mayor of the City of Ringwood. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned.

In September 1937, a group of ladies met to form a Ladies’ Committee to assist the General Committee in raising funds for a Public Hall. Those present were Mrs Allen, Mrs Bowman, Mrs Hickey, Mrs Rains, Mrs Boake and Mrs Lyon. As there were only six present, they elected to remain in the interim as a Social Committee to arrange catering, etc., for the two dances that had been arranged for September 29th and October 30th of that year. Both those dances proved a great success. Mrs McAdie joined the committee in October. The Ladies’ Committee was officially formed at a combined meeting of the General and Ladies’ committees held on April 6th, 1938. Mrs Boake agreed to be President, Mrs Lyon as Secretary and Mrs Rains as Assistant Secretary. Other members included Mrs Browne, Mrs Forde, Mrs Jarrold, Mrs Bradbury and Mrs Taylor. By 1941 their numbers had grown to include Matron Wilson, and Mesdames Andrew, Brinkkotter, Cloney, Walker, Parsons, Crick, Ballenger, Travena, Hurst, Shields and Le Brocq . A number of these ladies eventually became part of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Eltham War Memorial Trust. Councillor A. Brinkkotter, secretary of the Hall Committee, noted that Eltham had succeeded, after many long years of fighting, in erecting a new hall and civic centre which had been badly needed. “It took a long time to convince the Council of the necessity for a new hall and civic centre in Eltham.” “The councillors, in looking after the interests of all sections of the rate payers, could not see that such a move was necessary. But finally the Hall Committee proved that such a move was not only advisable, but would prove a financial asset to the Shire.” “This committee had to put down £1,500 in cash before the work on the hall began, and to enable the committee to do this, residents loaned them money free of interest for 12 months. In addition the committee has guaranteed to pay the Council £100 a year for the next ten years.” “The borrowed money has to be repaid to the lenders, and I hope that the public will realise this and support the functions which have been and will be arranged by the Hall Committee to enable them to return the money as soon, as possible.” At the opening gala for the Public Hall, Mr. G. L. Chandler, M.L.C. said “It speaks volumes for those people who have worked for many years for the hall. I know of no other place where the residents have handed over £1,500 for the erection of a hall and guaranteed the balance of the cost. You will always find the few who say ‘Time is not opportune.’ In these days you have to make your opportunities.” “Before any town can advance, a civic spirit must exist in the residents, and I hope the people will support the Hall Committee which has the interests of this district at heart.”Background workings for the funding of a Public Hall at Eltham. The funding was provided by public subscription and the money loaned to Council to build the hall. The hall was part of the new Eltham Shire offices located at the corner of Main Road and Arthur Street. A similar funding approach was used a few years later to provide for the Eltham War Memorial located on the opposite side of Main Road.Single pagearthur street, eltham public hall, fundraising, main road

Invitation to the proclamation of Ringwood as a City on 19th March 1960 at Ringwood Town Hall by His Excellency General Sir Reginald Alexander Dallas Brooks KCB KCMG KCVO DSO K St J. From the Mayor Cr AG Lavis Councillors to Cr RC Horman and Mrs G Horman. Includes minutes of the Council meeting. All material is from Gwen Horman’s three albums that she owned.

Portrait of a young child. (Example of Costume) 1904. Margaret May Frawley later Mrs John A Hallstawell

Robert Henderson Croll Melbourne Walking Club Plaque unveiling a Town Hall. 1977stawell

Cr. Geoff and Mrs. Dreverman greeting a guest at the door of the West Riding Hall, Henry Petrie Community Centre, Montmorency on occasion of a buffet dinner as part of the Shire of Eltham centenary celebrations. This photo forms part of a collection of photographs gathered by the Shire of Eltham for their centenary project book, "Pioneers and Painters: 100 years of the Shire of Eltham" by Alan Marshall (1971). The collection of over 500 images is held in partnership between Eltham District Historical Society and Yarra Plenty Regional Library (Eltham Library) and is now formally known as'The Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph Collection.' It is significant in being the first community sourced collection representing the places and people of the Shire's first one hundred years.Digital imagesepp, shire of eltham pioneers photograph collection, shire of eltham, shire of eltham centenary, henry petrie community centre, centenary celebrations, buffet dinner, cr. g.c. dreverman, mrs. dreverman

Document outlining the agreement between five males, all residents of Yendon. Land that had been purchased - being part of Crown Allotment Five Section six, Township of Buninyong East, Parish of Buninyong, County of Grant, has been purchased "as a site for a public hall and free library for the use and benefit of the inhabitants of the Township of Yendon."Thick paper, hand written. Red dots indicate places for signatures Document stamped in green - 0122083 Signatures of; John Winterburn Kemp, Philip Ballantyne, Samuel Henry Mayo, Thomas Dooley, Thomas Watsondeclaration of ernest, land title, free library, public hall, yendon, buninyong, paris of buninyong, county of grant, john winterburn kemp, philip ballantyne, samuel henry mayo, thomas dooley, thomas watson

The people in the photograph were attending a ball organised by the Sunbury School Mothers' Club in September 1936. It was held in the Sunbury Memorial Hall ( formerly the Mechanics Institute) in Stawell Street, Sunbury.Local fund raising social functions held in country towns were very popular and well-supported by the community. In 1936 Sunbury State school was a small two-roomed rural school which catered for the children in the district.A non-digital sepia photograph in post card format of a people in a large hall at a community dance. Details of the event, the maker and the donor have been hand written in pencil; on the back. A Memento of the Mothers' Club Ball Memorial Hall Sunbury 5.9.36social gatherings, balls, memorial hall, sunbury mothers' club, stawell street

The ‘Group Committee’ was a body of parents and supporters who raised funds to support the Scout Group. Dances were a regular fundraiser, initially to pay off a loan to build the Hall. The old Scout Hall had a barred ticket office window near the front door on the verandah. G.S.M. is an abbreviation used by the Group Scout Master. Dance entrée card. Invitation by 1st Kew Group Committee to a dance at the Disraeli Street Scout Hall. 1st Kew Group Committee will hold A Dance at Scout Hall, Disraeili Street, Kew on Saturday, 3rd April, 1948 / Admission - 2/6 (payable at door) / D.A.Evans, G.S.M. scouts - kew (vic), 1st kew scouts, dance entree card