Historical information
The Box Hill Reporter noted on 22 January 1926 that at the monthly meeting of the Surrey Hills Progress Association the Secretary reported that “the ground had been purchased for the Boy Scout Hall, that plans had been prepared, and accepted by the building committee. As soon as the timber was available the work would be proceeded with. The Boy Scout Hall movement has been taken up by the association to try to secure a permanent meeting place for the boys of the district. Up till now they have no fixed place, nor have they had a qualified scout master. Mr. Bert Chenu, one of the committee, has been appointed to that position, and is carrying out his duties energetically. Having raised enough money to purchase the land (situated in Robinson's road, Surrey-Hills near the Drill Hall) the association's committee is now about to erect the building by means of properly organised working bees.”
The Association organised markets, card evenings and dances to raise necessary funds.
The volunteer labour included the parents of boys who had become scouts, led by builder Robert Hayes of 186 Union Road and his son, who was also a builder.
Early ownership is unclear as it is believed that it was not purchased by the scouting movement until 1955.
The hall was used by other groups as well as the scouts.
Benmont Kindergarten operated on the site from c1930. This is confirmed by oral testimony, Sands & McDougall entries and the Alan Hold property register (part of the SHNC Heritage Collection.) It was also used as a ballet school and for local dances.
The hall was situated on a small block of land, just 410 sq m, and in late 2019 it was put up for sale by Scouts Victoria. Most recently home to 1st Boroondara Scout Group and previously 11th Camberwell Scouts, it was sold for something near $1.3M.
During May 2020 the modest hall was demolished. Items of significance were removed before the sale by Scout Heritage.
Physical description
A black and white photograph of a building with a small sign identifying it as 11th Camberwell Central Scout Group.
